Kuwait is considering granting residency permits ranging from 5 to 15 years for expatriate investors, company owners, and executives in specific businesses. A responsible source stated that the Kuwaiti government is moving towards amending the residency and work permit system and diversifying the forms of residency available in the country, without the need for a sponsorship system, for certain expatriates who contribute to the national economy.
The source explained that these steps have taken a practical turn recently, as relevant authorities have identified some categories of beneficiaries of the new residency system, targeting investors interested in undertaking projects within the country or owners of existing businesses holding residency under the current system ("Article 18"). These individuals will be granted residency permits for up to 15 years under "state sponsorship," according to Al-Qabas newspaper.
The newspaper reported that this move is seen as a solution to the current sponsorship system and aims to enhance the plan to attract investments to the country, allowing greater mobility for business owners. It is expected that the categories of investors receiving residency permits will be separated from the Public Authority for Manpower, granting them their own residency permits under legal regulations and procedures to be approved soon.
The responsible source also noted that the amendment will also address the mechanism for granting "self-sponsorship" residency by simplifying procedures for those interested, especially for individuals who have resided in the country for a long time and have made significant contributions, or worked in the government sector and have the financial capacity to manage their affairs without the need for employment. This direction is still under discussion among relevant authorities, primarily the Ministry of Interior and the Public Authority for Manpower.
