No, squatting in Egypt is criminalized under Penal Code Article 374, with unauthorized occupation punishable by fines or imprisonment. The state enforces evictions via the National Authority for Tackling Urban Expansion (NATUE), established under Law 17/2018, which targets informal settlements. Recent 2026 amendments to the Urban Regeneration Law further criminalize squatting in public or private properties, including abandoned buildings.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Egypt
- Penal Code Article 374: Imposes penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment or fines for unauthorized occupation of immovable property.
- Law 17/2018 (NATUE Mandate): Grants authorities power to demolish or evict squatters in designated urban expansion zones without prior notice.
- 2026 Urban Regeneration Amendments: Expands criminal liability to include squatting in vacant properties, even if not formally abandoned, with stricter enforcement by municipal courts.
Egypt’s legal framework prioritizes property rights over adverse possession claims, as civil courts rarely recognize squatters’ rights under usucapio (Egyptian Civil Code Article 968). The Real Estate Registration Law (Law 186/2020) requires mandatory property registration, leaving squatters without legal recourse. Exceptions exist only for de facto occupants in informal settlements slated for state-led redevelopment, where relocation compensation may apply.