According to a new residency framework, Kuwait has announced how certain people whose citizenship had been withdrawn can obtain a regular residence permit. These would be for up to 10 years, as revealed by Gulf News, which quoted the Al Seyassah newspaper. If you are also curious about this development, here’s all about the changes that have been issued under the Ministerial Decision No. 1410 of 2026.
Kuwait Announces New Residency Framework
According to the changes, there’s been an amendment to the executive regulations of the foreigners’ residency law. These are contained in Ministerial Decision No. 2249 of 2025. As per the decision, some people whose citizenship had been withdrawn can obtain a regular residence permit for up to 10 years. This decision was published in the official gazette of Kuwait Al Youm, and it takes effect from the date of publication.
What You Need To Know
The report mentions how the new Article 7 bis applies to people whose Kuwaiti citizenship has been withdrawn. This was done under Clause 4 of Article 13 of Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959. Not to mention, it applies to people who acquired citizenship through dependency and were included in the withdrawal decree, given that they have returned to their original foreign nationality or have obtained another nationality. So, eligible applicants may be granted regular residency for a period of up to 10 years.
People who have been granted residency under Article 7 bis will be excluded from annual residency fees as per the amendment. This decision also adds a new category to the residency fee schedule. This is under Article 39, and it also exempts the annual charge for Article 7 bis holders. So, people who have been affected by citizenship withdrawal and have established another nationality now have a specific legal residency route.
What Else To Know About This?
This decision also changes the rules governing long-term residents who are outside Kuwait. It should be noted that foreign residents are generally not allowed to stay outside the country for over six months. But according to the revised Article 37, it now expands the categories that are exempt from this restriction. This includes foreign children of Kuwaiti women, property owners in Kuwait, people granted residency under a new Article 7 bis, and investors who hold residency under Law No. 116 of 2013, provided they meet conditions that are approved by the Council of Ministers.
Foreign students who have valid permits can also obtain permission to remain abroad for longer than six months. However, they must meet the conditions that are set by the General Department of Residency Affairs. Moreover, the residency must remain valid during the absence period.
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What About Residency Fee?
A fee of KWD10 per person applies to family residency for a spouse, children, father, or mother of people who hold residency under Article 7 bis. Yes, these amendments established family residency charges for relatives of people who are covered by the new provisions. Moreover, this charge also applies to the immediate family of nationals whose citizenship had been withdrawn under the relevant provisions, and who have subsequently returned to their country of original nationality. For relatives who are outside of the immediate family categories, this fee will be KWD300 per person per year. Domestic workers who have been sponsored by the people who are covered by the new rules will be charged the same rate that is applied to domestic workers sponsored by Kuwaiti families.
Domestic workers who hold Kuwaiti residency can remain outside the country for no more than four months. Unless permission for a longer absence has been obtained from the General Department of Residency Affairs before the period expires.
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FAQs
What is the new residency framework in Kuwait?
According to a new residency framework, Kuwait has announced how certain people whose citizenship has been withdrawn can obtain a regular residence permit.
Who does the KWD10 residency fee apply to?
A fee of KWD10 per person applies to family residency for a spouse, children, father, or mother of people who hold residency under Article 7 bis.
