Kuwait Approves 15-Year Residency Program for Investors

Kuwait approves a new long-term residency program offering up to 15 years of residence for foreign investors, becoming the last GCC country to open an official investor pathway.

The program allows investors to qualify through two options:

• Real estate investment – 10-year residence permit
• Business investment – 15-year residence permit

Unlike other Gulf programs, Kuwait has no fixed minimum investment threshold.

Applications will be reviewed individually based on the project’s economic value, sustainability, and contribution to national diversification goals.

Investment Options

The Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) may license projects as 100% foreign-owned companies, branches of international firms, or representative offices for market studies.

Authorities will evaluate projects on their impact in areas such as:

• Technology and knowledge transfer
• Employment and training for Kuwaiti nationals
• Export potential and non-oil diversification

For property investors, the average residential property price ranges between KD 200,000 and KD 300,000 (approximately USD 650,000–980,000).

Residency and Sponsorship Updates

From December 23, 2025, Kuwait will also implement a revised residency framework with updated fees and family sponsorship rules:

• Minimum income to sponsor dependents: KD 800 (~USD 2,600) per month
• Annual dependent fee (non-spouse or child): KD 300 (~USD 977)

Residencies under both investor routes will be renewable upon application.

Program’s Future Outlook

The reform is part of Kuwait’s broader effort to modernize its immigration system, attract global investors, and reduce reliance on oil revenue.

By introducing this long-term residency track, Kuwait joins its Gulf neighbors in offering investors a stable, transparent route to residence and business growth within the region.