Expats in Kuwait Can Now Secure Loans Up to KD 70,000

07/01/2026

Expats in Kuwait Can Now Secure Loans Up to KD 70,000

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 7: Kuwait’s major banks are shifting away from a previously strict lending approach toward a more flexible credit policy for non-Kuwaiti residents, reflecting changing market conditions and efforts to stimulate credit growth after a slowdown in individual financing since 2023.

Sources stated that banks have begun opening their doors to a wider segment of residents, particularly highly qualified professionals, by adjusting credit limits and eligibility criteria. Under the new approach, expats with salaries of KD 3,000 and above are eligible for loans up to KD 70,000, while those earning between KD 1,500 and 50,000 can also qualify for substantial financing. Even residents with salaries starting from KD 600 may now access loans up to KD 15,000, provided that monthly installments do not exceed 40 percent of their income, in accordance with Central Bank of Kuwait regulations.

The high-ceiling loans for top-earning residents are available at all branches of participating banks, whereas smaller loans for mid- and low-income residents are primarily processed electronically. Despite this more open lending policy, banks maintain traditional safeguards to minimize the risk of default. These include verifying job stability, ensuring employment with financially reputable companies, and confirming that salaries reflect actual employment rather than nominal “paper jobs.”

The policy shift is seen as a strategic response to increasing competition. Sources noted that small and medium-sized banks had historically been the only institutions willing to lend to non-Kuwaiti residents. By expanding credit offerings, major banks are now competing aggressively to attract borrowers with proven creditworthiness.

Eligible professionals include government employees not affected by localization programs, doctors, nurses, technical staff, engineers, teachers, and business owners. Financing limits may exceed the standard regulatory ceiling for consumer loans of KD 25,000, reaching up to KD 70,000 for housing-related purposes such as renovations. Loan terms may extend up to seven years, with eligibility based on salary, end-of-service benefits, and existing deposits.

Sources explained that the shift is aligned with recent regulatory and administrative changes that strengthen residents’ legal and financial stability. These include the extension of the civil ID validity for non-Kuwaiti property owners to 10 years and the foreign investor card to 15 years, giving banks greater confidence in evaluating credit risk.

“The move from strictness to flexibility reflects a deliberate strategy to stimulate credit growth while minimizing default risk among highly qualified and financially stable non-Kuwaiti residents,” the sources said. They added that banks’ lending directions continue to be shaped by competitive pressures and regulatory requirements to ensure sustainable growth in the banking sector.

Key Loan Guidelines Under the New Policy:

Salaries of KD 3,000 and above qualify for maximum loan limits.
Salaries starting at KD 1,500 allow loans up to KD 50,000.
Salaries starting at KD 600 allow loans up to KD 15,000.
Monthly installments must not exceed 40% of the borrower’s salary.
Borrowers must have stable employment with financially reputable companies.
Salaries must reflect genuine employment, not nominal or paper positions.
Occupation type and job stability are critical criteria for eligibility.

This major policy adjustment signals a new phase in Kuwait’s banking sector, emphasizing competitive, risk-conscious lending while providing non-Kuwaiti residents greater access to credit.