Kuwait Has Suspended Naturalization: New Rules for Foreigners Seeking Citizenship

The Kuwaiti government has adopted a sweeping reform of the citizenship law, which changes the rules for foreigners, naturalized citizens, and their descendants. The updated regulations provide for higher fines, expanded grounds for revoking passports, and new restrictions on acquiring citizenship by descent. Learn more about the abolition of naturalization in Kuwait, new requirements for dual citizens, and the implications of the reform for foreign workers

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Kuwait has officially closed the path to citizenship through naturalization and revised a number of provisions governing the acquisition of a Kuwaiti passport. The updated law affects both long-term residents and individuals who were applying for citizenship based on family ties.

We’ll discuss the key provisions of the reform, new grounds for revocation of citizenship, increased fines, and the implications for foreigners in Kuwait in this article.

Are you planning to work or live abroad long-term and unsure which jurisdictions offer realistic opportunities for obtaining citizenship?

The immigration lawyers at Visit World will help you choose a country that aligns with your goals, assess the legal grounds for obtaining citizenship, and prepare a personalized relocation strategy.

Abolition of Naturalization in Kuwait: Key Provisions

The authorities of Kuwait have removed provisions from the law that previously allowed foreigners to apply for citizenship through naturalization. Foreigners no longer have a legal basis to submit such an application, even if they have resided in the country for many years or have professional achievements there.

Before the updated law took effect, citizenship through naturalization could be obtained based on the following criteria:

• long-term residence in Kuwait;
• an impeccable reputation and no history of legal violations;
• fluency in Arabic;
• possession of professional qualifications needed by the state;
• services rendered or merits toward Kuwait.

The grounds listed above have been completely removed from the legal framework. Kuwait considers naturalization to be inconsistent with its updated immigration policy.

About working in Kuwait in 2026 — read here.

Restrictions on Citizenship by Descent in Kuwait

Along with the abolition of naturalization, the authorities have revised the rules for acquiring citizenship through family ties. The updated law significantly narrows the circle of individuals who can claim a Kuwaiti passport by descent.

The main provisions are as follows:

Children no longer automatically receive citizenship through a Kuwaiti father;

Children of Kuwaiti women born to foreign fathers no longer acquire citizenship through their mother;

Descendants and grandchildren of naturalized citizens have lost the right to claim Kuwaiti citizenship by family origin;

• a child retains the right to citizenship only if both parents are Kuwaiti citizens.

These changes reflect a general trend in the Persian Gulf region, where governments are tightening citizenship rules while continuing to rely on a significant foreign labor force.

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New Grounds for Revocation of Kuwaiti Citizenship

The updated law expands the list of grounds on which a person may be stripped of Kuwaiti citizenship. Crimes against the Emir have been added to the list, marking one of the most notable new provisions.

Financial penalties for providing false information in cases related to citizenship have increased significantly. Fines now range from 3,000 to 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars, whereas previously the penalties were limited to between 200 and 500 dinars.

The rules for individuals with dual citizenship have been revised separately. Young people, upon reaching the age of 21, now have one year—instead of the previous two years—to officially notify the authorities of their intention to retain Kuwaiti citizenship.

About visas for freelancers in Kuwait in 2026—read more at the link.

Easing of Restrictions for Kuwaiti Women Who Marry Foreigners

The updated law also includes a provision that eases previous restrictions on Kuwaiti women. Previously, if a woman acquired the citizenship of a foreign husband, she automatically lost her Kuwaiti passport, which created significant legal risks after marriage.

This rule has now been repealed. Kuwaiti women retain their citizenship even if they acquire spousal status in another country, which further protects their rights and legal standing.

What do these changes mean for foreigners working or living in Kuwait?

The updated law does not affect the rules regarding work visas, residence permits, or the conditions of employment for foreigners in Kuwait. Foreign workers continue to carry out their activities in accordance with established labor laws without additional restrictions.

At the same time, the new provisions make it clear that long-term employment or residence in Kuwait no longer guarantees a path to citizenship, even after decades in the country. Foreigners planning a long-term professional career in the country should consider resident status and citizenship as separate legal matters that are not automatically linked.

Important! The abolition of naturalization and the increased difficulty of obtaining citizenship through family ties make the issue of immigration planning even more relevant for foreigners considering a move to the Gulf States or other jurisdictions. The immigration lawyers at Visit World will analyze your individual case, assess the legal grounds for legal residency in your chosen country, and recommend the best path to obtaining long-term residency or citizenship.

Schedule a consultation with a Visit World immigration lawyer to receive expert legal support in choosing a jurisdiction, preparing documents, and developing a relocation strategy tailored to your goals!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed business visas to Kuwait.

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