Investor / Golden Visa in Kuwait
2 documented routes of this kind in Kuwait, each with its conditions, documents, official government fees and process.
Long-Term Investor Residency (up to 15 years, Foreign Capital Investment Law No. 116/2013)
The 15-year residency permit for foreign investors is governed by Cabinet Resolution No. 651 of 2026, which implements the framework under the Foreign Capital Investment Law (Law No. 116/2013) through KDIPA. Eligibility requires: (1) a minimum total investment volume of KD 5 million; (2) a minimum entity capital of KD 1 million deposited within Kuwait; (3) a genuine operational presence in Kuwait (entities must not be dormant); and (4) compliance with KDIPA-set Kuwaiti national hiring quotas. Eligible categories include owners of licensed investment entities, business partners, senior executives, and their immediate family members (spouses, parents, children). Annual iqama fee: KWD 50 (investor/property-owner category); dependent fee: KWD 40 per year. Renewal application must be submitted 60 days before permit expiry.
- Processing time
- Variable; depends on KDIPA licensing then MOI approval
- Validity
- Up to 15 years, renewable
- Language requirement
- No language certificate needed
- Permanent residence
- Long-term renewable residence rather than statutory PR
Requirements
- KDIPA investment licence under Foreign Capital Investment Law No. 116/2013
- Status as owner/partner/approved senior executive of the licensed entity
- Maintained physical business presence and compliance (incl. Kuwaitisation rules set by KDIPA)
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Mandatory health insurance
- Case-by-case MOI approval
Required Documents
- KDIPA investment licence / approval required
- Company incorporation and ownership documents required
- Evidence of role (owner/partner/executive) required
- Passport valid 6+ months required
- Health insurance policy required
Official fees
- Annual residence (Iqama) fee — investor 50 KWD
- Annual dependent fee — investor's dependants 40 KWD
- Mandatory annual health insurance 100 KWD
Process Steps
-
1
Obtain KDIPA licence
Apply for and obtain a foreign-investment licence under Law 116/2013 via KDIPA.
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2
Establish/operate the entity
Incorporate the licensed entity and maintain a real business presence and compliance.
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3
Apply for long-term residence
Submit the long-term residency application to MOI as owner/partner/approved executive.
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4
Issuance
MOI issues the up-to-15-year residence; add dependants and obtain Civil IDs.
Official Sources
Property-Owner Long-Term Residency (up to 10 years)
The 10-year residency permit for property owners was formally enacted under Ministerial Resolution No. 2249 of 2025, effective 23 December 2025. There is no legislated minimum property value threshold in the resolution. Annual iqama fee for property owners: KWD 50; annual dependent fee: KWD 40. The permit is renewable and provides long-term residential stability for foreign nationals who own real estate in Kuwait.
- Processing time
- Variable, case-by-case
- Validity
- Up to 10 years, renewable
- Language requirement
- No language certificate needed
Requirements
- Lawful ownership of qualifying real estate in Kuwait
- Passport valid 6+ months
- Mandatory health insurance
- Case-by-case MOI approval
Required Documents
- Title deed / property ownership documents required
- Passport valid 6+ months required
- Health insurance policy required
Official fees
- Annual residence (Iqama) fee — property owner 50 KWD
- Annual dependent fee 40 KWD
Process Steps
-
1
Own qualifying property
Lawfully own qualifying real estate in Kuwait.
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2
Apply to MOI
Submit the property-owner residency application with title documents.
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3
Issuance
MOI issues the up-to-10-year residence; add eligible dependants.