Can Companies Not Registered Under the Investment Law Be Converted to Fall Under Its Umbrella?

Yes, in many cases, it is possible to convert existing companies that were not originally registered under the Egyptian Investment Law (Law No. 72 of 2017) so that they become subject to this law, provided that they meet the conditions and requirements specified by the law and its executive regulations.

• Amending the Articles of Association: The existing company must amend its articles of association to comply with the requirements of the Investment Law, such as the type of activity, minimum capital, and the number of partners or founders.
• Completing the Required Documents: All required documents must be submitted as if the company were being newly established, such as a certificate confirming the uniqueness of the trade name, a bank certificate, official powers of attorney, and proof of identity.
• Obtaining Approvals and Licenses: The necessary licenses and approvals must be obtained from the relevant authorities according to the type of activity.
• Submitting an Official Application to the General Authority for Investment (GAFI): A conversion application is submitted to the authority, which reviews the documents and ensures that all legal requirements are met.
• Issuance of the Registration Decision: After completing all procedures and obtaining approvals, the authority issues a decision to register the company under the Investment Law.

• The activity must fall within the investment activities specified by the law, such as industry, agriculture, technology, tourism, energy, and others.
• Compliance with the minimum capital requirement according to the new legal form of the company.
• No legal obstacles or violations that would hinder the conversion, such as transferring assets from an existing company solely to benefit from incentives in an illegal manner.
• Full compliance with all laws and regulations governing investment activity in Egypt.

• Legal Consultation: It is always recommended to consult an attorney or legal advisor specializing in investment to ensure the procedures are correct and to expedite the conversion process.
• Flexibility of the General Authority for Investment: The authority offers services for amending or converting companies and provides technical and advisory support throughout the conversion process.
• Incentives After Conversion: Once the conversion is complete, the company becomes eligible to benefit from the incentives and guarantees provided by the Investment Law, such as tax exemptions, customs facilities, and legal protection.

Converting companies not registered under the Investment Law to become subject to it is possible, but it requires meeting specific conditions and following formal procedures. Successfully completing the conversion allows the company to benefit from significant investment advantages that enhance its ability to grow and compete in the Egyptian market.