How to Work and Immigrate to Egypt as a Pharmacist?

Moving to a new nation is an adventure that may impact your life in profound ways. Moving to Egypt to work as a pharmacist would be an exciting and educational experience. With its rich history and expanding healthcare industry, Egypt is a promising destination for pharmacists seeking to advance their careers in a multicultural setting. This guide will show you how to immigrate to Egypt as a pharmacist.

Table of Contents

Why are so Many Pharmacists Egyptian?

Since Egypt has a well-established school system for training pharmacists, many people of Egyptian heritage choose to enter the field. Egyptian pharmacists have a considerable global presence due to economic opportunities and immigration policies in other countries that have encouraged them to work there.

How many Pharmacists are There in Egypt?

There are approximately 200,000 licensed pharmacists in Egypt. It’s important to remember that things like new licenses issued, retirements, and shifts in the healthcare workforce could have altered this figure since then.

How Do Pharmacies Work in Egypt?

As in many other countries, you can get prescription and OTC drugs from pharmacies in Egypt. Both independent pharmacies and those affiliated with larger chains are common. The Egyptian Pharmacist Syndicate (EPS) issues licenses and ensures compliance with all Ministry of Health pharmacy rules.

Generic drugs are prioritized in Egypt due to their low cost. Drugs and natural cures are both available from pharmacies. Counseling on pharmaceutical use, including proper dosing and warning of possible adverse effects, is provided by pharmacists. Vaccinations and wellness exams are available at some pharmacies.

Many pharmacies in Egypt are open late and even on weekends. The government controls the cost of medicines so people can easily afford them. Cash, credit cards, and health insurance are all acceptable forms of payment.

Substances that are controlled by law are strictly governed. Pharmacists frequently participate in CPD and are easily recognizable by the white lab coats they frequently sport. Egypt’s pharmacy laws and drug selection may differ slightly from your home country’s. Patients can easily consult pharmacists for medication advice and other health concerns.

How to Immigrate to Egypt as a Pharmacist?

You might ask, “How do I become a pharmacist in Egypt?” A pharmacist must meet several procedures and prerequisites to immigrate to Egypt. Foreign pharmacists interested in working and living in Egypt must comply with the country’s legislation governing foreign healthcare practitioners. Here is a high-level overview of the process of becoming a pharmacist in Egypt:

Step 1. Educational and Professional Requirements

A valid pharmacy degree or its equivalent from a recognized university is required. Some careers call for advanced degrees or industry certifications. For instance, you have a Ph.D. in pharmacy from a recognized school in your home country.

Step 2. Language Requirements

Although fluency in Arabic is not mandated to obtain a visa, it is highly recommended for professional and personal purposes.

Step 3. Work Visa and Permit

A formal job offer from an Egyptian company is required to apply for a work visa in Egypt. For example, a hospital or pharmaceutical company in Egypt extends to you a formal offer of employment, outlining the terms of your employment, such as salary, duties, and length of time.

The following items must be submitted when applying for a work visa:

Passport with at least six months validity
Visa application form
Proof of your qualifications, such as your pharmacy degree
Medical certificate indicating you are free from contagious diseases
Police clearance certificate from your home country
Proof of financial means to support yourself in Egypt

Step 4. Professional Registration

To immigrate to Egypt as a pharmacist and work, you must become a member of the Egyptian Pharmacist Syndicate (EPS). A letter of good standing from the pharmacy association in your native country may be required, besides academic transcripts and evidence of relevant work experience.

Step 5. Housing

Online real estate listings, newspaper classifieds, and company relocation services are all viable options. In Egypt, it is common to require rent payment in advance, usually covering multiple months. Use “PropertyFinder Egypt” or another similar website to search for available apartments in the Cairo area close to your employment. You pay three months’ rent in advance as required by the landlord.

Step 6. Healthcare Insurance

Having health insurance is a must. Employers typically offer it as a perk of working for them, but if it’s not, you’ll have to find another way to pay for it. For instance, the company you work for offers you full medical, dental, and vision coverage.

Step 7. Residency and Citizenship

There are both temporary and permanent residency options available in Egypt. A minimum amount of time in residence, proof of sufficient financial resources, and the absence of criminal records may all be necessary. An individual, for instance, may seek permanent residency in Egypt after five years of temporary residency. You can apply for Egyptian citizenship if you’ve lived in Egypt legally for ten years and have passed an Arabic language test.

Step 8. Work Environment

Typically, pharmacists in Egypt work Monday through Thursday and have Fridays off. While some establishments may close in the evenings, many pharmacies and hospitals are open late. The hospital’s Working hours typically shift from 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Thursday, and 9 AM to 2 PM, Saturday.

How to Register with the Egyptian Pharmacist Syndicate (EPS)?

Registering with the Egyptian Pharmacist Syndicate (EPS) to immigrate to Egypt as a pharmacist and practice involves specific steps and requirements. Here’s a guide on how to register with the EPS:

Step 1. Educational Requirements

Make sure you have a degree in pharmacy from an approved university, either in Egypt or elsewhere. Your diploma must be acceptable to the EPS.

Step 2. Internship Completion

You must have completed the internship component of your pharmacy study before registering. Practical experience is the goal of this internship, which lasts for a year on average.

Step 3. Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following documents for submission:

A copy of your pharmacy degree certificate.
Transcripts of your pharmacy education.
Proof of successful completion of the internship program.
A copy of your national ID card or passport.
A passport-sized photograph.
Any additional documents the EPS requires (check their website or contact them for the most current list).

Step 4. Application Process

The Egyptian Pharmacist Syndicate is where you may get your application to join. You can get this form from their website or at their office.

Step 5. Complete the Application

Be sure to provide accurate information on the application form. Please include all requested details and supporting materials.

Step 6. Application Submission

Send your filled application and supporting materials to the EPS office. Make sure your application is thorough and free of mistakes.

Step 7. Pay Registration Fees

Pay any application, registration, or membership costs associated with signing up. Fees and payment options may have changed; please contact the EPS for details.

Step 8. Review and Approval

The EPS will thoroughly examine your application and supporting materials to guarantee your eligibility for registration.

Step 9. Receive Your License

You will be granted a valid license to work as a pharmacist in Egypt once your application has been accepted. Your company should proudly display this license.

Step 10. Continuing Education

If you want to keep up with the newest advancements in your profession after becoming registered, you might have to participate in continuing education programs.

Language Competence to Immigrate to Egypt as a Pharmacist

To demonstrate language competence:

Prepare for an English proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
Get diplomas from language institutes.
Get your language skills ready for interviews and tests.
Showcase your experience working in the field.
Do some writing in the language and submit it as an example.
Show each other your certificates from the language school.
Respect any tests or prerequisites in the native tongue.
Prove that you can hold a basic conversation with a native speaker.

Fees and Costs to Immigrate to Egypt as a Pharmacist

Different nationalities, visa types, and individual situations can result in different fees and expenditures when applying to immigrate to Egypt as a pharmacist. However, here are some typical expenses to think about:

Visa Application Fee. The visa application fee might change from country to country and visa type to visa type. An Egyptian visa costs for most nationalities between $25 and $60.
Work Permit Fees. Your Egyptian company normally pays for your work permit costs if they sponsor your visa application. However, you may incur further expenses if you are self-employed or must arrange a work visa.
Professional Registration Fees. There is typically a cost to join the Egyptian Pharmacist Syndicate (EPS). Registration fees and yearly dues are two examples of such costs. Check with the EPS for the most up-to-date charge schedule since the exact amounts may have changed.
Housing Costs. Prices for homes in Egypt vary widely depending on location, amenities, and size. Rent and a security deposit are typically paid in advance every month.
Healthcare Insurance. Having health insurance is mandatory in Egypt. Insurance rates can range in price from one company to the next and even within the same plan. Health insurance is a perk that some companies throw in for their employees.
Travel Expenses. Think about how much it will cost to go to Egypt and around once you get there and any other moving-related costs.
Language Courses. Taking Arabic classes can help you communicate better if you are not fluent. The price of language lessons varies.
Legal and Documentation Fees. Immigration-related costs may include notarization, translation, and legal representation.
Living Expenses. Prepare a spending plan considering the price of food, utilities, transportation, and other essentials in your preferred Egyptian city.
Citizenship and Residency Fees. There may be supplementary charges if you intend to apply for Egyptian citizenship or permanent residency. The costs and requirements might range widely.

How Much is the Salary of a Pharmacist in Egypt?

A pharmacist’s salary normally ranges from 11,500 Egyptian pounds to 12,500 Egyptian Pounds. There are a range of salaries from 5,400 Egyptian Pounds to 18,200 Egyptian Pounds.

How to Find Jobs to Immigrate to Egypt as a Pharmacist?

To find pharmacist jobs in Egypt, use:

Online job portals
Company websites
LinkedIn
Recruitment agencies
Networking
Local newspapers

How to Find a Place to Immigrate to Egypt as a Pharmacist?

To find homes in Egypt, use:

Real estate websites
Local real estate agents
Social media groups
Word of mouth
Local newspapers
Property management companies
Visit neighborhoods

Can Pharmacists Prescribe in Egypt?

In Egypt, pharmacists lack the legal authority to provide prescriptions. Prescriptions for medical care in Egypt can only be written by registered medical doctors, dentists, and other approved healthcare professionals. In Egypt, pharmacists make sure their patients have the medicines they need, understand how to take them safely, and don’t experience any negative effects from the drugs they take.

What is the Largest Pharmaceutical Company in Egypt?

Pharco Pharmaceuticals was Egypt’s largest pharmaceutical company. However, rankings in the pharmaceutical industry may change over time due to the industry’s dynamic nature.

Immigrate to Egypt as a Pharmacist: Let’s Recap

As a pharmacist, moving to Egypt is an exciting professional development and personal improvement opportunity. You can have a fruitful experience in the land of the Pharaohs if you prepare yourself by learning about the healthcare system, completing the necessary coursework, passing the license exam, landing the ideal job, and adjusting to Egyptian culture.