Kuwait has approved a new residency framework that allows eligible foreigners to obtain long-term residence permits of up to 10 or 15 years, according to Al Qabas Arabic daily, as reported by Gulf News. The changes expand the current system and link residency duration to investment value, property ownership and family-based eligibility.
The updated regulations were issued under Article 7 of the Executive Regulations of the Law on the Residence of Foreigners and approved by Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The structure defines the maximum duration of ordinary residence permits and the criteria for each category.
Residency terms now vary by eligibility and investment
Standard residency will continue to be granted for up to five years. However, the system now permits select groups of foreigners to obtain residency of up to 10 years if they meet the conditions set by authorities. The longest term, up to 15 years, is designated for foreign investors who qualify under Law No. 116 of 2013 on foreign capital investment and fulfil additional requirements determined by the Council of Ministers. The move aims to promote stability and long-term economic engagement by attracting high-value investors.
Additional categories eligible for extended residency include children of Kuwaiti citizens, expatriates who own property in Kuwait, and other groups identified through official decisions by the Minister of Interior.
Residency renewals will remain available upon application. A valid health insurance registration from the Ministry of Health in the name of the sponsored individual is mandatory for issuing or renewing residency and for transferring sponsorship to a new employer. The residency period cannot exceed the duration of the health insurance coverage.
Officials say the revised system aims to balance regulatory oversight with increased stability for expatriates who contribute to Kuwait’s economy and society.
The updated regulations were issued under Article 7 of the Executive Regulations of the Law on the Residence of Foreigners and approved by Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. The structure defines the maximum duration of ordinary residence permits and the criteria for each category.
Residency terms now vary by eligibility and investment
Standard residency will continue to be granted for up to five years. However, the system now permits select groups of foreigners to obtain residency of up to 10 years if they meet the conditions set by authorities. The longest term, up to 15 years, is designated for foreign investors who qualify under Law No. 116 of 2013 on foreign capital investment and fulfil additional requirements determined by the Council of Ministers. The move aims to promote stability and long-term economic engagement by attracting high-value investors.
Additional categories eligible for extended residency include children of Kuwaiti citizens, expatriates who own property in Kuwait, and other groups identified through official decisions by the Minister of Interior.
Residency renewals will remain available upon application. A valid health insurance registration from the Ministry of Health in the name of the sponsored individual is mandatory for issuing or renewing residency and for transferring sponsorship to a new employer. The residency period cannot exceed the duration of the health insurance coverage.
Officials say the revised system aims to balance regulatory oversight with increased stability for expatriates who contribute to Kuwait’s economy and society.
