Understanding the Green Contract in Egyptian Real Estate
The Green Contract (العقد الأخضر) is the most important document in Egyptian property ownership. Learn what it is, why you need it, how to register one, and what happens if you buy property without it.
The Green Contract is Egypt's official property registration document, filed at the Real Estate Registry (الشهر العقاري). It is the only document that provides full legal protection of your property ownership rights in Egypt.
Many foreign buyers in Hurghada purchase property with just a preliminary sales contract, not realizing this doesn't constitute legal ownership. Only the Green Contract, registered at the Real Estate Registry, gives you official recognition as the property owner.
The registration process requires: verified title deeds, tax clearance certificates, building permits, and identity documents for both buyer and seller. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks with proper legal representation.
Without a Green Contract, you face risks including: the seller selling the same property to multiple buyers, inability to prove ownership in court, and difficulty selling or transferring the property in the future.
Need legal help with this in Hurghada?
Speak directly to Mohamed Ashraf Hosny — English-speaking lawyer serving foreign clients across Egypt. Scope and fees are agreed before work begins.