KUWAIT CITY – Kuwait has issued a comprehensive regulatory framework governing long-term residence permits for foreign investors, pursuant to Cabinet Resolution No. 651 of 2026, published in the Official Gazette “Kuwait Alyoum”.
The new rules are designed to streamline investment residency procedures while imposing strict legal, financial and compliance requirements, with the aim of increasing oversight and attracting high-value foreign investments.
Under this resolution, investor residence permits may be granted for up to 15 years to eligible categories, including owners, partners, senior executives of authorized investment entities, and their immediate family members, including spouses, parents, and children.
This process will be managed by the Directorate General of Residency Affairs, Ministry of Interior, based on recommendations from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), in accordance with relevant investment and residency laws.
To qualify for investor residency, applicants must meet several mandatory conditions.
The main requirement is the submission of a criminal history certificate confirming that the applicant has no previous convictions or convictions that would legally prevent the issuance of a residency permit. Additionally, the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application to ensure compliance with standard immigration document rules.
This resolution imposes significant responsibilities on investment entities and requires them to take full legal responsibility for the accuracy of all data, documents and declarations submitted. The authorities stressed that any false information or forged documents will lead to immediate refusal or cancellation of residency, and potential legal consequences under applicable Kuwaiti law.
A central feature of the new framework is the financial criteria imposed on eligible investment entities. The resolution requires that the total investment must be at least KD 5 million and that the capital of the investing entity must be at least KD 1 million. Applicants must also provide proof that the capital was deposited within Kuwait. These requirements apply to all investment activities authorized under the Direct Investment Promotion Act No. 116 of 2013, with provisions allowing future thresholds to be adjusted based on the recommendations of the Competent Minister and KDIPA.
In addition to financial criteria, the investing entity must maintain a genuine operational presence and conduct active business activities within Kuwait. They will also be required to comply with employment regulations, including minimum quotas for Kuwaiti nationals, determined by KDIPA in coordination with relevant authorities, strengthening the country’s labor participation policy.
The application process is structured with efficiency in mind, and KDIPA will be responsible for reviewing your submissions and ensuring compliance with all conditions. Once a complete application is submitted, KDIPA must issue a decision within five business days. However, the authorities reserve the right to request additional documents or data at any stage. If you do not provide the requested information within 30 days, your application will be automatically denied. Submission of an application constitutes legal acceptance of the accuracy of all information provided.
The resolution also outlines the procedure for renewing investors’ residence permits. Renewal applications must be submitted at least 60 days before the expiration of your current permit. Renewal is subject to the investment entity’s continued operations and continued compliance with all legal, financial and regulatory requirements outlined in the resolution.
It also defines strict conditions under which an investor’s right of residence may be canceled or terminated prior to expiry. These include convictions related to corruption offenses, loss of eligibility criteria, submission of false or forged documents, failure to start business activities, prolonged inactivity of more than one year, or revocation or liquidation of the investment entity’s license. In such cases, you must notify the relevant authorities for immediate revocation of your residence status.
Once an investor’s residence permit expires, all related residence permits will automatically expire unless renewed. However, holders will have up to 90 days to settle their financial and legal obligations within Kuwait. In exceptional cases, this period may be extended up to 180 days with the approval of the Director-General of the Immigration Bureau.
Finally, the resolution directs all competent authorities to implement its provisions immediately upon publication. Officials said the framework aims to increase transparency, improve regulatory oversight and position Kuwait as a more structured and attractive destination for foreign direct investment, while ensuring compliance with the country’s economic and labor policies.
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