Commercial Contracts

A contract that works in your home jurisdiction may not work the same way in Egypt. Egyptian law applies its own rules to commercial relationships, some of which cannot be avoided by choosing a different governing law or by drafting around them. Agreements with local distributors, agents, partners and suppliers therefore need to be written with Egyptian law in mind from the start.

Al Majidi Law Firm drafts, negotiates and reviews commercial contracts for multinational and foreign companies doing business in Egypt. We help you set clear terms, allocate risk and keep your position enforceable, whether the counterparty is a local distributor, a joint venture partner or a supplier.

Our Commercial Contracts Services in Egypt

Contract Drafting and Negotiation

We prepare and negotiate agreements tailored to your business and to Egyptian legal requirements, including:

• Sale and purchase agreements and service contracts.
• Distribution, agency and reseller agreements.
• General terms and conditions and standard-form contracts.

Commercial contracts in Egypt are governed mainly by the Civil Code and the Commercial (Trade) Code, together with specialised laws for particular arrangements. We ensure your agreements reflect them, as well as your own group’s standards.

Distribution, Agency and Franchise Agreements

Appointing a local distributor, agent or franchisee is often the fastest route into the Egyptian market, and one of the areas where legal structure matters most.

• Commercial agency: where a local party represents a foreign principal, Egypt’s commercial agency law may apply, and it requires agreements to be registered. Getting the classification wrong can affect your rights on termination, so we advise on structure before you sign.
• Distribution: there is no dedicated distribution law in Egypt, so agreements rely on the general rules and on drafting quality. We cover exclusivity, territory, minimum targets, pricing, termination and post-termination rights.
• Franchise: there is no dedicated franchise statute in Egypt either, so the contract carries much of the weight. We draft franchise agreements that protect your brand and know-how. See our Intellectual Property practice for trademark registration and protection.

Joint Venture and Partnership Agreements

We structure and document collaborations with local and international partners, including:

• Memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and term sheets.
• Joint venture and shareholder agreements, with governance, profit-sharing, deadlock and exit mechanisms.
• Partnership agreements for specific projects.

For the corporate side of a joint venture, see our Corporate and M&A and Formation and Restructuring practices.

Supply Chain, Procurement and Project Contracts

• Long-term supply, procurement and vendor agreements, and service level agreements (SLAs).
• Logistics and import and export arrangements, in light of Egyptian trade rules.
• Construction, EPC and project contracts. See our Energy and Infrastructure practice.

Technology, Software and Data Agreements

We draft and negotiate technology transfer, software licence and SaaS agreements, including intellectual property, confidentiality and cybersecurity terms. Data protection is now a live issue for any contract involving personal data in Egypt. The Personal Data Protection Law (Law No. 151 of 2020) and its Executive Regulations, issued in November 2025, set rules on consent, licensing, cross-border transfers and security, and give organisations a transition period to comply. We help you build the right clauses into your contracts and vendor arrangements.

Contract Review and Risk Assessment

• Reviewing existing contracts for legal risk, unfavourable terms and compliance gaps.
• Advising on amendment and renegotiation.
• Reviewing governing law, jurisdiction and arbitration clauses so that they will work when you need them.

Contract Disputes and Enforcement

If a counterparty breaches, we advise on your options and represent you in negotiation, arbitration and litigation. See our Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice.

Why Multinationals Choose Al Majidi for Commercial Contracts

• Drafted for Egyptian law and enforcement. We consider from the outset how a clause will be read and enforced in Egypt, not only how it reads on paper.
• Attention to mandatory rules. We flag where Egyptian law, such as the commercial agency regime, limits what the contract can achieve, so there are no surprises later.
• Connected to your wider strategy. Our corporate, IP, employment and disputes lawyers work alongside the contracts team, which matters when a contract touches several areas.
• Clear communication. We work in English, explain risks plainly and coordinate with your headquarters and in-house counsel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which law governs commercial contracts in Egypt?
Commercial contracts are governed mainly by the Civil Code and the Commercial (Trade) Code. Specialised laws apply to particular arrangements, such as commercial agencies. Parties can often choose the governing law, but mandatory Egyptian rules may still apply.

Do I need to register a commercial agency agreement in Egypt?
Where the Commercial Agency Law applies, agreements are required to be registered. Whether it applies depends on how the relationship is structured, so seek advice before appointing a local representative.

Is there a specific franchise law in Egypt?
No. There is no dedicated franchise statute, so franchise arrangements are governed by general commercial and civil law, and by the terms of the contract. This makes careful drafting essential.

Can I use a foreign governing law in my Egyptian contract?
Often yes, particularly in international contracts, but this has limits. Some Egyptian rules apply regardless, and enforcement takes place in Egypt. We advise on whether to choose Egyptian or foreign law for each contract.

Should my contract have an arbitration clause?
For many international contracts, yes. It offers a neutral forum and an easier route to enforcement of awards. The clause must be carefully drafted, and we can review it. See our Litigation and Dispute Resolution practice.

Does Egypt’s data protection law affect our commercial contracts?
It can. Contracts involving personal data, such as software, outsourcing and marketing agreements, should address the requirements of the Personal Data Protection Law and its regulations, including cross-border transfers.

Speak to Our Commercial Contracts Team

Entering a new agreement or reviewing an existing one in Egypt? Contact Al Majidi Law Firm for a confidential discussion of your contract and the risks to manage.

Contact Us · info@almajidilaw.com