The Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority has announced the launch of a new long-term residence permit. It has been available to foreign investors since June 14th, 2026.
Elena Ruda explains how Kuwait residence differs from other Golden Visas.
What is known about the new Kuwait residence permit
The status can be obtained by investors who have opened a company in Kuwait and received a licence from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, or KDIPA[1]Source: Kuwait residence for investors, KDIPA.
Residence permits will be issued for up to 15 years. The new rules are based on Law No. 116 of 2013 on the Promotion of Direct Investment and Article 13 of Law No. 114 of 2024 on the Residence of Foreigners[2]Source: Legal basis for obtaining Kuwait residence, KDIPA.
KDIPA does not specify whether investors will be able to obtain citizenship by naturalisation in the future.
Elena Ruda,
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
A licensed company in Kuwait may be eligible for tax exemption for up to 10 years, as well as customs benefits for equipment and materials, and the right to use land or real estate.
A foreign investor can own a 100% share in the capital of a Kuwaiti company if it was established for direct investment and licensed in accordance with the law.
Requirements for applicants
The following applicants may be eligible for Kuwait residence:
- owners and partners of licensed investment companies;
- managers approved by KDIPA;
- close relatives of the investor.
The government has not yet specified which relatives can be included in the application.
Company requirements
To obtain residence, the investor must work for a company that:
- conducts real business activity in Kuwait;
- has invested KWD5 million, or $16.2 million, in the company’s development;
- maintains capital of at least KWD1 million, or $3.2 million, for approved investment activity;
- meets the minimum requirements for hiring Kuwaiti citizens.
Process of obtaining Kuwait residence by investment
Applications for 15-year Kuwait residence can be submitted on the KDIPA website through the investor service centre[3]Source: Online residence application service, KDIPA.
The full list of documents, government fee amounts, application processing times, and grounds for refusal have not yet been published.
Where residence permits are issued without opening a company
Kuwait expects investors to create jobs, develop technology, and support the long-term growth of the economy.
Investors can obtain a residence permit without opening a business. Suitable options include purchasing real estate or making a non-refundable contribution.
Where foreigners can obtain residence by investment
Country
Status
RP
Investment
€250,000+
Investment in culture or fund units
Timeframe
12+ months
Residence
7 days per annum
Country | Status | Investment | Timeframe | Residence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
RP | €50,000+ | 3+ months | Not required | |
RP | €250,000+ | 12+ months | 7 days per annum | |
RP | €250,000+ | 4+ months | Not required | |
RP | €250,000+ | 5+ months | Not required | |
PR | €300,000+ | 9+ months | Visit every 2 years |
Immigrant Invest lawyers will help choose a country for relocation or as a backup plan. We will prepare the documents and assist at every stage, from choosing the investment option to obtaining the residence permit card.
We have our in-house compliance department, and our lawyers check documents before application submission. This reduces the risk of residence permit refusal to 1%.
