Foreign investors are eligible to obtain a new 15-year residence permit in Kuwait
Foreign investors looking to build long-term businesses in Kuwait may soon have a stronger reason to stay.In a major policy shift aimed at attracting global capital, Kuwait has unveiled a new residency program that allows qualified foreign investors, business owners and top executives to live in the country for up to 15 years.
This move is among the longest residency permits currently available in the Gulf region and reflects Kuwait’s increasing efforts to compete with its regional neighbors for investment and talent.The new framework, which was approved under Cabinet Resolution No. 651 of 2026 and published in the Kuwait Official Gazette today, aims to give investors greater certainty while encouraging new foreign direct investment into the country’s economy. Authorities say the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to enhance the business environment in Kuwait, create job opportunities, and reduce dependence on oil revenues.Officials at the Ministry of Interior said that the program supports Kuwait’s vision to become a more attractive destination for international investors and companies. The program was developed in coordination with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), which will play a key role in evaluating qualified applicants.
A new residence permit in Kuwait for 15 years
The long-term residency program targets investors who make a significant contribution to the Kuwaiti economy rather than the wider expatriate population.Under the new regulations, residence permits for up to 15 years can be granted to owners of investment entities licensed by the Direct Investment Promotion Authority, approved business partners, and senior executives working in eligible companies. Immediate family members, including spouses and children, can also benefit from the residency scheme.To qualify, companies must maintain investments worth at least 5 million Kuwaiti dinars (about $16.3 million) and have a minimum capital base of 1 million Kuwaiti dinars deposited within Kuwait. Companies must also demonstrate real operations within the country and comply with Kuwaitization requirements, which encourage the employment of Kuwaiti citizens.Applications will be reviewed by the Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) before being referred to the General Department of Residence Affairs at the Ministry of Interior for final processing.
Why does Kuwait offer residency?
This announcement comes at a time when Gulf countries are intensifying their efforts to attract foreign investments amid increasing competition for international companies and highly skilled professionals.For many years, investors in the region have sought greater stability of residence to support long-term business planning. By offering permits that can last for up to 15 years, Kuwait seeks to remove one of the biggest concerns for investors, which is uncertainty about residency renewal and future business continuity.This move also brings Kuwait closer to regional initiatives such as the Golden Visa in the United Arab Emirates and the Premium Residency Program in Saudi Arabia. While each scheme has different requirements, they all share a common goal: attracting investors who can bring capital, expertise and economic growth.According to officials, the new residency framework is expected to help improve Kuwait’s attractiveness as an investment destination while supporting broader economic diversification plans.
What does the new scheme mean?
For investors, the benefits are clear and straightforward. Longer residency provides greater security for business owners and their families, making it easier to plan expansion, hire employees, and allocate capital over the long term.For Kuwait, the government hopes the initiative will encourage more foreign direct investment, support private sector growth, and enhance the country’s position as a regional business hub.However, the authorities stressed that the residence permit is linked to continued compliance with investment and regulatory requirements. Investors must maintain qualifying businesses throughout the residency period, and permits can be revoked if conditions are no longer met.The introduction of a 15-year residence permit represents one of the most important investment reforms in Kuwait in recent years. As Gulf economies increasingly compete for global capital, this move signals that Kuwait is willing to provide investors with greater long-term certainty in exchange for a sustainable economic contribution.