Licensing in Egypt is one of the most critical legal and administrative steps required before individuals, companies, or institutions can engage in any commercial, industrial, or real estate activity. A license is not just a piece of paper; it is a legal authorization that allows the activity to be carried out legitimately and protects the owner from liability.
With the complexity of procedures and the multiplicity of government bodies involved, obtaining licenses has become a major challenge that requires broad legal expertise and strong institutional connections. This is where Mahran Law Firm plays a vital role, offering comprehensive licensing services across all sectors, with particular expertise in dealing with the New Urban Communities Authorities, one of the most influential entities in Egypt today.
The Concept and Importance of Licensing
Licenses cover a wide range of activities:
- Commercial licenses: shops, companies, factories.
- Real estate licenses: building permits, demolition permits, utility connections.
- Educational licenses: private and international schools.
- Industrial licenses: factories and production lines.
- Customs licenses: import and export activities.
Licensing is essential because it:
- Grants legal status to the activity.
- Protects investors from fines or shutdowns.
- Facilitates access to financing and government support.
- Builds trust between investors and clients.
Commercial and Industrial Licenses
Establishing a company or factory in Egypt requires several steps:
- Registering the company with the General Authority for Investment.
- Obtaining a commercial registry and tax card.
- Securing activity licenses from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
- Additional approvals from regulatory bodies such as the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Environment, depending on the activity.
Mahran Law Firm assists clients in navigating these complex procedures, ensuring quick approvals thanks to its expertise and connections.
Real Estate and Construction Licenses
Among the most searched keywords in Egypt today are building permits, demolition permits, unified building law, and construction licenses in Egypt 2025.
- Building permits are now more regulated under recent government decisions.
- Applicants must submit engineering drawings approved by the Engineers Syndicate.
- Approvals are required from electricity, water, and sewage companies.
- The final review is conducted by the district or governorate.
Mahran Law Firm has a specialized team that completes these procedures efficiently while ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations.
Educational Licenses
Opening a private or international school requires:
- Approval from the Ministry of Education.
- Compliance with building and facility standards.
- Health and safety permits from the Ministry of Health.
- Security clearances.
Mahran Law Firm has extensive experience in this field, having assisted numerous international schools in Egypt to obtain the necessary licenses, achieving significant success in the education sector.
Import and Export Licenses
Trade activities require precise licensing:
- Import permits for goods.
- Export permits for products.
- Approvals from the Customs Authority and the General Organization for Export and Import Control.
These licenses are vital for legal international trade, and Mahran Law Firm provides full support to clients in this area.
New Urban Communities Authorities (Main Focus)
The New Urban Communities Authorities are among the most important government bodies in Egypt, responsible for:
- Offering land for real estate and industrial investment.
- Legalizing land ownership and usage.
- Issuing contracts for activity changes.
- Pricing contracts for utility connections (electricity, water, sewage).
- Overseeing land allocation procedures for investors.
Mahran Law Firm has specialized advisors who handle all dealings with these authorities, offering services such as:
- Securing approvals for legalizing land status.
- Drafting contracts for activity changes in compliance with regulations.
- Following up on procedures for land allocation in new projects.
- Finalizing contracts for utility connections quickly and efficiently.
This expertise makes the firm a strategic partner for real estate and industrial investors seeking opportunities in new cities such as the New Administrative Capital, 6th of October, Sheikh Zayed, and 10th of Ramadan, etc.
Tourism and Telecommunications Licenses
- Hotel and resort licenses from the Ministry of Tourism.
- Telecommunications licenses from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.
These licenses require specialized legal knowledge, which Mahran Law Firm provides to its clients.
Challenges Investors Face in Licensing
- Multiple government bodies involved.
- Lengthy procedures.
- Numerous required documents.
- Constant changes in laws and regulations.
Mahran Law Firm overcomes these challenges with its expertise and institutional relationships, saving clients time and effort.
Conclusion
Licensing in Egypt has become the cornerstone of any commercial, industrial, or real estate activity. With complex procedures and multiple authorities, investors need a specialized legal institution like Mahran Law Firm, which offers comprehensive and fast services.
The firm’s particular strength lies in its expertise with the New Urban Communities Authorities, which today play a central role in regulating urban and real estate investment in Egypt. By combining legal knowledge, practical experience, and strong connections, Mahran Law Firm ensures that clients can launch and expand their businesses with confidence and compliance.