Land Ownership Regulations “Law No. 143 of 1983” – Desert Land
Law No. 143 and its amendments (55/1988, 205/1991, & 96/1995) governs the acquisition and ownership of desert land. Certain limits are placed on the number of feddans (one feddan is equal to approximately one hectare) that may be owned by individuals, families, co-operatives, partnerships and corporations. Partnerships are permitted to own 10,000 feddans, provided that the individual shall not own more than 150 feddans. Joint stock companies are permitted to own 50,000 feddans.

Partnerships and joint stock companies may own desert land within these limits even if foreign partners or shareholders are involved, provided that at least 51 percent of the capital is owned by Egyptians. However, upon liquidation of the company, the land must revert to Egyptians. Article 1 of Law No. 143 defines desert land as the land two kilometers outside the border of the city.

Further, the lease of such land for more than a period of 50 years shall also be considered to be ownership under Law 143. Although companies formed under the Investment Law No. 8/1997 do not require Egyptian participation, companies that undertake projects over desert land must be owned in their majority by Egyptians. According to the law 55 of 1988, the President of the Republic may decide to treat Arab nationals as Egyptian nationals for purposes of this law.

As stated in Investment Law 8/1997: Foreign investors of Arab citizenship may purchase up to 4000 Sq m of land. As for larger areas of land, Arab investors may go into partnership in the company owning the land and their share in the company may be greater than 50%. Non-Arab foreigners may also purchase up to 4000 Sq m of land in Egypt and for larger areas of land they may go into partnership with the company owning the land but must hold a share of under 50%

For more details contact the chairman of Egyptian Real Estate Association Dr. Ali Mehilba at: alimehilba@gmail.com