For more than seven decades, criminal procedure in Egypt has been governed by Law No. 150 of 1950. On 12 November 2025, Egypt issued a new Criminal Procedure Law (the “New CPL”) to replace that framework, marking an important milestone in the development of the country’s criminal justice system. The New CPL was originally scheduled to enter into force on 1 October 2026. The Egyptian Parliament has since approved a one-year postponement, and the law is now set to take effect on 1 October 2027. The additional time is intended to allow completion of the institutional, technical and digital preparations on which its effective application depends.
The New CPL reorganises every stage of criminal proceedings, from investigation and evidence gathering through to the enforcement of judgments. Its reforms are fundamental, not cosmetic. This article examines three of the most significant: remote investigation and trial, litigation on two levels in felony cases, and international judicial cooperation in criminal matters. It considers the practical implications of these reforms for companies operating in Egypt and prospective investors.
Remote Proceedings: From In-Person Attendance to Remote Participation
Article (530) of the New CPL introduces a system of remote investigation and trial using modern audio and visual technologies. Notably, the system is designed to preserve the confidentiality of investigations. Technology provides a means of conducting proceedings, not a basis for dispensing with procedural safeguards.
The following article extends the system to a wide range of participants in the criminal process: defendants, witnesses, victims, experts, civil claimants and those civilly liable. It reflects a clear legislative direction towards remote proceedings as a mainstream procedural model rather than an occasional expedient.
The reform responds to a need that has long been apparent. Technological tools streamline investigations and trials, save time and effort, and improve the efficiency of the administration of justice. Many other legal systems have already adopted such technologies. The New CPL brings Egypt’s criminal process into line with that approach.
Two-Tier Adjudication in Felony Cases: From Introduction to Consolidation
The introduction of litigation on two levels in felony cases is one of the most significant developments in the Egyptian criminal justice system in recent years. Under the previous Criminal Procedure Law, felony court judgments could be challenged only by way of cassation. There was no retrial of the merits before a higher court.
Law No. (1) of 2024, amending certain provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law, marked a fundamental turning point by introducing Appellate Felony Courts. Article 367 provides for the establishment of one or more circuits within each Court of Appeal to hear appeals against judgments issued at first instance by felony court circuits.
Consolidation, Not Novelty
The New CPL therefore carries forward an existing system rather than introducing a new one. Its inclusion is nonetheless significant: it signals the legislature’s intention to entrench litigation on two levels as a fundamental safeguard of the right to a fair trial within the Egyptian criminal justice system.
The New CPL regulates appeals against felony judgments in Articles (403) to (413). It strengthens the defendant’s right to have the case reheard before a higher court and re-examined on both the facts and the law. The result is stronger defence guarantees and a reduced likelihood of judicial error.
For companies and investors, the significance lies in legal certainty. Confidence in the judicial system is an important factor in assessing the legal risks of doing business and investing in the Egyptian market. The additional layer of review is particularly relevant where criminal cases have economic and commercial implications.
Cross-Border Justice, Investor Confidence
The New CPL dedicates an entire chapter to international judicial cooperation in criminal matters. That choice is itself significant. It reflects the importance the legislature attaches to cooperation between Egyptian judicial authorities and their foreign counterparts in combating transnational crime.
Articles (508) and (509) provide that the Egyptian judicial authorities shall cooperate with foreign judicial authorities through various forms of international judicial cooperation, including:
- requests for judicial assistance;
- the extradition of fugitives and the surrender of objects;
- the recovery of funds and assets derived from crimes;
- the transfer of sentenced persons; and
- other mechanisms of international criminal cooperation.
That cooperation operates within defined limits. It is without prejudice to the bilateral or multilateral agreements to which the Arab Republic of Egypt is a party, and it remains subject to the principle of reciprocity. The chapter therefore operates alongside Egypt’s treaty commitments; it does not displace them.
The framework reflects the State’s commitment to a legal environment consistent with international standards. For investors and foreign companies operating in Egypt, it strengthens confidence that their rights and interests will be protected within a framework of the rule of law and international justice.
Practical Implications and Next Steps
The New CPL is more than a procedural update. It reflects a coherent legislative vision aimed at improving the efficiency of the justice system and strengthening legal certainty. Broader fair-trial guarantees, more effective mechanisms for international judicial cooperation and procedural solutions built on modern technology each make the Egyptian legal environment more attractive to companies and investors. The proposition is straightforward: the clearer and more efficient a legal system is, and the more capable it is of protecting rights, the greater the confidence in the investment climate. These reforms therefore represent an important step towards strengthening the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy and bolstering confidence in its judicial and legislative institutions.
Companies operating in Egypt and prospective investors should reassess their compliance strategies and approach to criminal risk management in light of the New CPL, with particular attention to:
- the handling of investigations;
- the use of digital means in legal proceedings; and
- the scope of the newly introduced rights and guarantees.
The postponement to 1 October 2027 provides time to prepare. It should be used. As Egypt’s criminal justice system opens the way to remote participation, early preparation is essential.
Seek Legal Counsel
For further information, please contact Mohamed Elgazar, Senior Associate.
Disclaimer
The content provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of this information, the article does not offer a guarantee or warranty regarding its content. The matters discussed in this article are subject to interpretation, and legal outcomes may vary based on specific facts and circumstances. We recommend that readers seek individual legal counsel before making any decisions based on the information provided. If you require specific legal advice, please contact us directly.
