Islamabad, Nov 10: Gulf Country Introduces Stricter Property Ownership Rules for Non-Citizens, Aiming for Greater Local Ownership
In an effort to balance state interests and preserve economic stability in the real estate market, Kuwait has implemented stronger restrictions on non-citizens’ capacity to buy real estate.
With notable differences between citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other nationalities, the new regulations set particular restrictions based on the nationality of potential buyers.
As a reflection of the strong economic relations within the region, the amended legislation offers property rights in Kuwait to GCC nationals from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman on an equal basis with Kuwaiti citizens.
However, ownership is subject to a number of requirements for non-GCC Arab nationals, such as having lived in Kuwait for at least ten years, having a spotless record, being financially eligible, and having an application granted by the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers.
It is prohibited for non-GCC Arab nationals to own more than 1,000 square meters of real estate in the country.
Complex situations like inheritance and citizenship changes are covered by additional regulations.
Unless special authorization is given, non-GCC heirs who inherit Kuwaiti property are required to sell it within a year.
Property rights are retained for Kuwaiti women who lose their citizenship and become citizens of the GCC; however, they are subject to alternative ownership regulations or must sell their property if they become citizens of non-GCC Arab or non-Arab nations.
A new directive from the Ministry of Justice, which requires notaries to use digital platforms to confirm citizenship status for people whose Kuwaiti citizenship has been revoked, is also part of this legal framework. This action comes after 489 people had their Kuwaiti citizenship revoked.
