A business in Egypt can open a corporate account once it holds an Egyptian commercial registration and a tax card. State banks such as the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr, and private banks such as Commercial International Bank and QNB, handle most business accounts, which are usually opened at a branch in Egyptian pounds.
- Can a non resident open
- An Egyptian commercial registration is normally required, so a company with no Egyptian registration cannot open a local account. A foreign owned company registered in Egypt can apply, with heavier checks and usually a resident authorised representative.
- Typical timeline
- Banks do not publish a standard timeline. Foreign owned companies face more checks, which can take longer.
- Free account available
- Fees and minimum balances vary by bank and account type. Verify with the provider.
- Most providers
- Several business accounts
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
How business banking works in Egypt
Business banking in Egypt is dominated by large state banks, such as the National Bank of Egypt and Banque Misr, alongside private banks such as Commercial International Bank, QNB, and Banque du Caire, and international banks operating locally such as HSBC Bank Egypt. All are supervised by the Central Bank of Egypt, which sets the know your customer and anti money laundering rules that shape onboarding. A company normally needs a commercial registration and a tax card before any bank will open an account, and most business accounts are still opened in person at a branch.
Who can open a business account
An Egyptian registered company, including a limited liability company, a joint stock company, or a sole proprietorship with a commercial registration, can apply. A foreign owned but Egyptian registered company can open an account, usually with a resident authorised representative and additional documentation. A purely foreign company with no Egyptian registration generally cannot open a domestic business account.
Traditional banks compared with neobanks
Traditional Egyptian banks offer branches, cheque books, trade finance, and letters of credit, which matter for importers and larger companies, but tend to ask for more documents and set minimum balances. Standalone business neobanks are not yet established in Egypt the way they are in some markets, and most international providers do not open accounts for Egyptian registered businesses. For receiving international payments, some businesses use services such as Payoneer alongside a local bank account. As of 11 October 2026, confirm the current options with each provider.
Requirements and documents
Most banks in Egypt ask for a similar core set of documents, as of 11 October 2026. Verify with the provider
- The commercial registration certificate and the company memorandum and articles of association.
- The tax card, plus the national ID for Egyptian owners or a passport for foreign owners, for every director, significant owner, and authorised signatory.
- Proof of a registered business address, such as a lease or a utility bill, and a board resolution or power of attorney authorising the account and its signatories.
How to open an account
- Register the company with the General Authority for Investment and Free Zones, and obtain the commercial registration and tax card.
- Gather the company and owner documents above, and choose a state, private, or international bank that fits your needs.
- Apply at a branch, complete the know your customer checks, and verify the minimum balance and current fees with the bank before you fund the account.
Compare business accounts available in Egypt
These providers accept business customers in Egypt. Fees and eligibility shown as of 11 October 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about business banking in Egypt
Can a foreigner open a business bank account in Egypt?
What documents are needed to open a business account in Egypt?
How long does it take to open a business account in Egypt?
Can I open an Egyptian business account online?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 11 October 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.