Kuwait has made further significant restrictive changes to its nationality laws, following changes made in April 2025. Changes include:
- Naturalization framework removed. It is no longer possible to obtain Kuwaiti nationality via long-term residence, good conduct, Arabic language proficiency, adequate qualifications or services rendered to the country.
- Citizenship by paternal descent. Citizenship by paternal descent is no longer granted. Previously, Kuwaiti nationality was granted to any individual born to a Kuwaiti father, whether in Kuwait or abroad.
- Citizenship by maternal descent and birth. Citizenship by maternal descent and birth is no longer allowed.
- Nationality for descendants of naturalized persons. Children and grandchildren of a naturalized person are no longer eligible for Kuwaiti nationality on the basis of being descendants of naturalized Kuwaiti nationals.
- New grounds for revoking Kuwaiti nationality. New grounds for revoking Kuwaiti nationality have been added, including offenses against the Emir (the country’s head of state).
- Nationality of Kuwaiti women upon marriage. Kuwaiti women who marry foreign nationals will no longer lose their Kuwaiti nationality if they also acquire their husband's nationality.
- Nationality retention for minors. Upon turning 21, individuals only have one year to declare retention of Kuwaiti nationality (down from two years).
- Penalties for false statements. Fines for providing false statements in nationality matters have increased to KWD 3,000-5,000 (up from KWD 200 – 500).
A child may continue to acquire Kuwaiti citizenship if both parents are Kuwaiti.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
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