Kuwait Relaxes Residency Rules for Specific Expatriates
Kuwait City, September 6, 2026. The government of Kuwait has issued new residency regulations that allow certain categories of expatriates to remain abroad for more than six months without forfeiting their residency permits. This policy shift, enacted under Ministerial Decree No. 1410/2026, was authorized by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah. The amendments to the executive regulations of the Foreigners Residence Law have been published in the official gazette, Kuwait Al-Youm, and are effective immediately.
- New rules allow certain expatriates to stay abroad over six months without losing residency.
- Ministerial Decree No. 1410/2026 was authorized by Sheikh Fahad Yusuf Saud Al-Sabah.
- Changes are now published in Kuwait Al-Youm and are effective immediately.
Previous Rules and Impact
Previously, residency holders faced cancellation if they remained outside the country for a continuous period exceeding four months. This long-standing rule significantly impacted domestic workers, property owners, and expatriate families who traveled abroad for extended periods due to family obligations or holidays.
Exempted Categories and Special Rules
Under the new mandate, the following categories are exempted from the standard residency duration limits: children of Kuwaiti mothers who do not hold Kuwaiti citizenship; property owners in Kuwait; investors who obtained residency under Law No. 116/2013 and meet established cabinet criteria; and individuals whose Kuwaiti nationality was revoked but who have since acquired their original or another nationality under Article 7-bis. Individuals in the latter category may qualify for up to 10 years of residency and are exempt from annual residency fees.
Specific rules remain for domestic workers, who are restricted to a maximum of four months abroad unless they obtain prior authorization from the General Department of Residency Affairs. For all other qualified expatriates intending to stay abroad for longer than six months, formal permission must be secured from the General Department of Residency Affairs to maintain their legal status. Authorities advise all residents to verify their specific category, monitor their travel timelines, and seek necessary permits from the General Department of Residency Affairs before planning extended travel.