Who qualifies? Eligibility, requirements and application steps for the new long-term residency.
Dubai: In June, Kuwait launched a new 15-year Golden Residency Permit aimed at attracting foreign investment and reinforcing its position as a regional hub for business and investment. The initiative is part of a broader push by GCC countries to attract and retain high-value investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders.
The country recently granted its first 15-year Golden Residency to Yusuff Ali M.A., Chairman of Lulu Group International, under the newly introduced long-term residency programme.
What is Kuwait’s 15-year Golden Residency Permit?
Kuwait’s 15-year Golden Residency Permit is a long-term residency programme introduced in June 2026 that allows eligible foreign investors and selected business professionals to obtain residency permits valid for up to 15 years.
The initiative forms part of Kuwait’s broader strategy to attract high-value foreign investment while maintaining robust regulatory oversight. The programme was established under Cabinet Resolution No. 651 of 2026 and published in the country’s official gazette, Kuwait Alyoum.
Why has Kuwait introduced the Golden Residency Programme?
Kuwait introduced the programme to:
- Attract high-quality foreign investment
- Strengthen its position as a regional business hub
- Increase its appeal to international investors
- Support long-term economic growth through foreign capital inflows
According to Kuwaiti authorities, the initiative is a key part of the country’s strategy to attract strategic investments and reinforce its position as a leading investment destination in the region.
Who can apply for Kuwait’s 15-year residency permit?
Under the new regulations, long-term residency permits may be granted to:
- Owners of licensed investment entities
- Business partners
- Senior executives
- Immediate family members of eligible applicants
Eligible family members include spouses, parents and children.
What are the main eligibility requirements?
Applicants must satisfy several mandatory criteria before being considered for the programme:
- Clean criminal record: A valid police clearance certificate is required.
- Valid passport: Applicants must hold a passport with at least six months’ validity at the time of application.
- Accurate documentation: Applications containing false information or forged documents will be rejected. In some cases, authorities may revoke residency and pursue legal action against the applicant.
What are the investment requirements?
Kuwait has also set significant investment thresholds for businesses seeking to qualify under the 15-year Golden Residency Programme.
Eligible investment entities must meet several financial and operational requirements to qualify for the programme.
- Minimum investment: Businesses must have a minimum investment volume of KD5 million (about $16.3 million).
- Minimum capital: Companies must maintain capital of at least KD1 million.
- Capital verification: Applicants must provide proof that the required capital has been deposited within Kuwait.
Businesses sponsoring investor residency must also demonstrate a genuine operational presence in Kuwait and comply with employment requirements, including Kuwaiti national hiring quotas set by the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) in coordination with relevant authorities.
These requirements are intended to ensure that qualifying companies make a meaningful contribution to Kuwait’s economy and labour market.
How does the application process work?
Applications are processed by the General Directorate of Residency Affairs at the Ministry of Interior following recommendations from KDIPA. Once a complete application is submitted, KDIPA is required to issue a decision within five working days.
Authorities may also request additional information or supporting documents during the review process if necessary.
Applicants who fail to submit the requested information or supporting documents within 30 days will have their applications automatically rejected.
Can the residency permit be renewed?
Yes. The 15-year Golden Residency Permit can be renewed, provided applicants continue to meet all programme requirements.
To qualify for renewal, investors must:
- Apply at least 60 days before their residency permit expires.
- Demonstrate continued compliance with all applicable legal requirements.
- Show that their business still meets the programme’s financial and operational criteria.
Residency remains conditional on ongoing compliance throughout the permit’s validity. Investors must continue to satisfy all legal, financial and operational obligations, as failure to do so could affect both their residency status and eligibility for renewal.
