Kuwait announces 15-year residency permits for foreign investors

Kuwait announced on Monday, June 15 a new long-term residency plan that will allow eligible foreign investors, their immediate family members, accredited senior executives and approved partners to obtain residency permits for up to 15 years. The measure ties residency eligibility to investment activity licensed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) and is part of a broader regulatory package approved by the Cabinet under Resolution No. 651 of 2026.

"The new residency rule follows Kuwait's leadership’s plan to transform the country into an attractive financial and commercial centre for investment while strengthening its competitiveness in the region," the Ministry of Interior (MoI) said.

Under the new provisions, investors must satisfy a series of conditions to qualify for the extended residency permits. Primary requirements include ownership of investment entities licensed by KDIPA, maintenance of actual business operations within Kuwait, compliance with prescribed requirements to employ Kuwaiti nationals, and investment in approved activities with a minimum capital outlay of KD1 million. In addition, entities licensed by KDIPA must maintain an investment value of no less than KD5 million.

• Residency length: up to 15 years for eligible investors and designated family members, senior executives and approved partners.
• Minimum individual investment: KD1 million in approved activities.
• Minimum entity investment value for KDIPA-licensed entities: KD5 million.
• Licensing authority: Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA).
• Legal framework: builds on Law No. 116 of 2013 and Cabinet Resolution No. 651 of 2026.

The initiative was developed through coordination between the Ministry of Interior's General Department of Residency Affairs and KDIPA, officials said, and is presented as part of efforts to enhance the legal and regulatory environment for foreign direct investment in Kuwait. The plan follows the approval of a new regulatory framework by the Cabinet and aligns with existing legislation—specifically Law No. 116 of 2013 regarding the promotion of direct investment in Kuwait.

Officials expect the long-term residency permit to provide greater certainty for international investors seeking to establish and expand businesses in Kuwait, while supporting economic diversification and attracting high-value investments. The measures explicitly require on-the-ground business operations and local employment commitments, signalling an emphasis on tangible economic contributions rather than passive capital placement.

While detailed implementation guidelines, application procedures and timelines were not published in the initial announcement, the new rule places Kuwait among a growing list of Gulf states offering extended residency options to entice foreign capital and talent. Observers note the move echoes regional competitors’ long-term visa programmes, which have been used to attract entrepreneurs, investors and skilled professionals.

Looking ahead, the effectiveness of the policy will hinge on administrative clarity from KDIPA and the Ministry of Interior, investor uptake at the specified investment thresholds (KD1 million per approved activity and KD5 million per licensed entity), and the ease with which international businesses can meet local employment requirements. If implemented smoothly, the 15-year residency option could become a key tool in Kuwait’s strategy to convert investment pledges into sustained economic activity and deeper commercial ties with global investors.