What is the difference between a residency visa and a re-entry visa?

The residency visa entitles them, as the word suggests, to reside in Egypt. The re-entry visa entitles you to re-enter Egypt if you already have a visa. If you have a valid residence visa, you should apply for a re-entry visa at the visa office BEFORE you leave Egypt. Otherwise your residence visa will expire and you will have to apply for and pay for it again.

Please note: Residents should not leave the country without a valid re-entry visa. An exception is of course the desired renewal of the resident visa.