Living in Sharm El Sheikh: An Expat Starter Guide
Visas, housing, healthcare, schools, banking — everything to know before relocating to Sharm long-term.
Visas. Tourists from most countries get a 30-day visa on arrival for $25 USD. For longer stays, you have several routes:
- 6-month tourist visa (extendable)
- Work residency tied to a job contract
- Investor visa (for property buyers over $200k)
- Retirement / long-term residency (newer category, 5-year renewable)
Sharm has its own immigration office and the process is relatively smooth with the right paperwork.
Housing. Long-term rentals in Sharm are cheaper than most expats expect:
- Studio: $250–$400 / month
- 1-bed apartment: $400–$700
- 2-bed with pool access: $700–$1,200
- Villa with private pool: $1,500–$3,500
Most expat-friendly buildings are in Naama, Hadaba, and Nabq. Furnished is the norm; unfurnished cheaper.
Healthcare. Sharm International Hospital (private) is the main expat choice — English-speaking, international insurance accepted. For routine care, clinics in Naama and Hadaba handle most issues. Pharmacies stock Western brands. Most expats carry international health insurance.
Banking. Open a local EGP account for rent and utilities (Banque Misr, QNB Alahli, CIB are expat-friendly). Keep your home country account for savings. Wise/Revolut work for transfers.
Schools. The British International School of Sharm (BISS) is the main international option. For younger kids there's a German school and an Egyptian-international bilingual option.
Daily life.
- Electricity and water are reliable in main areas
- Internet: Vodafone home fibre is fast (up to 200 Mbps)
- Supermarkets: Carrefour Metropolitan + Metro Market cover most Western needs
- Driving: left-hand-drive, relaxed-but-assertive style, international licence accepted
Cost of living. A couple can live comfortably on $1,500–$2,500 / month incl. rent. Eating out is 30–50% cheaper than UK/EU. Fuel and transport are cheap. Imported goods (Western cosmetics, electronics) cost more.
If you're considering relocating, we offer a remote property-sourcing service — photos, condition reports, visa-paperwork support. Get in touch.