Kuwait Nationality Law. Kuwait attracts expatriates from around the world, resulting in nearly 70 percent of its residents being foreigners. As a matter of fact, Kuwaiti citizens enjoy much more perks than foreigners, as the advantages granted to them differ significantly from those granted to their foreign counterparts.
Kuwait provides avenues for applying for citizenship, though the process can be complicated and challenging. Kuwait is renowned for its rigorous citizenship process, which is among the most stringent in the world. We will guide you through the requirements and implications of acquiring Kuwaiti citizenship in this article.
Kuwait Nationality Law Rules
The Kuwait nationality law was first published in 1959 and regulates citizenship in Kuwait. According to this law, Original Kuwaitis and their descendants are identified and citizenship guidelines are established for individuals who seek citizenship on a reasonable basis.
Original Kuwaitis
Kuwaiti nationals who were originally residing in Kuwait before 1920 and continued to live there until the enactment of this law are referred to as original Kuwaiti nationals. The descendants of these original Kuwaitis who live within the country are also included in this category.
When an original Kuwaiti lives in a different country, but intends to return home, Kuwait remains their primary residence.
Citizenship By Birth
The following conditions must be met in order for Kuwaiti citizenship to be acquired through birth:
- Kuwaiti nationality is conferred to anyone born to a Kuwaiti father, regardless of where they live (inside or outside Kuwait)
- Kuwaiti nationality is automatically granted to individuals born within Kuwait whose parents’ identities are unknown. Where children are discovered with unknown parentage, the assumption is that they were born in Kuwait unless there is evidence to the contrary
- Kuwaiti citizenship can be conferred by Decree on an individual born to Kuwaiti parents whose father’s identity is unknown or who lacks legal confirmation of paternity. When an individual reaches adulthood, this provision applies regardless of where they were born
Kuwait Nationality Law Requirements
There are established channels for non-Kuwaiti nationals to pursue Kuwaiti citizenship. Kuwait does not recognize dual citizenship, so individuals who obtain Kuwaiti citizenship must renounce their previous citizenship within three months. Below are the pathways and requirements for acquiring Kuwaiti citizenship.
Kuwait Citizenship By Naturalization
If you meet the following criteria, you can apply for Kuwaiti nationality by decree, based on the recommendation of the Minister of the Interior:
- A minimum of 20 consecutive years of legal residence in Kuwait (or 15 years for Arab nationals) is required
- Possession of a legitimate income source
- An absence of convictions for crimes against honor or integrity
- Language proficiency in Arabic
- Kuwaiti government’s provision of essential services
- Original Muslim status with at least 5 years of adherence to Islam by birth or conversion
Kuwaiti nationals appointed by the Minister of Interior will evaluate applications for naturalization and recommend suitable candidates.
Individuals who acquire Kuwaiti nationality through naturalization are not eligible to vote in any Parliamentary election for a period of 30 years.
Kuwait Nationality Law By Marriage
The following pathways can be taken to obtain Kuwaiti citizenship through marriage:
Foreign Wife of a Kuwait National
- When the foreign spouse of a Kuwaiti national expresses her desire to become a Kuwaiti citizen, she can apply for Kuwaiti citizenship
- After 18 years of marriage, foreign wives may apply for citizenship, while Arab women can apply after 10 years. It is the responsibility of the Interior Minister to shorten this waiting period
- A Kuwaiti husband can only pass on his citizenship to his wife if he is a Muslim
- When a husband becomes a Kuwaiti citizen, his wife does not automatically become a Kuwaiti citizen. Within one year of her husband’s naturalization, the wife must express her desire to become a citizen
Children and Citizenship
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The children of a foreign father who has acquired Kuwaiti citizenship are Kuwaiti citizens by birth
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In the event that these children reach the age of maturity, they will be able to choose Kuwaiti citizenship or their parent’s nationality
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It is not common for a divorce to result in the revocation of citizenship
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The wife does not lose her Kuwaiti citizenship if her husband obtains another nationality unless she voluntarily renounces it
Children’s Citizenship and Father’s Naturalization
Kuwaiti Women’s Citizenship and Marriage to Foreign Nationals
Current Kuwaiti law prohibits Kuwaiti women from granting citizenship to foreign husbands. A foreign man who marries a Kuwaiti woman does not automatically become a Kuwaiti citizen. Similarly, Kuwaiti citizenship is not automatically granted to children of foreign fathers unless the foreign father dies, becomes a prisoner of war, or is divorced from the Kuwaiti mother.
Nevertheless, there has been ongoing discussion regarding revisions to this rule to allow foreign husbands and children of Kuwaiti women to be considered for naturalization.
Kuwait Citizenship Through Other Criteria
There are also additional criteria that can lead to the granting of Kuwaiti citizenship to foreigners:
Recognition for Caluable Services
Kuwaiti Mother and Foreign Father Scenario
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Kuwaiti nationality can be granted to children born to a Kuwaiti mother, who have lived in Kuwait until becoming adults, but whose foreign father has permanently divorced them or passed away. The Interior Minister is responsible for implementing this provision
Arab Residents Before 1945
Non-Arab Residents Before 1930
- In addition to Arabs, non-Arabs who have lived in Kuwait before 1930 and who continue to live there until the naturalization decree can also obtain Kuwaiti citizenship.
- The ancestral residence and the residence of descendants are both taken into consideration, especially if the descendant was born and currently resides in Kuwait
- Applicants will be required to verify their residence as part of the application process
Kuwait Citizenship Benefits
Kuwaiti citizenship opens up a wealth of advantages and opportunities. The Kuwaiti nationality comes with an array of benefits that significantly improve the quality of life of Kuwaitis. The government of Kuwait is dedicated to ensuring the welfare of its citizens, making Kuwait one of the most affluent countries in the world.
The following are some of the benefits Kuwait citizens can enjoy
- Food ration cards, which provide subsidized food items, are available
- Government-provided social services, including counseling and financial assistance
- Pension recipients can opt to receive their pensions in advance
- Those who are unemployed and divorced can apply to the Public Institution for Social Security for share repayment
- When a family member passes away, the Public Institution for Social Security provides a death grant to the surviving family members
- A comprehensive array of healthcare services is available for free at public hospitals. Additionally, if medical travel is required, the government covers the costs.
FAQs About Kuwait Nationality Law
Q1) Is dual citizenship allowed in Kuwait?
Ans:- Neither Kuwait nor the United Arab Emirates recognize dual nationality. Having dual citizenship limits the consular services we can provide if you are arrested or detained.
Q2) What is the new residency law in Kuwait?
Ans:- The law will introduce a five-year renewable residence permit, with the exception of foreign children of Kuwaiti mothers, real estate owners, and investors (issued for a maximum of 15 years).
Q3) How can I become a resident of Kuwait?
Ans:- Can I get permanent residency and citizenship if I meet the requirements? Education, work, and family reunification can result in permanent residency for a period of six months to five years. Kuwaiti residents also receive identification cards that contain their personal information.
Conclusion
Kuwait demographics showcase a significant expatriate population, constituting nearly 70% of residents. The citizenship process is stringent, with distinct rules for original Kuwaitis, birth, marriage, and other criteria. The benefits of Kuwaiti citizenship are extensive, providing a high quality of life. However, the nation does not allow dual citizenship.
As we navigate through Kuwait’s citizenship regulations, it becomes evident that the country values a meticulous and selective approach to citizenship, maintaining a balance between its citizens and the expatriate community.
