Kuwait has introduced stricter property ownership rules for non-citizens to maintain economic stability in the real estate market.
These new regulations set different requirements based on the nationality of buyers, distinguishing between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens and other nationalities. Citizens from GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, now enjoy the same property rights as Kuwaiti citizens, reflecting strong economic ties within the region.
For non-GCC Arab nationals, property ownership comes with specific conditions. These include a minimum residency of ten years in Kuwait, a clean legal record, proof of financial eligibility, and an approved application from the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers.
Additionally, property ownership for non-GCC Arabs is limited to 1,000 square meters, and they cannot own more than one property.
The new rules also address unique cases like inheritance and citizenship changes. Non-GCC heirs who inherit property in Kuwait must sell it within a year unless they obtain special permission. Kuwaiti women who lose citizenship and adopt GCC nationality can keep their property, but those adopting non-GCC nationalities face restrictions or may need to sell their property.
A recent measure by the Ministry of Justice now requires notaries to verify citizenship status digitally, especially for individuals whose Kuwaiti citizenship was revoked. This mandate follows Kuwait’s decision to withdraw citizenship from 489 people.
These updated regulations aim to balance economic stability and state interests while providing clear guidelines for property ownership among non-citizens.
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