Kuwait Enforces New Residency Rules for Expats

Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced the enforcement of new executive regulations governing the residency of expatriates. The rules have been implemented under Ministerial Resolution No. 2249 of 2025 and came into effect today.

According to Arab media reports, the updated regulations introduce revised rules for residency permits, entry and visit visas, employees, foreign investors, and the registration of newborn children of expatriates.

Key Highlights:

• A monthly fee of 10 Kuwaiti dinars has been fixed for all entry and visit visas.
• General residency permits will now be valid for up to five years.
• Foreign property owners and their children may obtain residency for up to 10 years.
• Foreign investors will be eligible for residency of up to 15 years.

Employees:

• Employees may stay outside Kuwait for a maximum of four months. If they exceed this period without an exit permit, their residency will be automatically cancelled.
• New work visas will only be issued to individuals aged 21 to 60 years.

Registration of Children:

• Parents must register a newborn child within four months of birth.
• In case of delayed registration, a fine of 2 dinars per day will be imposed for the first month, followed by 4 dinars per day thereafter.

Health Insurance:

• Issuance of residency permits and visas has been linked to health insurance coverage.
• A health insurance fee of 100 Kuwaiti dinars has been set for several categories, including family visas.
• The validity of residency permits cannot exceed the duration of the health insurance.

Deportation Grounds:

Expatriates may face deportation for:

• Having no clear or legitimate source of income
• Working for an employer other than their registered sponsor
• Receiving criminal convictions three times within five years
• Engaging in activities that threaten public interest, security, or morals

Objective:

According to the Ministry of Interior, the new regulations aim to enhance administrative efficiency and align residency procedures with Kuwait’s broader legislative framework.

All relevant authorities have been directed to implement the regulations, which will also be published in the official gazette.