How to Buy Stocks in Egypt
From opening a brokerage account to executing your first trade on the EGX
Step 1 — Open a Brokerage Account
To buy stocks in Egypt, you must open an account with a licensed brokerage firm regulated by the Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA). Major options include EFG Hermes, CI Capital, Beltone, HC Securities, Pharos, and the brokerage arms of CIB and QNB Alahli.
You will need a national ID (or passport for foreigners), a tax card or proof of taxpayer identification, a recent utility bill, and a bank account in EGP. Account opening typically takes one to three business days.
Step 2 — Get an Investor Number from MCDR
Every investor on the EGX must have a unique investor identification number issued by Misr for Central Clearing, Depository and Registry (MCDR). Your broker handles this on your behalf during onboarding.
This number is what links you to every share you own. Without it, no trades can settle in your name.
Step 3 — Fund Your Account
Transfer Egyptian pounds from your bank to the brokerage cash account assigned to you. Most brokers accept instant transfers from local banks. Some now offer mobile apps (e.g., Thndr, EFG Hermes ONE) that integrate the funding step directly.
Foreign investors can fund accounts in USD or EUR, but trades themselves settle in EGP — currency conversion happens at the broker level.
Step 4 — Place Your First Order
Use your broker's platform to search for a ticker (e.g., COMI for Commercial International Bank, EAST for Eastern Company). You can place a market order (executed at the best available price) or a limit order (executed only at your specified price or better).
The EGX trades Sunday through Thursday, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM Cairo time. Settlement follows a T+2 cycle — meaning shares and cash exchange hands two business days after the trade.
What to Buy First
Beginners are often best served by large, liquid blue chips with transparent disclosure: CIB, EFG Hermes Holding, Eastern Company, Talaat Moustafa Group, and Juhayna are commonly cited. Many investors also use the EGX 30 index as a reference benchmark before selecting individual names.
Avoid penny stocks and thinly traded small caps until you understand bid-ask spreads, free float dynamics, and disclosure quality on the EGX.
FAQ
Can foreigners buy stocks on the EGX?
Yes. Foreigners can open accounts with Egyptian brokers and trade freely on the EGX with no special restrictions for most listed companies. You will need a passport, proof of address, and a tax identification number (which the broker can help you obtain).
What is the minimum amount to start investing in Egypt?
There is no regulatory minimum. Some brokers (especially app-based ones like Thndr) allow accounts to be funded with as little as EGP 1,000. However, to build a meaningfully diversified portfolio, EGP 25,000–50,000 is a more realistic starting point.
Are there commissions on EGX trades?
Yes. Total transaction costs typically run 0.4–0.7% per trade, including brokerage commission, EGX fees, MCDR fees, and stamp duty. Confirm the exact schedule with your broker before trading.