Egypt cancels notarisation requirement for free zone leasing contracts to cut costs

Egypt’s Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade announced on Monday that companies operating in free zones will no longer need to notarise financial leasing contracts, a move aimed at simplifying procedures and reducing costs for businesses.

Under the new rules, firms can rely solely on registration with the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA), eliminating the need for notarisation at the Real Estate Registry and the associated fees.

“This decision removes procedural burdens and supports efforts to improve the business environment,” said Mohamed Farid Saleh, Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade. “Egyptian projects benefit from factors that allow production at lower costs, which will boost the competitiveness of our products in international markets and support the government’s goal of increasing exports.”

The measure is part of the ministry’s broader strategy to enhance the investment climate, strengthen coordination among state institutions, and improve companies’ financial capabilities under the Financial Leasing and Factoring Law No. 176 of 2018.

“The Financial Leasing and Factoring Law regulates the registration of leasing contracts with the FRA, providing companies with legal protection without the need for notarisation at the Real Estate Registry,” Farid added.

The Permanent Technical Committee for Free Zones circulated the decision to all relevant administrations following the minister’s directive. Free zones, which operate under special tax, customs, and monetary frameworks, support a range of production activities, particularly export-oriented industries.

The move amends earlier rules from 2011, which required notarised, non-cancellable leasing contracts, and follows a 2019 circular that regulated leasing for project buildings and facilities without explicitly mandating notarisation.

Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English

Subediting: Y.Yasser