How to Pay for Hurghada Property from Abroad: Transfers, Currency & Proof of Payment (2026 Guide)
Buying aย property in Hurghada while you live abroad is common. However, many buyers make costly mistakes when paying forย Hurghada real estateย remotely. The safest payment plan is not โfast.โ Instead, itโs traceable, contractโbased, and bankโverified.
In this guide, youโll learn how to pay for a Hurghada property from abroad using bank transfers, how currency affects your total cost, and what โproof of paymentโ you must keep to protect your home and your legal position.
Important (not legal/financial advice): Always confirm payment steps with a qualified Egyptian lawyer and your bank before sending funds.
Quick answer: the safest way to pay for a Hurghada property from abroad
If you want the safest approach in 2026, do this:
- Pay through a recognized bank transfer (not informal channels).
- Keep SWIFT proof of transfer for every payment.
- Use explicit payment references (unit number + contract number).
- Match the currency rules for foreigners if you plan to register the property.
- Save receipts and bank transfers as โproof of paymentโ in one file.
Why proof of payment matters in Hurghada real estate
Proof of payment is not โextra paperwork.โ Itโs protection.
On the Official Egyptian Real Estate Platform Blog, the property registration step lists โproof of payment (receipts or bank transfers)โ among the documents usually required for registration at the Real Estate Registry (โุงูุดูุฑ ุงูุนูุงุฑูโ).
So, if you buy a Hurghada apartment and later need to register, resell, or prove your payments, your file should be complete from day one.
Payment rules for foreign buyers in Egypt
If you are a nonโEgyptian buyer and you want to register your purchase, payment documentation can be more than just โrecommended.โ
A Lexis Middle East summary explains that Circular No. 41 (Real Estate Registration and Notarisation Authority) requires the purchase price of real estate sold to a foreigner to be transferred from abroad in foreign currency to a local bank in Egypt, and applicants must provide evidence of that transfer for contracts concluded on or after March 26, 2024.
A separate report explains the pradetails detail:
- If the contract price is in EGP, the equivalent amount in foreign currency must be transferred based on the exchange rate.
- If the contract price is in foreign currency, Central Bank approval is required for the sale in foreign currency (as reported).
What this means for you:
Before you pay, you must ask your lawyer: โWhat payment proof will be required for this exact property registration path?โ Then pay accordingly.
Best payment methods for buying a Hurghada apartment from abroad
1) Bank transfer via SWIFT
For most international buyers, SWIFT bank transfers are the most common and traceable option.
A central Egyptian bank (Banque Misr) describes SWIFT remittances as a safe, secure, and widely used method of transferring funds between banks.
Why SWIFT helps Hurghada property buyers
- Your payment is traceable (date, sender, recipient, amount)
- You can match the payment to your sales contract
- You can produce proof quickly if requested later
What to write in the transfer โreferenceโ field
Use a clear format, for example:
- Unit number + project/building + contract number + your name
- โApartment A12 โ [Project Name] โ Contract 2026/01 โ [Your Name]โ
This makes your proof of payment much stronger.
2) Paying a developer in installments from abroad
Installment plans are standard in Egyptian real estate, including the Red Sea. However, an installment plan must still be appropriately documented.
The Official Egyptian Real Estate Platform Blog notes that property purchases are often completed in cash or through installment plans with developers, and it recommends using recognized bank transfers with retained SWIFT proof.
If you pay installments, do these 5 things
- Get the full schedule in writing (dates, amounts, and currency).
- Pay only to the official company bank account (not a personal account).
- Request a receipt for each payment (PDF + stamped if possible).
- Keep every transfer confirmation in one folder (see โPayment Fileโ below).
- Reconcile monthly: your receipts should match the schedule exactly.
3) Cash payments
Cash can happen in resale deals. Still, for remote buyers and for future registration, cash is riskier.
In addition, the foreign-buyer rules discussed above were introduced to prevent illegal sales outside the banking system and require proof that funds entered the banking channel.
If cash is ever proposed, treat it as a red flag unless your lawyer confirms a safe and legal structure, with proper receipts and a clear registration plan.
Currency: how exchange rates change your real cost
When you buy Hurghada real estate, currency affects:
- your down payment and installments,
- your transfer fees, and
- Your final total payable.
Use official exchange rates for clarity.
The Central Bank of Egypt publishes exchange rate statistics on its website (including major currencies).
Practical tips to reduce โFX surprises.sโ
- First, confirm what currency is written in your sale contract (EGP vs USD/EUR/GBP).
- Next, confirm what currency the sellerโs Egyptian bank account accepts for the transfer.
- Then, plan for timing: exchange rates can move between your transfer date and your contract date.
- Finally, keep screenshots or PDFs of the exchange rate on the day you sent the transfer (for your file).
If your contract is in EGP but your transfer is in foreign currency, your lawyer may advise you to document the exchange rate used to calculate the โequivalent amount.โ
Proof of payment: what to keep (and why it protects you)
A complete proofโofโpayment file is your safety net. It supports registration, future resale, and dispute prevention.
The 7 documents you should save for every Hurghada property payment
- Signed sale contract (and annexes/addenda)
- Bank transfer confirmation (from your bank)
- SWIFT transfer proof (often called SWIFT confirmation)
- Seller/developer receipt (signed/stamped if available)
- Payment schedule (for installment plans)
- ID copy used in the transaction (passport)
- Email/WhatsApp confirmation showing the seller acknowledged the payment (helpful but straightforward)
What is an โMT103โ and do you need it?
After many international bank transfers, you can request a SWIFT MT103 (or equivalent confirmation) from your bank. One payment provider describes it as a detailed document confirming that an international transfer was sent and showing key transaction details.
You do not always need MT103 specifically. However, you do need clear SWIFT proof that matches your contract and receipts.
Safe steps before you transfer money to buy a Hurghada apartment
Step 1: Verify the recipient bank account details
Before you send funds:
- Confirm the beneficiary name matches the developer/seller name in your contract.
- Confirm the IBAN/account number and SWIFT/BIC from an official document (invoice/letterhead).
- Double-check details on a live call, not just in a WhatsApp text.
Step 2: Make your contract and payment schedule โmatchโ
Your contract should clearly state:
- total price, currency, and due dates,
- What counts as paid (bank transfer vs receipt),
- any penalties, and
- handover conditions.
If your payment schedule is vague, fix it before paying.
Step 3: Expect bank questions (this is normal)
Banks may ask for:
- the sale contract,
- your ID,
- source of funds documents,
- and reasons for transfer.
The Official Egyptian Real Estate Platform Blog advises buyers to transfer funds through a recognized bank and to retain SWIFT documents, and notes that you may need to declare the source of funds if requested.
Step 4: Send a test payment when possible
For large purchases, a small test transfer can confirm:
- account details are correct,
- The beneficiary can receive funds,
- References show correctly.
Then you send the principal payment.
Step 5: Build your โPayment Fileโ
Create one folder named:
Hurghada Property Payments โ [Unit/Project] โ [Your Name]
Inside, keep:
- Contract + annexes
- Every transfer confirmation
- Every receipt
- A simple spreadsheet listing date, amount, currency, and purpose
Remember: registration documentation commonly includes proof of payment.
Common payment mistakes when buying Hurghada real estate from abroad
Avoid these, and youโll remove most risk:
- Paying into a personal account โto save fees.โ
- Sending funds without a signed contract
- Using unclear references like โdepositโ only
- Losing receipts (or accepting โwe received itโ without documents)
- Not matching foreign buyer payment requirements for future registration
- Paying in a currency that creates future legal or accounting problems
FAQs: paying for Hurghada property from abroad
Can I purchase a Hurghada apartment in USD or EUR?
It depends on the contract and the legal setup. Reports about foreign buyer rules note that if the contract price is in foreign currency, approval from the Central Bank of Egypt may be required (as reported).
Always confirm with your lawyer before you sign.
Do I need to transfer the full amount from abroad?
If you are a foreign buyer planning to register, the circular summary indicates the purchase price must be transferred from abroad in foreign currency to a local bank, with evidence provided for qualifying sales contracts.
Your lawyer should advise how this applies to your specific deal structure.
What proof of payment is usually accepted?
Registration guidance lists receipts or bank transfers as proof of payment.
For stronger protection, keep both bank proof and seller receipts.
How Hurghadians Property Company helps you pay safely from abroad
If youโre buying a Hurghada apartment remotely, Hurghadians Property Company can help you reduce risk by:
- Confirming the payment schedule matches your buying goal (cash vs installments)
- Coordinating verified bank details with the seller/developer
- Building a clean โproof of paymentโ folder from the start
- Supporting remote buying steps with a lawyer-first approach
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