Kuwait Introduces 10-Year Residence Permit for Former Citizens

Kuwait has introduced a 10-year residence permit from September 2026 for certain people who lost their Kuwaiti nationality under recent reforms, offering a longer-term alternative to standard residency arrangements.

The new category covers former Kuwaiti nationals whose citizenship was withdrawn and people who acquired Kuwaiti nationality through dependency but later chose another nationality, resulting in the loss of their Kuwaiti status.

What the New Residence Permit Offers

The new 10-year residence permit offers eligible former Kuwaiti citizens exemption from annual residency fees, greater flexibility to stay abroad, reduced domestic worker sponsorship fees and the option to sponsor eligible family members.

Eligible holders receive several benefits:

• Longer stays abroad: They can remain outside Kuwait for more than six consecutive months without losing residency under the usual absence restrictions.
• No annual residence fees: Holders are exempt from yearly residence permit charges.
• Lower domestic worker sponsorship costs: They pay the same sponsorship fees as Kuwaiti nationals.
• Family residency: They can apply for residence permits for eligible family members.

However, one important question remains unanswered: whether this permit allows holders to work in Kuwait. Authorities have yet to clarify work authorization rights, and further details on eligibility and application requirements are expected.

The change creates a longer-term residency route for people affected by Kuwait’s nationality reforms, but it does not automatically restore citizenship or confirm employment rights.

Travelobiz Take:

We see this as a practical long-term residency option for eligible former citizens, particularly those living abroad, but unclear work rights and pending application rules mean waiting for official guidance is sensible.