Business & investor visas
Kuwaiti Investor Long-Term Residency
Extended residency permits for foreign investors licensed in Kuwait, or those owning qualifying real estate in the country.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The 10-15 year durations and specific eligibility thresholds stem from late-2025 reforms and are not verified here from an official page; confirm with KDIPA and MOI.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Kuwait government website before you apply.
On this page
- Official name
- Investor long-term residency
- Route type
- Investment-based residency
- Legal basis
- Foreign Capital Investment Law (Law No. 116 of 2013) and 2025 residency reforms
- Duration
- Reported up to 15 years (licensed investors) / up to 10 years (real estate owners)
- Not confirmed here from an official page
- Validity
- Up to 15 years for qualified KDIPA-licensed investors and their families
- Minimum investment value
- KWD 5 million (licensed entity)
- Minimum capital
- KWD 1 million for the approved activity
- Issuing authority
- General Department of Residency Affairs (Ministry of Interior), on KDIPA recommendation
- Where to apply
- Through the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA)
Who it is for
- Foreign investors licensed to invest in Kuwait via KDIPA
- Foreign nationals owning qualifying real estate in Kuwait
Requirements
- Investment licence under the Foreign Capital Investment Law, or qualifying property ownership
- Compliance with KDIPA and Ministry of Interior conditions
- Valid passport and residency documentation
What you can do
- Reside in Kuwait for an extended, renewable period
- Operate the licensed investment or hold the qualifying property
How to apply
- KDIPA assesses eligibility and recommends the qualifying investor to the Ministry of Interior
- The General Department of Residency Affairs at the Ministry of Interior grants the long-term residency permit on KDIPA's recommendation, subject to the prescribed conditions
- The permit may be renewed for as long as the investment entity remains operational and compliant
Documents you may need
- Valid passport
- KDIPA investment licence and evidence of your role (owner, partner or approved senior executive)
- Evidence the entity meets the required investment value and capital thresholds
- Evidence the entity meets the Kuwaiti-national employment requirement
Frequently asked questions
No. This is a long-term, renewable residency route to attract investment. Kuwait does not operate a citizenship-by-investment programme, and long-term residency does not itself create a path to citizenship.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.