If you live in Kuwait on a residency permit, here’s an important update worth your attention. Authorities have introduced several changes to how family residency permits are classified, approved, and renewed, affecting expatriates and families connected to Kuwaiti citizens.
The Ministry of Interior has updated several articles of the residency law to clarify who qualifies under each category and what fees apply.
- Article 22 applies to children and spouses of expatriates. These cases are now processed under this article and must meet existing Ministry conditions and regulations.
- Article 26 covers spouses of Kuwaiti citizens. This includes both wives and husbands. Residency under this article comes with an annual fee of KWD 15 per case.
- Article 28 applies to widows and divorcees of Kuwaiti citizens. Residency is granted subject to Ministry approval, with an annual fee of KWD 15.
- Article 27 covers maternal uncles and aunts of Kuwaiti citizens. Residency permits under this article are issued without any fees.
- Article 29 applies to parents of expatriates. Parents with expired residency must visit their local residency department in person for an initial renewal. This first application costs KWD 300, with future renewals available online at the same rate.
In addition to family-related categories, a separate article is being prepared for foreign property owners and investors. This section of the residency law will have its own conditions and fee structure, which authorities say is still being finalised.
If you live in Kuwait, it’s worth keeping an eye on what changes in the country. In October 2025, the Kuwait Municipal Council approved a decision to replace 591 street names with numbers, a change that will affect addresses, deliveries, navigation apps, and official paperwork.
Daily life is also about to change with Uber preparing to launch in Kuwait in first half of 2026.
