07/02/2026
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07/02/2026
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KUWAIT CITY, Feb 7: The Ministry of Interior's General Directorate of Residency Affairs has rolled out new procedures governing residency permits for expatriate parents, widows, and divorcees of Kuwaiti citizens, along with extended family.
Dependent Visas
Children and spouses of expatriates will now be under residency under Article 22, strictly adhering to all Ministry of Interior regulations and conditions.
Spouses and Widows of Kuwaitis
Wives of Kuwaiti citizens qualify under Article 26, while husbands of Kuwaiti women fall under the same framework. Both categories carry an annual fee of 15 Kuwaiti dinars per case.
Widows and divorcees of Kuwaiti citizens receive permits under Article 28 at the same 15 KWD annual rate, subject to Ministry approval.
Expanded Family Coverage
Article 27 now extends fee-free residency permits to foreigners who are maternal uncles or aunts of Kuwaiti citizens, broadening support for close relatives.
Expat Parents Face Steeper Fees
Parents of expatriates fall under Article 29. Those with expired permits must visit their local residency department for initial renewal, paying 300 KWD. Subsequent renewals can be completed online at the same fee.
Property Owners and Investors
Foreign property owners and investors will be governed by a forthcoming dedicated article with separate fees, currently under finalization within the residency law framework.
The source emphasized all categories must meet Ministry conditions, signaling stricter oversight of family-based residency amid Kuwait's ongoing immigration reforms.
