Kuwait introduces long-term Civil IDs for property, investment visa holders

First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef, has introduced a new civil ID card for certain categories of foreigners.

The initiative targets individuals registered in the Civil Information System under the first paragraph of Article Two of Law No. 82/32, which governs civil data in the country.

Under the decision, the new electronic-chip ID card will be issued to two specific groups:

Property owners residing in Kuwait, with cards valid for 10 years.

Foreign investors benefiting from the incentives under Law No. 116 of 2013 regarding the promotion of direct investment, with cards valid for 15 years.

The move is designed to streamline civil identification and ensure that key categories of expatriates have secure, long-term identification that reflects their status and investment in Kuwait.

According to the second article of the decision, the Director-General of the Civil Information Authority is authorized to:
Amend any information printed on the civil card or stored in its electronic chip.

Adjust data in the machine-readable zone and all associated procedures, documents, and forms required for issuance, renewal, or modification of the card.

Add or remove information as necessary in accordance with public interest requirements.

The new civil ID card is expected to enhance administrative efficiency, improve record accuracy, and facilitate smoother interactions for property owners and investors within Kuwait.