KUWAIT CITY, Nov 23: Article 7 of the Executive Regulations of the Law on the Residence of Foreigners, issued by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef, outlines the duration and conditions under which ordinary residency permits may be granted to expatriates in Kuwait. The regulations specify different durations of residency based on the category of the foreign national and their eligibility.

- Standard Residency: Ordinary residency permits may be issued to most expats for a maximum period of five years. - Extended Residency (Up to Ten Years): Certain categories of foreigners are eligible for a longer residency period of up to ten years, including:

-Children of Kuwaiti citizens.
-Expats who own real estate in Kuwait.
-Other categories as determined by a decision of the Minister of Interior.

- Long-Term Residency (Up to Fifteen Years): Foreign investors meeting the requirements outlined in Law No. 116 of 2013 and satisfying criteria specified by the Council of Ministers may be granted ordinary residency permits for a period not exceeding fifteen years.

The regulations also clarify that ordinary residency permits may be renewed upon application by the holder. Additionally, obtaining, renewing, or transferring a residency permit to a new employer or sponsor requires proof of registration in the health insurance system issued by the Ministry of Health in the name of the sponsored individual. The duration of the residency permit cannot exceed the period covered by the health insurance.

This framework ensures that residency is directly linked to both the purpose of stay and compliance with health insurance requirements, while providing flexibility for eligible foreigners to maintain long-term residence in Kuwait.