Kuwait Foreigners' Residence Law
Introduction
On 28 November 2024, Kuwait’s Amir issued Kuwait Decree-Law No. 114/2024 On the Foreigners' Residence Law, introducing a modernised residency law for foreigners. Kuwait Decree-Law No. 114/2024, consisting of 36 articles across seven chapters, replaces Kuwait Emiri Decree No. 17/1959 Promulgating Foreigners' Residency. Kuwait Decree-Law No. 114/2024 aims to address current challenges, regulate residency practices, and attract investment while ensuring national security.
Key provisions of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 114/2024
Entry and exit requirements
Article 1 of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 114/2024: Foreigners must possess a valid passport or equivalent travel document issued by their country of origin to enter or exit Kuwait. Citizens of Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) countries may enter with personal identity document (ID) cards.
Article 2 of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 114/2024: The Ministry of Interior determines the types of entry visas and the procedures for obtaining them.
Article 3 of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 114/2024: Citizens of certain countries may be exempt from entry visas based on reciprocity agreements.
Article 4 of Kuwait Decree-Law No. 114/2024: Entry and exit must occur through designated ports, following procedures set by the Ministry of Interior.