One of the key benefits of operating within a free zone in Egypt is the favorable business environment. Companies located within these zones benefit from simplified administrative procedures, streamlined customs processes, and reduced bureaucratic hurdles. This enables businesses to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively, leading to increased competitiveness in the global market. Companies within free zones enjoy tax incentives and exemptions. This includes exemption from corporate taxes, value-added tax (VAT), and customs duties on imported raw materials and capital goods. These tax benefits can significantly reduce operating costs and improve profit margins for businesses operating within the free zones.

Furthermore, free zones in Egypt offer access to world-class infrastructure and facilities. This includes modern industrial parks, state-of-the-art logistics and transportation networks, and access to utilities such as electricity, water, and telecommunications. These infrastructure advantages provide businesses with the necessary resources to support their operations and facilitate growth.

Another significant benefit of free zones is the opportunity for foreign companies to establish 100% foreign-owned subsidiaries. This allows for full control and ownership of the business, providing foreign investors with a level of autonomy and flexibility that may not be available in other parts of the country.

The Special Economic Zone (SEZ) law in Egypt forms the legal groundwork for establishing and operating these free zones.

There are 9 free zones spread across Egypt, each with its distinct specialties and benefits;

1.   Suez Public Free Zone:

The Suez Public Free Zone is strategically located at the southern entrance of the Suez Canal, making it a key hub for trade and investment in Egypt. It  was established by the state since 1993 covering 1217 thousand m2 at 3 locations; Port Tawfiq area which is adjacent to Suez port,  Aladabiah and Ataka at the highway of Suez / Sokhna next to the power station and in front of the industrial zone of Ataka. This prime location provides easy access to global markets and offers numerous advantages for businesses looking to establish a presence in the region.

The nearest ports for export and supply are; Suez port which is adjacent to Portawfik area- Alsukhna Port at a distance of 25 Km from Aladabiah Region.

Main Activity Fields and Investment Opportunities:

–          Engineering, electrical and electronic industries

–          Textile, furniture, carpet and ready-made garment industries

–          petrochemical, metal and metal products industries

–          Pharmaceutical industries and medical and pharmaceutical preparations

–          Transport and shipping services and petroleum services

2.   Alexandria Public Free Zone:

The Alexandria Public Free Zone, established in 1973 in Amreya at Km 29 on the Alex/Cairo Desert Rd. with a total area of 5683 thousand m2 which make it one of Egypt’s largest and oldest public free zones. Positioned 20 km from Alexandria Port, 7 km from El-Dekhila Port, and 20 km from Borg El-Arab International Airport, it offers a comprehensive business environment for your projects.

Situated at the intersection of the Alex/Cairo Desert Rd., the zone serves as a gateway to a network of roads leading to Mediterranean countries via the International Coastal Road. This strategic location establishes it as an international land transport corridor connecting Northern African countries, West Asian nations, and Southern European states across three continents.

The nearest ports for export and supply are; 7 Km – El Dekhila Port/20 Km – Borj Al Arab International Airport

Main Activity Fields and Investment Opportunities:

–          Textile, furniture, carpet and ready-made garment industries

–          Chemical, petrochemical, metal and metal products industries

–          Food and food products industries

–          Engineering and electrical and electronic industries

–          Pharmaceutical industries and medical and pharmaceutical preparations

–          Transport and shipping services  and petroleum services

3.   Damietta Public Free Zone:

The Damietta Public Free Zone was created through Cabinet Resolution No. 60 of 1993, and has been available for investment projects since 1998. Covering 190 acres (798 thousand m2) near the Damietta port with a scenic view of the Mediterranean Sea, it is strategically positioned adjacent to the Ship Canal in the northeast, providing access to the Nile River via the Damietta branch.

The nearest ports for export and supply are Damietta Port adjacent to the Zone And Port Said Port, at a distance of 55 km

Main Activity Fields and Investment Opportunities:

Petrochemicals, petroleum services, gas liquefaction, medical supplies, computer and electronic device assembly, textiles and clothing, food products, shipping activity, maritime services, refrigerators for preserving food for export outside the country, furniture industry, wooden products and their processing and grain sorting.

4.   Nasr city public Free Zone:

Located in the heart of Cairo, Egypt, Nasr City Public Free Zone was established in 1973 with a total area of 756 thousand m2, offers significant advantages for businesses. Its proximity to Cairo International Airport facilitates international trade and investment. The free zone provides tax benefits, customs duty exemptions, and a reduced corporate tax rate, making it appealing for foreign investment.

The Zone is located 25 km from Cairo International Airport, the largest central airport in the Middle East and Mediterranean region. It is also 125 km from Sokhna Hub Port on the International Maritime Road (Suez Canal) and the Red Sea, as well as 220 km from Alexandria Port on the Mediterranean coast. These strategic locations facilitate trade activities with various countries worldwide, including Gulf States, Southeast Asia, Eastern and Southern African countries, EU Countries, United States, Canada and other countries in Americas.

The nearest ports for export and supply are 7 Km – El Dekhila Port/20 Km – Borj Al Arab International Airport

Main Activity Fields and Investment Opportunities:

–          Textile, furniture, carpet and ready-made garment industries

–          Food and food products industries

–          Engineering and electrical and electronic industries

–          Leather industries, shoes and leather products

–          Manufacturing paper, cardboard, stationery and supplies of printing and publishing

–          Manufacturing glassware and crystal; and glass products and their products

–          Chemical and metal industries and their products

–          Transport, shipping and export services  and petroleum services

5.   Egyptian media production city Free Zone:

The Media Free Zone at the Egyptian Media Production City was established with a total area of 2.5 million m2 in 6th of October City by Prime Minister Decision No. 411/2000, later amended by Decision No. 3269/2009. This strategic location, just 30 km west of Cairo’s center, offers advantages due to its proximity to key transportation hubs and trade routes.

It is an ideal location for trade and investment with the Arab Gulf countries, Southeast Asia and South Africa via Cairo International Airport and Suez Port on the Red Sea within 50 km. The surrounding network of highways facilitates efficient transportation for goods movement as well as tourism activities.

Additionally, it provides easy access to Alexandria Port on the Mediterranean Sea within approximately 200 km. Its connectivity to major roadways links it with central Cairo and Giza Governorate known for tourist attractions.

Moreover, its location near Dreamland towards the gate of the Alexandria-Cairo Expressway ensures seamless connectivity with various governorates.

The nearest ports for export and supply are International Cairo Airport 50 km Alexandria marine port 200 km

Main Activity Fields and Investment Opportunities:

–          Media production services and information.

–          Television and radio broadcasting.

6.   Shebin El koom public Free Zone:

The Shebin El-Kom Public Free Zone, spanning 84,000 m2 with an additional 13,000 m2 for a multi-storey building (Total area 98,000 m2), was established under Prime Minister Decision No. 1143 of 2004. It is located 12 km from the Cairo/Alexandria agricultural road and 70 km from the Cairo/Alexandria Desert road. This unique location places the area in the central cities of Delta, with a high population density and qualified workforce. It also positions it midway between Cairo, approximately 70 km away, providing an export outlet by air, and Alexandria, about 150 km away, offering an export outlet through the Mediterranean.

The nearest ports for export and supply are; Cairo Airport / at a distance of 90 Km, Alexandria port at a distance of 150 Km

Main Activity Fields and Investment Opportunities:

–          Textile, furniture, carpet and ready-made garment industries

–          Chemical, Engineering and electrical and electronic industries

7.   Ismailia public Free Zone:

The Public Free Zone in Ismailia was established in 1995 with a total area of 464 thousands m2 on two stages. It has a unique and strategic location between the two entrances of the Suez Canal, facilitating international trade and navigation. It serves as a gateway for exporting to the EU, American countries, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Southeast Asia, East and South Africa. Additionally, it is close to Port Said (85 km) and Suez Port (85 km), allowing access to the Mediterranean Sea and Red Sea for exportation. Moreover, it is approximately 125 km from Damietta port – one of the largest container ports in the Mediterranean region – and around 120 km from Cairo Airport.

The nearest ports for export and supply are; Port said Port on a distance of 85KM north – The Suez Port on a distance of 85 KM south.

Main Activity Fields and Investment Opportunities:

–          Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Industries

–          Textile, Furniture, Carpet and ready-made Garment Industries

–          Food and Food Products Industries

–          Transport, Shipping, Export, and Re-export Services

8.   Port said public Free Zone:

The Port Said Public Free Zone was established in 1975. Spanning 800,000 square meters near Port Said Port, it holds a strategic location providing easy access to the Mediterranean and Suez Canal. This proximity facilitates streamlined import/export activities with various regions including Gulf States, Southeast Asia, Eastern and Southern Africa via the Red Sea route, as well as connections to EU countries and Americas through Mediterranean waterways. Additionally, its accessibility to Egyptian ports via a network of roads further enhances its appeal for trade activities.

The nearest ports for export and supply are; Port Said Port adjacent to the Zone And Port Said Airport, west of Port Said at a distance of 6 km

Main Activity Fields and Investment Opportunities:

–          Textile, furniture, carpet and ready-made garment industries

–          Engineering and electrical and electronic industries

–          Metal and metal products industries

–          Transport and shipping services, export and re-export

–          Port Management Services and Container Terminal

9.   The red sea port Free Zone:

The Red Sea Ports Free Zone is also noteworthy in Egypt; it is situated in Safaga and Hurghada cities with a concentration on tourism, leisure activities, as well as maritime services industries. It presents compelling investment incentives including tax benefits along with simplified customs procedures.