Visas, housing, healthcare, schools, banking, everything to know before relocating to Sharm long-term.
Visas
UK, EU, US and many other nationals can buy a 30-day visa on arrival for $30 in cash, or apply for an e-visa online before they travel. If you fly into Sharm for less than 15 days and stay in Sharm, Dahab, Nuweiba or Taba, you get a free entry stamp instead. For longer stays:
- Extensions: once in Egypt, you can extend your stay at a Passports and Immigration office, usually for up to 6 months at a time.
- Work: residence is tied to a work permit sponsored by your employer.
- Property: owning property can support a renewable residence permit, with longer permits for higher values (about $200,000 for 5 years). The thresholds have changed before, and in Sharm foreigners get a right of use rather than ownership, so ask a lawyer whether your contract qualifies.
- There is no special retirement visa. Retirees usually stay on renewable tourist residence or qualify through property.
Housing
We found no reliable public rent figures for Sharm, so compare several listings, see the home in person or on a video call, and get the terms in writing before you pay a deposit.
Healthcare
Sharm International Hospital is a government hospital, and it appears on the UK government's list of English-speaking medical facilities in Egypt. Carry international health insurance and ask your insurer which Sharm hospitals it pays directly.
Banking
Banque Misr, QNB and CIB are common choices for a local Egyptian pound account; check each bank's document list before you visit. Wise and Revolut can both send money to Egyptian pound bank accounts.
Schools
Sharm International British School in Naama Bay teaches to British standards. Visit and ask about the curriculum and fees directly.
Daily life
- Home internet: Vodafone's home broadband runs over phone lines at up to 100 Mbps, and fibre is only in some compounds, so check what your building has.
- Shopping: Metro Market has branches in Sharm.
- Driving: cars are left-hand drive and traffic keeps to the right. Visitors can drive for up to 6 months with a 1949 International Driving Permit and their UK licence; after that you need an Egyptian licence.
- Fuel costs far less than in the UK.
Cost of living
Rent is usually the biggest cost. Prices in Egyptian pounds can change quickly, so budget with some room to spare.
Planning a move? We can arrange a property inspection report and help with paperwork such as document translation. Message us on WhatsApp.
