Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
A dependent visa in Egypt allows close family members of a foreign national who is lawfully residing in Egypt to join and live with that sponsor. In practice, dependents typically include spouses and minor children, and in some cases other immediate relatives if the sponsor can show financial responsibility and suitable accommodation. Heliopolis is a district of Cairo, so most immigration procedures for residents of Heliopolis are handled by the same national and Cairo governorate offices that deal with foreign residents across the city.
Entry and residence for dependents are regulated by Egyptian immigration authorities under the Ministry of Interior, with administrative procedures run locally by the Passport and Immigration offices in Cairo. The process generally involves obtaining an appropriate entry visa if required, submitting authenticated family documents, completing any required medical checks, and applying for a residence permit tied to the sponsor's legal status. Requirements and processing times can change, so always confirm current rules before you apply.
Immigration and family documentation can be straightforward for standard cases, but many situations benefit from legal assistance. You may need a lawyer when:
- Your family documents were issued abroad and require translation, authentication or legalization - these steps must be done precisely to avoid rejection.
- The sponsor has a complex status - for example a changing work permit, company sponsorship issues, or pending salary-and-employment proofs that need clarification.
- Your application was delayed, refused or you received a notice to appear - a lawyer can advise on grounds for appeal and represent you before immigration authorities or courts.
- You face an urgent situation such as detention, threatened deportation, or immigration enforcement actions.
- Your family circumstances change - a divorce, death, custody dispute, or the arrival of an adopted child can affect dependent rights and require legal advice.
- You need help with cross-border documentation such as foreign marriage-certificate legalization, apostille issues, or dealing with your home country consulate.
Even for routine cases, a lawyer familiar with local practice in Cairo and Heliopolis can streamline the process, reduce the risk of mistakes, and save time and costs in the long run.
Key legal and administrative points to keep in mind for dependent visas in Heliopolis and greater Cairo:
- Governing authorities - Immigration and residency matters are administered by the Passport and Immigration departments under the Ministry of Interior, with local Foreigners Affairs offices handling applications and residence permits.
- Eligibility - Dependents are most commonly spouses and minor children of a foreign sponsor with a valid work permit, residence permit or diplomatic status. Eligibility depends on the sponsor maintaining a lawful resident status for the duration of the dependent stay.
- Document requirements - Expect to provide the sponsor's employment or residency proof, original and certified copies of marriage and birth certificates, passports, passport photos, proof of accommodation, and evidence of financial support from the sponsor. Documents issued outside Egypt normally must be translated into Arabic by an accredited translator and legalized or attested by the issuing country and the Egyptian consulate authorities.
- Medical and police checks - For some residence permits authorities require a medical check or health certificate, and occasionally a police-clearance certificate for older dependents. Procedures vary with case type and nationality.
- Duration and renewal - Dependent residence permits are typically linked to the duration of the sponsor's permit. Renewals must be applied for before expiry and require updated supporting documents. Failure to renew on time can lead to fines or cancellation.
- Work and study - Dependents generally need a separate work permit to take paid employment in Egypt. Studying is often permitted but may have administrative steps to register at educational institutions.
- Family-law interactions - Family status changes such as divorce, annulment or custody orders have direct migration consequences. Egyptian family-law rules and court decisions may be relevant, so a combined immigration and family-law approach is often necessary.
- Enforcement and remedies - Immigration decisions can be subject to administrative review and judicial challenge. Legal representation is important if a residency application is denied, or if removal or detention is threatened.
A dependent visa allows immediate family members to live in Egypt based on the status of a sponsoring foreign resident. Common dependents are spouses and minor children. In select cases and with sufficient proof, other immediate relatives may be considered, but approval is discretionary and depends on the sponsor showing financial responsibility and accommodation.
Begin by gathering required documents - passports, sponsor residency or work permit, marriage and birth certificates, passport photos, proof of accommodation and financial means. Ensure any foreign documents are translated into Arabic and legally attested. If an entry visa is required, get it from an Egyptian consulate before travel or seek a visa-on-arrival if your nationality qualifies. After entry, submit the residence-permit application at the local Passport and Immigration office in Cairo within the timeframe required by authorities.
Typical documents include: valid passports for sponsor and dependents, sponsor's residency or work permit, original marriage certificate and birth certificates, Arabic translations by certified translators, legalizations or attestation from the issuing country and Egyptian consulate, passport-size photos, proof of housing and financial support, and any additional forms required by the Passport and Immigration office. Specific lists can vary by case and nationality.
Yes. Documents issued outside Egypt usually require legalized authentication to be accepted by Egyptian authorities. This commonly involves obtaining the relevant apostille or consular legalization in your home country, followed by attestation where required by Egyptian authorities, and a certified Arabic translation. Mistakes in legalization are a frequent cause of delays, so many applicants use a lawyer or specialized service.
Processing times vary by case complexity, nationality, and local office workload. Typical timelines range from a few weeks to several months. Allow extra time for document legalization, translations, and any corrections requested by authorities. Ask the local Passport and Immigration office in Cairo for current estimates.
Not automatically. Dependents who wish to work must obtain a separate Egyptian work permit and meet the employment rules that apply to foreign workers. Employers typically sponsor the work permit. Working without authorization can lead to fines, visa cancellation, or deportation.
Yes, dependents can usually enroll in educational institutions, but they should register properly and ensure any student-registration requirements are met. Private institutions may have their own registration rules for foreign students. Studying does not by itself confer a right to work.
Dependent residency is tied to the sponsor's lawful status. If the sponsor loses employment or their residence permit expires or is cancelled, dependents may lose their legal basis to remain. In many situations there is a grace period to rectify status, find a new sponsor, or convert to a different visa category, but options are limited and time-sensitive. Consult a lawyer promptly to explore remedies.
Renewals require updated sponsor documents, current passports, and any updated attestations. Submit the renewal application before the permit expires. If you miss the deadline you may face fines and administrative penalties, and in some cases removal proceedings. A lawyer can help apply for late renewal or negotiate penalties where possible.
If your application is denied, you can request written reasons for the decision and pursue administrative review or appeal as allowed under Egyptian procedures. Remedies can include filing an administrative appeal with the relevant immigration authority, seeking judicial review in administrative courts, or reapplying after correcting deficiencies. A lawyer experienced in immigration cases will advise on the best path and timelines.
Ministry of Interior - Passport and Immigration departments - the national authority overseeing visas and residence permits.
Cairo governorate Foreigners Affairs offices and the Passport and Immigration Directorate for in-person applications and local procedures in Heliopolis and greater Cairo.
Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Egyptian consulates abroad - for document legalization, visa issuance and consular guidance for residents of other countries.
Local Arabic translation and sworn-attestation services - for certified translations required by Egyptian authorities.
Egyptian Bar Association and recognized law firms in Cairo - for qualified immigration and family-law attorneys.
International organizations and NGO services that provide advice to migrants - for supplemental guidance and referral services in complex humanitarian or protection cases.
1. Gather your documents - passports, sponsor permits, marriage and birth certificates, proof of accommodation and financial support. Start translations and legalizations early to avoid delays.
2. Verify current requirements - contact the Cairo Passport and Immigration office or your nearest Egyptian consulate to confirm the latest document checklists, fees and processing expectations.
3. Consult a qualified lawyer - especially if your situation involves foreign-issued documentation, a sponsor-status change, a denial, or other complications. Look for an attorney with experience in Egyptian immigration law and familiarity with Cairo procedures.
4. Prepare for costs and timelines - budget for government fees, authentication and translation costs, medical checks if required, and professional fees for legal assistance when needed.
5. Keep records - retain copies of every document submitted, receipts, and any official correspondence. These will be essential for renewals, appeals and any interactions with authorities.
6. Act quickly on problems - if you receive a refusal, a notice, or a deadline you cannot meet, contact a lawyer immediately to explore administrative appeal or corrective steps.
If you are unfamiliar with the process or have any uncertainty about your eligibility or documentation, arranging an initial consultation with a local immigration lawyer in Heliopolis or Cairo is a practical first step to protect your family and ensure compliance with Egyptian law.
