Legal Framework
Governed by Ministerial Decree No. 209 of 2025 (published in the Official Gazette, 12 May 2025). The Decree establishes a simplified, standalone category distinct from Hotel and Tourist Establishments Law No. 8 of 2022.
Egyptian Legal Specialists
Holiday Home
License in Egypt
Made Simple.
Expert legal guidance to obtain your Holiday Home License (Touristic Eligibility Certificate) in Egypt under Decree 209/2025 — from title registration to final certificate.
200+
Licenses Obtained
15+
Years Experience
98%
Success Rate
About Our Firm
Trusted Egyptian Legal Experts
We are a Cairo-based law firm specialising in real estate and tourism property law. Our team has guided hundreds of foreign and local investors through Egypt's holiday home licensing framework.
Registered Egyptian Law Firm
Licensed with the Egyptian Bar Association and fully authorised to represent clients before governmental bodies and courts.
Multilingual Team
We serve clients in English, Arabic, Russian, and German — ensuring no detail is lost in translation.
End-to-End Service
From initial assessment to license issuance, we manage every administrative step on your behalf.
Understanding the License
What Is a Holiday
Home License in Egypt?
A Holiday Home License — officially the Touristic Eligibility Certificate (also referred to as the Touristic Suitability Certificate) — is a permit issued by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities (MoTA) under Decree No. 209 of 2025, legally authorising property owners to rent their unit to tourists. Governed by MoTA, properties must obtain this certificate to legally operate, and must meet specific structural, health, and safety standards in designated tourist areas.
Who Needs It?
Any owner — Egyptian or foreign — who wishes to rent their apartment, chalet, villa, or resort unit to tourists on a short-term basis legally requires this certificate before listing or receiving guests.
Where It Applies
Particularly relevant in Hurghada, El Gouna, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam, Ain Sokhna, North Coast (Sahel), and New Administrative Capital — Egypt's key tourist destinations.
Benefits for Owners
Legally list on Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO; invoice guests; receive international bank transfers; and gain full protection under Egyptian consumer and tourism law.
How It Works
Our Step-by-Step Process
We handle the complexity. You receive your certificate.
Free Consultation
We assess your property, ownership documents, and eligibility in a no-obligation call.
Document Preparation
We compile, translate, and notarise all required documents according to current regulations.
Application Filing
We submit your application to the Ministry of Tourism and follow up on all correspondence.
Inspection Support
We accompany or represent you during the mandatory property inspection by Ministry officials.
Certificate Issued
You receive your Touristic Eligibility Certificate and can begin renting legally and confidently.
What You Need
Key Requirements for
License Eligibility
Documents and conditions generally required under Decree 209/2025. Our team verifies each case individually.
Valid Property Title Deed
A registered contract of sale (عقد بيع مشهر) or official allocation document from the developer.
Building Completion Certificate
Issued by the relevant local authority confirming the unit is structurally complete and fit for habitation.
Owner Identification
Valid national ID (Egyptians) or notarised passport copy (foreigners), plus a recent utility bill.
Floor Plan & Furnishings List
A certified floor plan and detailed inventory confirming Ministry minimum furnishing standards.
Fire Safety & Health Compliance
Certificates from Civil Defence and the local health department confirming required safety standards.
Tax Registration Number
Egyptian tax card or equivalent registration to declare rental income — we assist with this process too.
The Legal Foundation
Decree No. 209 of 2025 —
What It Means for You
On 27 March 2025, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities issued Decree No. 209 of 2025, published in the Official Gazette on 12 May 2025 — the foundational legal text governing all Holiday Home licensing in Egypt.
Why the Decree Was Issued
Context & Purpose
Egypt has seen a significant rise in Holiday Homes as an alternative to hotels, helping offset shortfalls in hotel capacity. In response, the Decree was issued to bring this growing accommodation category under a clear regulatory framework.
The Decree ensures accommodations provided to tourists meet minimum quality standards, strengthening Egypt's position as a tourist destination.
While the concept resembles serviced apartments regulated under Hotel and Tourist Establishments Law No. 8 of 2022, the Decree creates a new, simplified category with less restrictive requirements — making it accessible for individual property owners.
Scope of Application
What Qualifies as a Holiday Home?
The Decree defines a Holiday Home as an accommodation unit meeting all four of the following criteria:
- Consists of a minimum of one (1) room, suite, or villa within a standalone building or portion thereof
- Offers basic services including internal housekeeping
- Is located in a tourist area or a distinctive residential complex
- Is intended to accommodate both Egyptian and foreign guests
⚠ The Decree does not define "distinctive residential complexes." Under Building Law No. 119 of 2008, these are groups of residential, service, and entertainment buildings developed under an approved plan. Practical interpretation will emerge as the Ministry applies the Decree.
Touristic Eligibility Certificate — Official Licensing Fees
Official Fees Set by Decree 209/2025
The following fees are mandated by the Decree and payable to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
| Fee Type | Description | Amount (EGP) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Inspection | First operational inspection of the Holiday Home prior to licensing | 3,500 |
| First-Time Certificate Issuance | Fee for first-time issuance of the Touristic Eligibility Certificate | 3,500 |
| Annual Renewal Inspection | Annual inspection fee required for renewal of the Certificate | 3,100 |
Important: These are official governmental fees set by the Decree, payable directly to the Ministry. They are separate from legal advisory fees. Our firm will provide a transparent, itemised quote for our services during your free consultation. All applicable taxes must be settled before the Certificate is issued.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
Questions
Can a foreign national obtain a Holiday Home License in Egypt?
Yes. Foreign nationals who legally own property in Egypt (pursuant to Law No. 230 of 1996 and its amendments) can obtain a Touristic Eligibility Certificate under Decree 209/2025. Additional documentation may be required, including a notarised and apostilled ownership document and a valid residency or entry stamp.
What are the official fees for the Touristic Eligibility Certificate?
Under Decree 209/2025: EGP 3,500 for the initial operational inspection, EGP 3,500 for first-time certificate issuance, and EGP 3,100 as an annual renewal inspection fee. These are official Ministry fees, separate from legal advisory costs.
How long does the Holiday Home licensing process take?
Typically 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the governorate, document completeness, and inspection scheduling. Our firm's experience with local procedures often accelerates this timeline significantly.
What happens if I rent without a certificate?
Renting a unit for tourism purposes without a Touristic Eligibility Certificate violates Egyptian tourism law and can result in administrative fines, forced closure, and difficulties receiving international payments. Regularising your status protects both you and your guests.
Does the certificate need to be renewed?
Yes. Under Decree No. 209 of 2025, the Certificate is subject to annual renewal at a fee of EGP 3,100. Our firm tracks renewal dates for all clients and initiates the process proactively to ensure uninterrupted legal operation.
What is the "Touristic Eligibility Certificate" under the new Decree?
It is the official Holiday Home licence introduced by Ministerial Decree No. 209 of 2025, issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. It confirms your property meets all structural, facility, and safety standards required by Egyptian law.
Is a lawyer required, or can I apply myself?
Technically, owners may apply independently. However, the process involves multi-agency coordination, Arabic-language submissions, and mandatory inspections. Most foreign owners and many Egyptians retain a lawyer to avoid costly delays or rejections.
Do I need to be in Egypt during the process?
Not necessarily. With a duly notarised Power of Attorney, our firm can represent you before all relevant authorities — from document gathering to certificate collection — without requiring your physical presence in Egypt.
Contact Us
Request Your
Free Consultation
Tell us about your property. We will respond within one business day with a personalised assessment and a clear quote.
Phone / WhatsApp
Office
Downtown Cairo & Hurghada Branch
This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Contacting us creates no attorney-client relationship until a formal engagement agreement is signed.
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