·State of Kuwait·Significant change·In force
Kuwait overhauls expatriate residency rules
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Kuwait's Executive Regulations on the Residence of Foreigners (Resolution 2249/2025) govern residence terms and conditions. Extended-absence permission concerns keeping residence valid abroad; it is not the separate private-sector requirement for permission to depart.
What changed
Policy claim 1
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.
Claim ID: kw-2025-12-residence-regulations#claim-1·Cite this claim
Source: Ministry of Interior (Kuwait) (Ministry of Interior (Kuwait))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 2
An exit-permit requirement for private-sector expatriates has been in force since 1 July 2025, requiring employer approval to leave the country.
Claim ID: kw-2025-12-residence-regulations#claim-2·Cite this claim
Source: Ministry of Interior (Kuwait) (Ministry of Interior (Kuwait))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 3
The ordinary and long-term permits described by this framework remain fixed-term rather than permanent residence.
Claim ID: kw-2025-12-residence-regulations#claim-3·Cite this claim
Source: Ministry of Interior (Kuwait) (Ministry of Interior (Kuwait))·source verified ·page reviewed
Policy claim 4
Article 37, amended in September 2026, sets the ordinary six-month absence rule with authorised extended absence and specified exceptions. Check the applicable residence category; this is not an exit-permit rule.
Claim ID: kw-2025-12-residence-regulations#claim-4·Cite this claim
Source: Resolution 1410/2026: replacement Article 37 — gazette reproduction (Kuwait Ministry of Interior; gazette scan hosted by Mesfer Law)·source verified ·page reviewed