Kuwait announced a new long-term residency scheme on Monday, June 15, allowing eligible foreign investors and their family members to obtain residency permits for up to 15 years.

Under the new visa regulations, residency permits of up to 15 years will be issued to qualified foreign investors, their first-degree family members, certified senior executives, and approved partners associated with investment entities operating in Kuwait.

This new visa initiative is part of Kuwait's efforts to transform the country into one of the leading regional destinations for attracting foreign investment.

Who is eligible for Kuwait's 15-year investment visa?

Eligible investors must meet a set of conditions, including ownership of investment entities licensed by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA).

Investors must also maintain actual business activities within Kuwait, comply with established requirements for employing Kuwaiti citizens, and invest in approved activities with a minimum capital of one million Kuwaiti Dinars.

Furthermore, entities licensed by the authority must maintain an investment value of no less than five million Kuwaiti Dinars.

This long-term residency permit is expected to provide greater certainty for international investors planning to establish and expand their business activities in Kuwait. The scheme also supports economic diversification and the attraction of high-value investments to the country.

Transformation of Kuwait's economy

According to the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior, the new residency regulations are being implemented within the framework of the country's leadership program to transform Kuwait into an attractive financial and commercial hub for investment and to enhance its competitiveness in the region.

The announcement follows the Cabinet's approval of a new regulatory framework based on Resolution No. 651 of 2026. This initiative was developed through coordination between the Ministry of Interior's General Department of Residency Affairs and the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA).

Officials stated that the initiative is based on the objectives of Law No. 116 of 2013 regarding the promotion of direct investment in Kuwait and reflects the government's ongoing efforts to improve the legal and regulatory environment for foreign investment.

The new visa reforms place Kuwait among a growing number of Gulf countries offering long-term residency options aimed at attracting global talent, capital, and long-term business commitments.

UAE Golden Visa

The UAE Golden Visa program, introduced in 2019, has been a pioneer in long-term residency schemes in the region. The program grants residency for up to 10 years to eligible expatriates, foreign investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, scientists, outstanding students, creative individuals, and humanitarian contributors.

The UAE Golden Visa allows holders to live, work, and study in the UAE without the need for a national sponsor, and also permits them to sponsor their first-degree family members.

This long-term visa has played a key role in attracting global talent and investment, helping to strengthen the UAE's position as one of the region's most competitive destinations for business, innovation, and long-term residency.