Kuwait has issued an updated residency framework under Article 7 of the Executive Regulations of the Law on the Residence of Foreigners, expanding long-term residence permits for eligible foreigners for as much as 10 years or 15 years. This development, approved by Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, links residency terms to investment, property ownership, and family-based eligibility.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The revised residency system introduces significant opportunities and compliance considerations for global mobility programs, multinational employers, and mobile employees in Kuwait.
Organizations may see reduced administrative turnover and enhanced planning capabilities for long-term assignments, especially for assignees qualifying under investment or family criteria.
For employees, longer residency terms offer increased stability and flexibility to pursue personal and professional goals in Kuwait. However, compliance requirements—including mandatory health insurance and the link between residency validity and insurance coverage—may necessitate process adjustments for HR and mobility teams.
The approach aims to balance regulatory oversight with attracting high-value foreign investment and supporting expatriates who contribute to Kuwait’s economy and society.
Key Highlights
Kuwait has implemented an updated residency system, as reported by Al Qabas and Gulf News, granting foreigners long-term residence permits of up to 10 years or 15 years based on investment, property ownership, and family ties. The changes, issued under Article 7 of the Executive Regulations, aim to encourage foreign investment and offer greater stability to expatriates, while maintaining regulatory oversight through health insurance and sponsorship requirements.
- Maximum Residency Duration: Standard residency permits remain capped at five years but select groups can now obtain up to 10 years, and qualifying foreign investors may be granted up to 15 years under Law No. 116 of 2013.
- Eligibility Criteria: Extended residency is available to foreign investors meeting investment thresholds, children of Kuwaiti citizens, property-owning expatriates, and other categories as determined by the Minister of Interior.
- Renewal and Compliance: Residency renewal remains possible upon application. Health insurance registration in the sponsored individual’s name is mandatory for issuing, renewing, or transferring residency, and residency duration cannot exceed the insurance coverage period.
- Policy Goals: The framework seeks to promote economic engagement, attract high-value investors, and support long-term expatriate contributions to Kuwait’s society and economy.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the change, entities and organisations may wish to consider the following:
- Companies may wish to review assignment planning and mobility policies for Kuwait in light of the new framework, particularly where long-term postings or investor assignments are contemplated.
- HR teams may wish to check health insurance procedures are aligned with residency requirements and prepare to advise employees on renewal and sponsorship transfer processes.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the directive, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS/People Services team with KPMG in Kuwait (see the Contacts section).
FOOTNOTE:
1 “MoI approves executive regulations of foreigners' residency law,” Kuwait News Agency, published on 23 November 2025.
Also visit https: https://kuwaitalyawm.media.gov.kw (in Arabic).
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Kuwait.
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