Kuwait introduces new residency permit rules for families, widows, expatriate parents

The General Directorate of Residency Affairs, of the Ministry of Interior, has introduced updated procedures for issuing residency permits for parents of expatriates, as well as widows and divorcees of Kuwaiti citizens.

Residency for children and spouses of Kuwaiti citizens will be issued under Article 22 (family reunification), following the Ministry’s regulations and conditions.

Residency permits for wives of Kuwaiti citizens and husbands of Kuwaiti women will be granted under Article 26, with an annual fee of 15 dinars per year. Similarly, widows and divorcees of Kuwaiti citizens will receive permits under Article 28, also for 15 dinars per year, reports Al-Anba daily.

The Ministry will extend Article 27 to include maternal uncles and aunts of Kuwaiti citizens, who will be exempt from fees.

For parents of expatriates, permits will fall under Article 29. Upon expiration, they must visit their local residency department for the first renewal, paying a fee of 300 dinars, after which future renewals can be completed online for the same fee.

The Ministry also plans to include foreign property owners and investors under a separate article, with fees to be determined in line with residency regulations.

These changes aim to streamline residency procedures and clarify fees for various family and investor categories, ensuring compliance with Kuwait’s residency law.