Kuwait Approves 10-Year Residency for Those Who Lost Citizenship

Kuwait has introduced a new residency provision for certain people who have lost Kuwaiti citizenship and now hold another nationality. The Kuwait 10-Year Residency rule allows eligible individuals to receive residency for up to 10 years, subject to the conditions set by the residency authorities. The change comes through Ministerial Decision No. 1410 of 2026, which adds Article 7 bis to Kuwait’s residency regulations. It also includes special rules on residency fees, family residence, work permission, and the six-month absence requirement. However, the new rule does not mean every person who lost Kuwaiti citizenship will automatically receive a 10-year residence permit.

Finsoul Network Kuwait keeps track of important Kuwait residency and business updates that can affect individuals and families. The new provision gives eligible people a clearer residence option after citizenship withdrawal. Understanding the eligibility rules and conditions can help affected residents know what the decision means for their stay in Kuwait.

What Has Kuwait Changed in Its Residency Rule?

Kuwait has added Article 7 bis to its residency regulations through Ministerial Decision No. 1410 of 2026. The provision creates a special residency visa in Kuwait route for certain people whose Kuwaiti citizenship was withdrawn under the specified legal provision and for qualifying dependents covered by the relevant withdrawal decision. Eligible people may receive residency for up to 10 years, depending on the conditions set by the residency authority.

The rule also provides special treatment for eligible residents. The main resident can be exempt from the annual residency fee, while certain family members are subject to reduced annual charges. Eligible residents may also be exempt from the normal six-month absence restriction. Work may be permitted under the controls set by the relevant authority. These points make the new provision different from many standard residence categories in Kuwait.

Who Is Eligible for the New 10-Year Residency?

The new Kuwait 10-Year Residency provision is aimed at a specific group, so losing Kuwaiti citizenship by itself does not automatically make someone eligible. The person must fall within Article 7 bis and meet its nationality conditions.

• People whose Kuwaiti citizenship was withdrawn under the specified part of Article 13 of the nationality law may qualify.
• Certain people who acquired Kuwaiti citizenship through dependency and were included in the relevant withdrawal decision may also qualify.
• The person must have returned to their original foreign nationality or obtained another nationality.
• The residency period can be granted for up to 10 years, subject to approval and applicable conditions.
• The General Department of Residency Affairs sets the conditions for granting and renewing the residence.

Is the 10-Year Residency Automatic?

No. The new provision allows eligible people to receive residence for up to 10 years, but it does not state that every person who lost Kuwaiti citizenship will automatically receive a 10-year permit. The applicant must fit the legal category and satisfy the requirements applied by the General Department of Residency Affairs.

The exact period granted can depend on the authority’s decision and the applicable rules. This distinction matters because the phrase “up to 10 years” does not mean that every approval will have the same validity period. Applicants should also avoid relying on informal claims about automatic approval until the residency authority confirms the process and requirements.

What Is Article 7 Bis in Kuwait Residency Law?

Article 7 bis is the new provision added to Kuwait’s residency regulations for a defined group of people affected by citizenship withdrawal. It gives the residency authorities a legal basis to grant residence for up to 10 years to qualifying individuals who meet the nationality requirements.

It is not a general residence category for all foreign nationals. It is linked to specific citizenship withdrawal cases and the relevant legal conditions. The provision also allows work permission to be granted under rules set by the Director General of the General Department of Residency Affairs. It contains special rules on annual residence fees and absence from Kuwait.

Can People With This Residency Work in Kuwait?

People granted the Kuwait 10-Year Residency may be allowed to work in Kuwait, but work permission is subject to the conditions and controls set by the General Department of Residency Affairs. A Kuwait residence visa should not be treated as an unrestricted work authorization.

• Work permission may be granted by the relevant residency authority.
• The resident must follow the conditions attached to that permission.
• Employment should be carried out according to Kuwait’s applicable labour and residency rules.
• A person should confirm the required work status before starting employment.
• Employers should also check the employee’s current residence and work permissions.

Do They Have to Pay Kuwait Residency Fees?

Eligible residents under the new provision receive special treatment on annual residence fees. The main eligible resident is exempt from the annual residency fee under the amended rules. This can reduce the yearly cost for people who qualify for the new category and may make long-term residence easier to maintain.

The family charges are different. Finsoul Network Kuwait notes that the family charges are different. A spouse, child, father, or mother covered by the provision is subject to an annual fee of KD10 per person. Other relatives covered by the relevant rules may be charged KD300 per person each year. These special rates apply to the categories stated in the amended provisions. Applicants should check the latest official fee instructions before payment because administrative procedures can change.

Can They Stay Outside Kuwait for More Than Six Months?

Yes. People covered by Article 7 bis are included among the residency categories exempt from the usual six-month absence restriction. This means an eligible resident can spend more than six consecutive months outside Kuwait without losing residence solely because of that standard absence rule.

This can help people who need to travel for family, work, study, or other personal reasons. The exemption does not mean that every travel or residency condition disappears. The residence must remain valid, and the resident should follow any instructions issued by the relevant authorities. Domestic workers have a separate absence rule under the amended provisions, so their position should be checked separately rather than treated as identical to the main resident.

What Happened to Domestic Workers Sponsored by Eligible Residents?

The amended rules also address domestic workers sponsored by people covered by the special residency provision. Their treatment is separate from that of the main resident and immediate family members.

• Eligible residents may sponsor domestic workers under the applicable conditions.
• The domestic worker remains subject to the specific residency rules for this category.
• A separate absence limit applies to domestic workers.
• The standard period is four months unless the relevant authority grants permission for a longer absence.
• Sponsors should check the current procedure and fees before renewing or arranging a domestic worker’s residence.

Why Kuwait Introduced This New Residency Category?

Finsoul Network Kuwait notes that the new category comes after Kuwait’s recent citizenship reviews and withdrawal decisions affecting specific groups. The residency amendment provides a legal residency visa in Kuwait route for people who meet the stated conditions after their citizenship status changes.

• It gives qualifying former citizens a defined residence option.
• It separates residency status from Kuwaiti nationality status.
• It provides a longer possible residence period than many standard permits.
• It gives special treatment on annual fees and absence rules.
• It provides a framework that also addresses eligible family members and domestic workers.

The change should be read as a residency measure, not as a return of Kuwaiti citizenship. The two legal statuses are separate, and the new provision does not by itself restore nationality.

What Does the New Rule Mean for People Who Lost Kuwait Citizenship?

For people who meet the conditions, the amendment can provide a more stable way to continue living in Kuwait after losing citizenship. The practical effect depends on the approval granted by the residency authority and the person’s individual circumstances.

• They may receive residency for up to 10 years.
• They may be exempt from the annual residency fee.
• They may be exempt from the usual six-month absence restriction.
• They may receive work permission subject to the applicable controls.
• Eligible family members can receive residence under special fee rules.

What Should Eligible People Do Next?

Anyone who believes they fall under Article 7 bis should check the legal basis of their citizenship withdrawal and confirm their current nationality status before applying for residence.

• Confirm that the citizenship withdrawal falls within the category covered by the new provision.
• Confirm that the person has returned to the original nationality or obtained another nationality, as required.
• Check the latest instructions issued by the General Department of Residency Affairs.
• Prepare current nationality, identity, family, and residency records requested by the authority.
• Confirm separate work and family residence requirements before making arrangements.

Finsoul Network Kuwait recommends checking official Kuwait residency instructions because the decision leaves detailed granting and renewal conditions to the residency authority. Avoid relying only on social media posts or unofficial summaries when the application process is being handled.

10-Year Residency Versus Regular Expat Residency

Key Points to Know About Kuwait’s Residency Rule

The main points are easier to remember when separated into short facts:

• Article 7 bis creates a special residence route for certain people affected by citizenship withdrawal.
• Eligible people may receive residence for up to 10 years.
• Under the Kuwait 10-Year Residency rule, the main eligible resident is exempt from the annual residency fee.
• Certain immediate family members are charged KD10 per person annually.
• Other covered relatives may be charged KD300 per person annually.
• Eligible residents are exempt from the normal six-month absence restriction.
• Work permission remains subject to the controls set by the residency authority.

Conclusion

Kuwait’s new residency provision gives certain people who lost Kuwaiti citizenship a possible long-term residence route of up to 10 years under the Kuwait 10-Year Residency framework. Article 7 bis also brings special rules for annual fees, family residence, work permission, and absence from Kuwait. The measure does not restore Kuwaiti citizenship, and it does not mean every former citizen receives a 10-year permit automatically. 

Each person must meet the legal conditions and follow the requirements set by the residency authority. Finsoul Network Kuwait can help readers understand the practical meaning of major Kuwait residency updates, but official authority instructions should be checked before an application or renewal.

FAQs

Who qualifies for Kuwait’s new 10-year residency?

Certain people whose Kuwaiti citizenship was withdrawn under the specified legal provision, along with qualifying dependents, may qualify if they meet the nationality conditions.

Is the new residence permit valid for exactly 10 years?

No. The rule allows residence for up to 10 years, while the actual period granted depends on the applicable conditions and the residency authority’s decision.

What is the residency visa Kuwait process under Article 7 bis?

It is a special residence route for qualifying people affected by citizenship withdrawal, created under Article 7 bis of Kuwait’s residency regulations.

Can eligible residents stay outside Kuwait for more than six months?

Yes. Eligible Article 7 bis residents are exempt from the normal six-month absence restriction, subject to the continued validity of their residence.

What are the fees for family members?

A spouse, child, father, or mother covered by the rule pays KD10 annually, while other covered relatives may pay KD300 annually.