·State of Kuwait·Significant change·In force
Kuwait overhauls expatriate residency rules
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Kuwait's new Executive Regulations on the Residence of Foreigners (Ministerial Resolution 2249/2025) took effect on 23 December 2025, introducing a tiered residency model and an exit-permit requirement.
What changed
- The reform introduces a tiered residency model (commonly described as 5, 10 and 15-year tiers) and tightens issuance of private-sector (Article 18) work residency.
- An exit-permit requirement for private-sector expatriates has been in force since 1 July 2025, requiring employer approval to leave the country.
- Kuwait still offers no permanent residence to expatriates; all residency remains fixed-term and sponsor-tied.