A startup in Egypt opens a corporate account once it is registered with a commercial registration and a tax card. Banks such as Commercial International Bank and QNB Alahli handle most startup accounts, and founders raising or earning abroad commonly add a foreign currency account and Payoneer for international receipts. Foreign currency flows run through authorised dealer banks.
Suits startups best
A corporate account with online banking and cards, plus foreign currency handling for investment and revenue
Typical monthly fee
Minimum balance and transaction charges rather than a flat monthly fee
Foreign ownership and funding
Foreign ownership allowed under Investment Law 72 of 2017; inbound investment and foreign currency run through authorised dealer banks
Providers that fit
Large private banks plus an international receiving service
Fees and features as of 7 January 2026Last reviewed 7 January 2026
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
A startup in Egypt opens a corporate account after registering the company and obtaining a commercial registration and a tax card. Banks ask for the company memorandum and articles, a board resolution naming signatories, and identity documents for founders and significant owners. Startups raising from abroad or earning international revenue commonly hold a foreign currency account and use Payoneer for international receipts, since standalone international business neobanks generally do not open accounts for Egyptian registered companies. Information as of 7 January 2026, not advice.
What startups in Egypt need from a business account
A startup needs to open an account quickly, separate company money from personal money, receive investment and revenue, and run day to day payments with cards and online banking. In Egypt that means a corporate account at a bank with capable digital banking, a foreign currency account where the startup raises or earns abroad, and a practical way to receive international funds. Foreign ownership is allowed under Investment Law 72 of 2017, and inbound investment and foreign currency run through authorised dealer banks under Central Bank of Egypt exchange control. Many startups pair a local bank account with Payoneer, which Egyptian businesses widely use to receive international payments before moving funds to the bank.
C
Commercial International Bank
A large private bank with strong online and mobile banking, corporate cards, and foreign currency accounts, suited to startups that want capable digital tools and international handling, with a minimum balance and full documentation.
Best for
Digital banking, cards, and foreign currency accounts
A large private bank with corporate banking and foreign currency accounts, suited to startups that want a full corporate relationship with trade and international support, with minimum balance and in branch onboarding.
Widely used by Egyptian startups to receive international revenue and certain cross border payments in foreign currency, with usage based fees and no local Egyptian pound current account, then withdrawal to a local bank.
How does a startup open a business account in Egypt?
The startup registers the company, obtains a commercial registration and a tax card, then applies at a bank with the memorandum and articles, a board resolution naming signatories, and identity documents for founders and significant owners. Accounts are mainly opened at a branch. As of 7 January 2026, confirm the documents with the bank.
Can a foreign founder open a startup account in Egypt?
Yes, if the company is registered in Egypt. Investment Law 72 of 2017 allows full foreign ownership in most activities, and a foreign owned but Egyptian registered startup can open a corporate account, usually with a resident authorised representative and enhanced checks. As of 7 January 2026, verify the requirements with the bank.
How do Egyptian startups receive investment or revenue from abroad?
Inbound investment and foreign currency run through authorised dealer banks under exchange control, and a startup usually holds a foreign currency account alongside the Egyptian pound account. Payoneer is widely used to receive international revenue and certain cross border payments before withdrawal to a local bank. As of 7 January 2026, confirm the current position with the bank and provider.
Are international business neobanks available to Egyptian startups?
Standalone international business neobanks such as Wise Business generally do not open accounts for Egypt registered companies as of 7 January 2026. Egyptian startups typically use a local bank account with a foreign currency account and Payoneer for international receipts. Confirm the current position with each provider.
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 7 January 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.