Kuwait launches 15-year residency pathway for foreign investors

17/06/2026 04:27 AST

Kuwait has introduced a new residency pathway allowing qualifying foreign investors, senior executives and their immediate families to remain in the country for up to 15 years, as the government steps up efforts to attract global capital.

The framework was approved under Cabinet Resolution No. 651 of 2026 and developed through coordination between the Ministry of Interior's General Directorate of Residency Affairs and the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, the ministry said in a statement on June 15.

The eligible categories include owners of licensed investment entities, approved partners, qualifying immediate family members and senior executives.

Under the program, entities licensed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority must maintain an investment value of at least 5 million Kuwaiti dinar ($16.2 million) and capital of no less than 1 million dinar in approved investment activities.

Long-term residency programs have become an increasingly important policy tool across the Gulf, with governments anticipating that offering greater certainty to investors and business leaders will encourage capital inflows, support private-sector growth and deepen economic integration beyond the region's traditional reliance on hydrocarbons.

"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," the Ministry of Interior said.

Eligible businesses must also continue conducting active operations in Kuwait and meet the minimum requirement for employing Kuwaiti nationals.

The move places Kuwait alongside Gulf economies that have expanded long-term residency programs to attract investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.

The UAE offers renewable five- and 10-year Golden Visas to qualifying investors and other eligible groups, while Saudi Arabia provides a range of Premium Residency products for investors, entrepreneurs, property owners and specialized talent.

Some Saudi pathways grant permanent residency to business investors who meet investment and job-creation requirements.

Oman, Bahrain and Qatar have also introduced residency schemes linked to investment, property ownership or professional status.

Kuwait's 15-year pathway adds to this regional competition by giving qualifying investors, executives and their families a longer planning horizon for establishing and expanding businesses in the country.

Arab News