Start Your One Person Company in Egypt with Confidence

The concept of the One Person Company (OPC) was introduced into Egyptian corporate law through Law No. 4 of 2018, amending the Companies Law No. 159 of 1981. This marked a significant step in modernizing Egypt’s business environment by recognizing a corporate entity that can be owned by a single individual, providing entrepreneurs and small investors with greater legal flexibility and limited liability protection.

What Is a One Person Company (OPC)?

A One Person Company is a type of limited liability company that can be established and owned by just one individual or legal entity. It is recognized as a separate legal entity, meaning your personal assets are protected from business liabilities

Key Features

1. Limited Liability: The owner’s liability is limited to the amount of capital they invest in the company.
2. Single Ownership: Only one natural or legal person may own the company.
3. Separate Legal Entity: The company has a legal personality separate from its owner.
4. Capital Requirement: There is no minimum capital requirement, but the owner must fully pay the declared capital upon establishment.
5. Management: The owner may manage the company themselves or appoint a manager.
6. Transfer of Ownership: The ownership of an OPC may not be transferred to more than one person. If this happens, the company must convert to a different type of company.

What is the Required Documents?

1. A certificate of non-confusion (name clearance) approved by the Commercial Registry.
2. A bank certificate confirming full deposit of the company’s capital, noting that the capital must not be less than EGP 1,000.
3. If a legal entity is establishing the One Person Company, the following documents must be submitted:
   • A power of attorney from the legal representative of the legal entity.
   • A recent extract from the commercial registry of the legal entity (original must be presented for review).
4. If the founder is a public legal entity, approval from the Prime Minister or the relevant minister, as applicable, must be obtained.
5. A power of attorney authorizing the establishment of the One Person Company—whether the founder is a natural or legal person. The power of attorney must explicitly state authority to establish companies and sign incorporation contracts before the Real Estate Registration Office (Notary).
6. Investor profile forms for the company’s owner or foreign manager as a hard copy, along with a digital copy on a CD.
7. An original official extract from the Register of Accountants and Auditors addressed to the Investment Authority, confirming the appointed auditor’s eligibility to audit the financial statements of capital companies for the first time. Alternatively, an original letter of acceptance of appointment if the certificate has been previously submitted to the Authority.
8. Clear and valid personal identification copies of the founder, after verifying the original:
   • National ID for Egyptians.
   • Passport for foreigners.
9. Clear and valid personal identification copies of the agent, after verifying the original:
   • National ID for Egyptians.
   • Passport for foreigners (must include a valid residency permit).
10. A copy of the Bar Association membership card of the lawyer who will certify the contract before the Bar. The lawyer must be at least of primary level and the card must be valid on the date of certification.
11. The name and address of the company’s legal advisor, who must be registered at a minimum as an Appeals-level attorney.
12. Approval from the relevant authority if any of the company’s objectives require a special license or prior approval under applicable laws.
13. If the company is being established with a non-cash (in-kind) share:

• Submit a valuation report from certified professionals according to the nature of the in-kind share, along with the founder’s acknowledgment of acceptance of the valuation.

1. If the One Person Company is being established under the free zone system, according to Investment Law No. 72 of 2017, the same aforementioned documents are required, in addition to:

• Prior approval from the General Authority for Investment (GAFI) before establishment, issued by the Free Zone Board where the project is to be established. 

At AZG, we help entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals establish their One Person Companies smoothly and in full compliance with Egyptian corporate law.