Under the new rules, applicants must be connected to a company with investments worth at least 5 million Kuwaiti dinars. The company must also have a minimum capital of 1 million dinars and officials require evidence that the money has been deposited within Kuwait.
As per Arab News, the Ministry of Interior said, “This initiative affirms Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal and regulatory foundations supporting direct investment, in continuation of the objectives of Law No. 116 of 2013 concerning the promotion of direct investment in the state, while enhancing its attractiveness to global investors seeking long-term growth opportunities.”
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Kuwait’s new residency programme is available to several groups connected to businesses. This includes owners of approved investment companies, business partners, top executives and their close family members.
People who apply for the program will have their applications reviewed by the General Directorate of Residency Affairs, which operates under the Ministry of Interior. The final decision will also take into account recommendations from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA), the government body responsible for encouraging foreign investment in the country.
Other Gulf nations
Kuwait’s new residency programme follows a trend already seen in several Gulf countries that are trying to attract more foreign investment and talented professionals.
The United Arab Emirates offers long term visas to eligible investors and other qualified individuals, while Saudi Arabia has special residency options for investors, business owners, property buyers and skilled professionals. Other countries in the region, including Oman, Bahrain and Qatar, have also launched similar programs.
(Edited by : Sudarsanan Mani)
First Published: Jun 18, 2026 7:26 PM IST
