03 — Decode the Bureaucracy · Banking

Open a bank account

The four-step path from the street to a working account — with the form translated and a card to show the staff.

1
Choose a bank
Any bank — NBE, Banque Misr, CIB, HSBC Egypt
30 min
Documents
PassportEntry stamp / residency
Free
2
Visit the branch, ask for “new customer account”
Main branches of your chosen bank
60–90 min
Documents
PassportProof of address (hotel booking or rental contract)
Free
3
Complete the application form
In-branch, with a staff member
15 min
Documents
Form (translated for you below)2 passport photos
Free
4
Receive your account and card
Same branch
Same day–3 days
Documents
Temporary card issued same day in most cases
Some banks request a minimum deposit

Banks may ask for a minimum deposit at account opening, and rules differ slightly between banks. Bring your passport and be ready to wait — branch visits move at their own pace.

as of 29 Aug 2026 · Demo guide — steps to be verified branch-by-branch

All guides

Choose a bank

Visit the branch, ask for “new customer account”

Complete the application form

Receive your account and card