Kuwait has updated its property ownership laws, imposing stricter conditions for non-citizens seeking to buy real estate. This initiative aims to regulate the real estate market and prioritize housing for Kuwaiti nationals.
The new policies differ for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other foreign nationals. Residents from GCC member states such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman now enjoy the same property rights as Kuwaiti citizens.
On the other hand, non-GCC nationals must meet several criteria to purchase property, including a minimum of ten years of continuous residency in Kuwait, a clean criminal record, proof of financial stability, and an application approved by the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers.
Non-GCC Arab nationals are permitted to own only one property, which cannot exceed 1,000 square meters in size.
Special Circumstances
The revised rules also address unique cases such as inheritance and citizenship changes. Non-GCC heirs inheriting property must sell it within a year unless they receive special authorization.
Kuwaiti women who lose their citizenship but acquire GCC citizenship can retain their property, but those who adopt a non-GCC nationality may be required to sell.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Justice mandates notaries to verify buyers’ citizenship status digitally, particularly for those who have had their Kuwaiti citizenship revoked. This policy follows Kuwait’s withdrawal of citizenship from 489 individuals.
These new regulations are designed to maintain economic stability and provide clear property ownership guidelines for non-citizens.
ARY NEWS, DAWN NEWS, SAMAA NEWS, GEO NEWS
