Kuwait approves 15-year residency for eligible foreign investors under new regulations
Kuwait approves 15-year residency for eligible foreign investors under new regulations
- The regulations require investment entities to maintain a minimum investment volume of 5 million dinars and a capital base of at least 1 million dinars. Applicants must also provide proof that the capital has been deposited in Kuwait.
- Companies must maintain a physical business presence in the country and comply with Kuwaitization requirements by employing the minimum number of Kuwaiti nationals specified by KDIPA in coordination with relevant authorities.
- The residency permit may be renewed as long as the investment entity remains operational and continues to satisfy all applicable conditions and standards.
- Under the new framework, investors whose residency permits expire may remain in Kuwait for up to 90 days to settle their affairs and obligations. This period may be extended to a maximum of 180 days in accordance with applicable regulations.
Kuwait has introduced new regulations governing residency permits for foreign investors, allowing eligible applicants to obtain residency for up to 15 years as part of efforts to enhance the country’s investment environment and attract foreign capital.
The new rules were published in the latest issue of the official gazette, Kuwait Alywam, under Cabinet Resolution No. 651 of 2026 concerning licensing requirements and controls for foreign investors covered by Law No. 116 of 2013 on the promotion of direct investment.
Under the decision, the General Directorate of Residency Affairs at the Ministry of Interior may grant a 15-year investor residency permit upon recommendation from the Direct Investment Promotion Authority (DIPA) to applicants who meet the specified conditions and standards.
The residency scheme covers owners and partners of licensed investment entities, company managers, senior executives holding positions approved by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), as well as their family members.
According to the regulations, investment entities must hold a valid investment license issued by DIPA. Investors, partners, managers and senior executives seeking residency must be registered with the relevant authorities, including the Public Authority for Manpower, and submit a valid passport and criminal record certificate.
The regulations require investment entities to maintain a minimum investment volume of 5 million dinars and a capital base of at least 1 million dinars. Applicants must also provide proof that the capital has been deposited in Kuwait.
In addition, companies must maintain a physical business presence in the country and comply with Kuwaitization requirements by employing the minimum number of Kuwaiti nationals specified by KDIPA in coordination with relevant authorities, Al-Rai daily reports.
KDIPA will be responsible for reviewing residency applications and verifying compliance with all requirements. The authority must issue a decision within five working days of receiving a complete application and supporting documentation.
The residency permit may be renewed as long as the investment entity remains operational and continues to satisfy all applicable conditions and standards.
The decision also outlines circumstances under which investor residency may be revoked before expiry. These include violations under the Foreigners’ Residency Law, final convictions in corruption-related crimes, failure to meet residency requirements, submission of false information or forged documents, suspension of business activities for more than one year without an approved justification, or cancellation, liquidation or removal of the investment entity.
Under the new framework, investors whose residency permits expire may remain in Kuwait for up to 90 days to settle their affairs and obligations. This period may be extended to a maximum of 180 days in accordance with applicable regulations.
The decision takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette, with relevant government agencies tasked with implementing its provisions within their respective jurisdictions.
