Civil and Commercial Litigation in Egypt

The duration of a civil case in Egypt varies. First-instance cases typically conclude within approximately nine to eighteen months. Commercial cases are often resolved more quickly due to their specific nature. However, if either party decides to pursue an appeal or cassation, these additional stages will naturally extend the overall timeline significantly. Our office provides a realistic and transparent timeline tailored to your specific case file from the outset, considering all potential stages and procedural steps involved.

Generally, your personal attendance at court hearings in Egypt is not required. Once you formally grant a Power of Attorney (PoA) to our law office, we are fully authorized to represent you throughout the entire legal process. Your physical presence is only necessary for a few specific procedural steps, such as providing personal testimony or signing particular documents directly, as mandated by Egyptian law. We handle most court appearances on your behalf.

Yes, a foreign judgment can be enforced in Egypt, but it involves a specific legal process. This is achieved through the 'exequatur' procedure, where the Egyptian courts recognize the foreign ruling. Key requirements include the existence of reciprocity between Egypt and the issuing country, and the foreign judgment must not violate Egyptian public order principles. Our role involves filing the necessary recognition case, and once successful, we proceed with the enforcement steps against the debtor's assets located within Egypt.

In suitable circumstances, it is possible to freeze the other party's bank account or other assets. Our office can apply to the court for a provisional attachment, known as 'hagz tahaffuzi' in Arabic. This legal measure allows for the temporary securing of assets, which can include bank accounts, real estate, or vehicles. The purpose is to safeguard your claim and ensure that assets are preserved and available for potential enforcement once a final judgment in your favor is obtained, preventing their disposal.

The cost of litigation is determined by several factors, including the specific nature, complexity, and overall value of your dispute. At Law House Hurghada, we maintain complete transparency regarding our professional fees. Before any work commences or a file is officially opened, we will provide you with a comprehensive written fee agreement. This agreement clearly outlines the agreed-upon structure, which can be a fixed fee, an hourly rate, or even success-based options, tailored to the specific case.