Employer of Record and Payroll Services in Egypt 
Mercans-owned legal entity
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
Services available
- Employer of record
- Contractor management
- Global payroll
- In-country payroll
Mercans offers complete payroll, PEO and HR services in Egypt
With a strong economy and an environment suitable for investment, Egypt has embarked on an ambitious economic reform program that includes financial and monetary reforms. Its infrastructure projects have contributed to making it one of the most important countries in the Middle East, enhancing its global role. Egypt’s ranking in the Infrastructure Index in the Global Competitiveness Report improved, rising from 56th to 52nd, in 2019. Regarded as the most populous country in Africa and the Middle East, Egypt attracts many global brands thanks to its large consumer market and skilled workforce.
Doing Business in Egypt
To attract regular investment, locally and abroad, Egypt has various investment regimes such as an internal investment system, free zones and investment zones. Free zones enjoy privileges, incentives and guarantees. For example, there are no constraints on the nationality of shareholders except for investment projects in Sinai. Foreign investors are granted facilitations regarding residence and foreign workers are given residence permits based on the project needs. Leading economic sectors include agriculture, construction transport and logistics, communications and IT, education, healthcare and tourism.
Entity Registration and Incorporation Requirements
Setting up a new business or expanding an existing one in Egypt is straightforward. Choose how your company operates from a range of entity types which suit your individual circumstance.
Banking
Banking Hours: 8:30am to 2:00 pm from Sunday to Thursday
Working Week
The standard working week is from Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm
Labor Law
Egypt’s low wages add to the country’s competitiveness in providing a skilled, trained workforce. The country is considered the main regional source of skilled labor in several sectors including financial services, ICT and tourism. There are four essential laws which govern employment relationships in Egypt: Law No. 47 for the year 1978, Law No. 48 for the year 1978, Law No. 203 for the year 1991 and Law No. 12 for the year 2003. These laws were drafted to favor and protect the employee.
Main Industries
Textiles, food processing, tourism, chemicals
GDP Growth
7.20%
Dates & Numbers
dd/mm/yyyy
Official State Name
The Arab Republic of Egypt
Population
102.3 million
Capital
Cairo
Major Languages
Arabic
Currency
Egyptian pound
Internet Domain
.eg
International Dialing Code
+20
20°C
Payroll in Egypt
Mercans is a leading payroll provider in Egypt, offering reliable and efficient payroll services to companies in need of expert guidance and support. Through the combined experience, expertise, and smart technology of our Egypt payroll team and our outsourced payroll software, we offer industry-leading outsourced payroll services to our clients. As a leader in the field of payroll outsourcing, Mercans is one of the biggest payroll companies in Egypt, and one of the most successful, globally.
As for payroll in Egypt, we can streamline complex and time-consuming payroll processes such as Real Time Information (RTI), reporting, and pension auto-enrolment by handling the administrative aspects and the end-to-end payroll services for you. With the help of our payroll experts, you can get real-time answers to any questions you might have on payroll-related matters when you are working with us as your dedicated payroll provider.
With our tailored services, you’ll have more time to pursue your core business activities.
Payroll
Generally, payment may be calculated as a fixed amount (hourly or daily rate or based on measurable quantity of work done). The minimum monthly salaries of all employees has been raised in recent years and where no wage is specified, the law states that the wage shall be estimated based on the common practices of that profession. Commissions, bonuses and gratuities are all considered part of a wage. Companies who operate multi-country payroll should take note that where an employer agrees with their employee to pay the salary based on output or commission, the total paid per month must still comply with minimum wage standards.
It is acceptable to provide employees with online payslips
Payslip
Five years
Reports
Employees are entitled to 21 days of paid annual leave for a single year
Annual Leave
Employees are entitled to six months of paid sick leave
Sick Leave
90 days of paid maternity leave are available but there is no provision for paternity leave
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Two months’ notice is required for employees who have worked less than 10 years
Employee Termination
A 13th month salary is not mandated by law
13th month salary
2,400 EGP per month
Minimum Wage
If an employee has worked for more than 40 hours a week, they must be compensated 135% of their base salary
Overtime
No provisions for severance pay
Severance Pay
Mercans’ Employer of Record services in Egypt provide companies with a reliable and compliant solution to manage their workforce without setting up a legal entity or subsidiary. With Mercans’ EOR in Egypt, you can simplify the onboarding of your remote team, manage their payroll and benefits, etc. in a compliant manner.
With the help of our international network, we simplify the global expansion process for you. Mercans is also regarded as a highly trustworthy, efficient, and top EOR provider in Egypt.
Our talented staff is available at every level of experience, so you can find the right person for your role with Mercans. Mercans’ local network and global infrastructure allow it to perform activities such as hiring, managing contracts and payrolls, onboarding, and employee record management, so you can focus on your organization’s core business goals.
PEO in Egypt
Mercans’ Professional Employer Organization services in Egypt provide companies with a flexible and cost-effective solution to establish a local presence and manage their workforce without the need for legal entities or subsidiaries.
With Mercans PEO in Egypt, you can simplify your HR and payroll operations with our game-changing EOR and PEO services. Providing employee benefits, payroll administration, and compliance with Egyptian labor laws, Mercans ensures a seamless HR experience as a PEO provider in Egypt. By working with Mercans, companies can focus on their core business activities while leaving the HR and payroll responsibilities to the experts.
Tax and Social Security
Individual income tax is imposed on the net income of an individual earned in Egypt and any income earned outside Egypt for resident individuals whose center of professional activities is in Egypt. Social security programs here are means-tested and paid to certain elderly persons, those with disability and survivors under Family Allowances. It also covers employed persons including foreign workers covered under bilateral agreements.
Tax
Tax is also imposed on income of non-resident individuals where earned in Egypt.
Corporate Income Tax
Personal Income Tax
Sales Tax
VAT
Social Security
These contributions are determined with minimum and maximum limits, which are increased in January each year, for a period of seven years, starting from January 2021.
Social Security Rate
Social Security Rate for Employers
Social Security Rate for Employees
Employment Law
The primary government agencies and entities responsible for enforcing employment laws and regulations include the Ministry of Manpower and Immigration and the Social Security Organization.
Employment Agreement
Employment contracts are required to be in writing, in Arabic and in triplicate (for the employer, employee and social insurance office). Contracts can be drawn up for definite and indefinite timeframes or for the fulfillment of specific work. The difference between the two is that the former is terminated without formalities at the conclusion of the term while the latter is only terminated with express notice and payment of compensation.
Working condition
Most private sector employees work five days a week, usually Sunday to Thursday. Working hours may be increased to nine hours a day in certain circumstances with the approval of both parties.
Leaves
All private sector employees are entitled to a minimum of 21 days of annual paid leave. Employees who engage in hazardous activities for work are entitled to seven additional days for their annual paid leave. The general rule for sick leave is an employee is entitled to up to 180 days of paid sick leave at between 75%, 85% and 100% of their salary. The exception to the rule is that of the Social Insurance Law which stipulates that certain illnesses will result in 100% of the salary as compensation. An example is where the employee is diagnosed with mental illness. There are also other categories of leave for maternity, pilgrimage, study and national holidays.
Employment termination
Where the term of the employment contract is not defined, either party can end the employment relationship by providing written notice. Notification periods cannot generally be reduced but can be increased if both parties agree. Should there be an unresolved dispute between the parties about labor law applying, then a committee may be formed to help resolve the dispute. The members of the committee may comprise a representative of the administrative authority, a representative of the trade union organization and a representative of the employer’s organization.
2 months
Minimum notice period for terminating an employee
14 days
Total number of public holidays
40
Working hours per week
4 weeks
Total number of days for Compassionate & Bereavement Leave
Immigration
Every foreigner who stays in Egypt must have a valid residence permit except for foreign nationals of countries that do not require visas for Egyptians.
Residency permits
There are two types of residence visas. The ordinary visa is issued for a period of five years to foreign nationals who are married to Egyptians or who were born in Egypt or Palestine. The special visa is issued to foreign nationals for political reasons or to individuals who provide beneficial services. The latter is valid for 10 years and renewable. A foreign national may work in Egypt if they obtain a work permit. Work visas are issued after a work permit is obtained. On receiving a work permit, the foreign national’s visa is converted into a work visa. Such a permit must be renewed annually for up to three years.
Work Permit validity
One year
Work Permit validity Required Documents
Completed application from the Ministry of Manpower and Training Facilities at the Tahrir complex
Valid passport
Seven passport-size photos
Two copies of the company’s incorporation contract
Two copies of the employee’s tax ID card
Two copies of the individual’s academic degrees and certificates
Copy of the company’s commercial register
License for exercising the profession, if applicable
Memorandum justifying the company’s reason for hiring a foreigner
Approval from the related authority
Proof of a company representative acting on the employee’s behalf to apply for the work permit
A negative HIV test
Paid permit fees of 1,000 EGP
Build the best team and hire top talent compliantly in Egypt. Get in touch with Egypt payroll outsourcing & PEO specialists for a free consultation!