Egypt
A mixed pick with real trade-offs. Ranked 52 of 55, strongest on affordability, softest on retiree visa.
- Healthcare 55
- Retiree visa 22
- Affordability 95
- Safety 52
- Climate 55
- Expat community 53
- Retirement visaNonileestate.com
- Min incomeNot verified yet
- Monthly budgetMuch lower than the USwise.com
- HealthcareFairen.wikipedia.org
- SafetyModerateen.wikipedia.org
- Top citiesCairo, Hurghada, Luxor
Good to know
- Low cost of livingVery low - roughly $400 per month for a single person's typical living costs, with foreign currency going very far.wise.com
Watch out for
- No dedicated retirement visanileestate.com
- Safety needs attentionEgypt ranks 113th of 163 countries on the 2026 Global Peace Index (score 2.186), placing it in the lower-middle range for peacefulness.en.wikipedia.org
- Few expats, less EnglishEgypt scores in the low band on the EF English Proficiency Index (rank 89, score 458, below the global average of 488); English is more common in tourist hubs like Hurghada and among private-hospital and business staff.ef.com
Visa & residency
No dedicated retirement visa; retirees use renewable residence permits tied to property ownership, proof of income, or a bank deposit.
No verified data yet
No verified data yet
Older foreigners or those with stable foreign income can obtain renewable residence permits, generally requiring proof of income, a deposit, or property ownership; permits may be issued for 1, 3, or 5 years depending on the property/investment value. Requirements are subject to administrative change - verify latest official rules before applying.
Healthcare
Sharp public/private divide: public care is generally of poor quality (only about 20% of government hospitals meet safety/infection standards), while private facilities in cities are of a high standard. Universal Health Insurance (Law 2 of 2018) is being phased in through 2032.
Expats typically rely on private hospitals (especially in Cairo, some JCI-accredited) and private/international health insurance, as the public system offers limited quality and coverage.
Cost of living
Very low - roughly $400 per month for a single person's typical living costs, with foreign currency going very far.
A one-bedroom apartment in Cairo's city centre averages about $140/month, and roughly $90/month outside the centre.
Safety
Egypt ranks 113th of 163 countries on the 2026 Global Peace Index (score 2.186), placing it in the lower-middle range for peacefulness.
Climate
Extremely dry almost everywhere except the northern Mediterranean coast, which gets some winter rain; interior summer averages exceed 41C, while coastal areas are moderated by northwesterly winds.
Community & language
Egypt scores in the low band on the EF English Proficiency Index (rank 89, score 458, below the global average of 488); English is more common in tourist hubs like Hurghada and among private-hospital and business staff.
Arabic is the official language (Egyptian Arabic in daily use); English is spoken in tourism and by many private-hospital and business staff but overall English proficiency is low.
Taxes
Tax residents (over 183 days in 12 months, or with a permanent home in Egypt) are taxed on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 27.5%, with a general annual salary exemption of EGP 20,000; foreign-pension treatment specifically is not detailed by PwC, and double tax treaties may reduce or eliminate double taxation.
Egypt has an extensive network of double tax treaties (roughly 50+ countries, including the US, UK, Germany, France, Canada, and many others), generally granting relief via a foreign tax credit.
Popular retirement spots
Where retirees in Egypt tend to settle, and the honest reason why. Each note shows its source.
Cairo
Egypt's capital and largest city on the Nile, anchoring a metropolitan region of over 22 million people and sitting near the ancient pyramids; the main hub for private healthcare and international services.
Hurghada
A major Red Sea resort city that grew from a fishing village into a top tourist destination, known for its year-round hot, dry climate, long beaches, and diving.
Luxor
Southern Nile city on the site of ancient Thebes, famed as the world's greatest open-air museum with the Karnak and Luxor temples and the Valley of the Kings.
Questions about retiring in Egypt
Answered from the verified data on this page. Every answer shows its source; anything we have not confirmed says so plainly rather than guessing.
- Does Egypt have a retirement visa?
No dedicated retirement visa. Retirement is handled through a general residence route: No dedicated retirement visa; retirees use renewable residence permits tied to property ownership, proof of income, or a bank deposit..
nileestate.com- How much monthly income do I need to retire in Egypt?
This is not verified yet - check the official source before you rely on it.
- Is healthcare good for expats in Egypt?
Healthcare quality is rated fair. Sharp public/private divide: public care is generally of poor quality (only about 20% of government hospitals meet safety/infection standards), while private facilities in cities are of a high standard. Universal Health Insurance (Law 2 of 2018) is being phased in through 2032. On cost: Expats typically rely on private hospitals (especially in Cairo, some JCI-accredited) and private/international health insurance, as the public system offers limited quality and coverage.
en.wikipedia.org- How expensive is it to retire in Egypt?
Much lower than the US. A comfortable single-retiree budget is Very low - roughly $400 per month for a single person's typical living costs, with foreign currency going very far.
wise.com- Is Egypt safe?
Moderate. Egypt ranks 113th of 163 countries on the 2026 Global Peace Index (score 2.186), placing it in the lower-middle range for peacefulness.
en.wikipedia.org- What is the climate like in Egypt?
The climate is Hot desert (arid, Koppen BWh). Extremely dry almost everywhere except the northern Mediterranean coast, which gets some winter rain; interior summer averages exceed 41C, while coastal areas are moderated by northwesterly winds.
en.wikipedia.org- Where do retirees live in Egypt?
Popular retirement spots include Cairo, Hurghada and Luxor.
en.wikipedia.org
Compare Egypt with its closest rivals
The three countries whose RetireScore sits nearest.
