Kuwait has introduced new executive regulations under its Foreigners’ Residency Law, marking a significant update to the country’s residency and visa framework. The regulations, effective from December 24, 2025, expand residency categories and digital services, aligning with broader legislative and technological advancements. The law, originally issued in 1959 and amended multiple times, most recently in 2019, now reflects a comprehensive approach to modernising expatriate residency procedures.
The updated bylaws cover all types of entry visas, including family, medical, business, and tourist visits, as well as work visas for both public and private sector employees, domestic workers, and students. A key feature of the regulations is the introduction of new residency categories, including investor residency, residency for self-employed professionals and private businesses, and residency for specialised professionals. Investor visas are issued upon request from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority under Law No. 116 of 2013, with ordinary residency granted for periods up to 15 years, subject to Cabinet approval. Moreover, these updates remove the need for in-person visits to government offices for the affected categories.
Domestic Worker Provisions and Employment Regulations
Domestic workers under Article 20 residency may remain outside Kuwait for up to four months, after which their residency is cancelled, though this does not apply to those who left the country prior to the application date. Employment regulations also stipulate that incoming workers must be aged between 21 and 60.
Digital Services and Tourism Updates
The Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the General Department of Information Systems, has launched new digital services, including first-time issuance of residency permits for private sector employees under Article 18 and transfer of existing permits to temporary residency under Article 14. These initiatives form part of Kuwait’s integrated plan to achieve full digitalisation of residency services. Visitor arrivals for tourism, trade, or family purposes continue to range between 17,000 and 20,000 per week.
