Kuwait introduced a new 15-year Golden Residency permit in June, a program designed to attract foreign investment and strengthen the country's position as a regional business and investment hub. This initiative is among the latest GCC efforts to attract and retain major investors, entrepreneurs, and prominent business leaders.

Kuwait recently granted its first 15-year Golden Residency under this newly launched long-term program to Yusuff Ali, Chairman of Lulu Group International.

🔵 What is the Kuwait 15-year Golden Residency permit?

The Kuwait 15-year Golden Residency permit is a long-term residency program introduced in June 2026 that allows eligible foreign investors and certain business-related individuals to obtain a residency permit valid for up to 15 years.

This initiative was launched as part of Kuwait's broader strategy to attract high-value foreign investment while maintaining robust regulatory oversight. The program's framework is based on Council of Ministers Decree No. 651 of 2026, published in the Kuwait Al-Youm official gazette.

🔵 Why has Kuwait launched the Golden Residency program?

The objectives of this program include:

🔹Attracting high-quality foreign investment

🔹Strengthening Kuwait's position as a regional business hub

🔹Increasing the country's attractiveness to international investors

🔹Supporting long-term economic growth through the influx of foreign capital

According to Kuwaiti officials, this initiative is a key step toward attracting strategic investments and enhancing Kuwait's role as one of the region's leading investment destinations.

🔵 Who can apply for Kuwait's 15-year residency?

Under the new regulations, long-term residency permits may be granted to:

▪️Owners of licensed investment entities

▪️Business partners

▪️Senior executives

▪️First-degree family members of eligible applicants

Family members who can be included in the program are:

▪️Spouse

▪️Parents

▪️Children

🔵 What are the main eligibility requirements?

Applicants must meet several mandatory requirements before their application is considered.

🔹No criminal record: Applicants must provide a valid police clearance certificate with their application.

🔹Valid passport: The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months at the time of application.

🔹Accurate and valid documentation: Authorities have emphasized that any application containing incorrect information or forged documents will be rejected. In some cases, residency may be revoked and legal action taken against the applicant.

🔵 What are the investment requirements?

Kuwait has set significant minimum investment thresholds for businesses seeking to qualify under this program.

Eligible investment entities must meet these conditions:

🔹Minimum investment volume: At least 5 million Kuwaiti Dinars, equivalent to approximately $16.3 million

🔹Minimum company capital: At least 1 million Kuwaiti Dinars

🔹Capital verification: Applicants must provide proof that the required capital has been deposited within Kuwait.

Companies sponsoring investor residency must demonstrate a real operational presence in Kuwait. Additionally, businesses must comply with employment requirements, including quotas for hiring Kuwaiti citizens set by KDIPA in coordination with relevant entities.

This requirement helps ensure that qualifying businesses contribute to the domestic economy and labor market.

🔵 How does the application process work?

Applications are reviewed by the General Department of Residency Affairs at the Ministry of Interior following a recommendation from KDIPA. KDIPA is required to issue its decision within five working days of receiving a complete application.

Authorities reserve the right to request additional information or documentation during the review process.

Applicants who fail to provide requested information within 30 days will have their applications automatically rejected.

🔵 Is the residency permit renewable?

Yes, provided that all program requirements continue to be met.

Investors seeking renewal must:

🔹Apply at least 60 days before the permit expires

🔹Demonstrate continued compliance with all legal requirements

🔹Show that their business continues to meet the program's financial and operational conditions

Residency status throughout the duration of the permit will depend on continuous compliance with the conditions. Investors must maintain legal, financial, and operational requirements. Failure to meet these conditions could affect residency status and the possibility of future renewal.