The Kuwaiti government has a very liberal approach to foreign companies, providing all the necessary infrastructure and supportive environment to start your own business.
The process of company registration in Kuwait is straightforward and can be completed within a few months. The main requirement is a valid business license from the government of Kuwait. A bank account is also required for receiving payments from customers and depositing funds in it.
The process of starting a company in Kuwait is easy, but you will need to have some documents ready before applying for your license.
What are the documents required for company registration in Kuwait:
- Copies of civil IDs of the partners and the manager
- 2- Capital certificate for joint ventures and limited partnerships; the capital of the limited liability company is reserved during the establishment period.
- 3- Certificate from the Public Institution for Social Security for the manager
- 4- Lease contract and receipt
- 5- Certificate of the address automatic number from the Public Authority of Civil Information
- 6- Certificate of sponsor’s approval for the foreigner to enter in partnership with others approved by the Kuwait chamber of commerce and industry + signature authorization of the sponsor + work permit for the foreign partner + transferring the manager residence to the company
Types of Business/ Company in Kuwait
It is important to know the type of legal entity you wish to establish before you begin. If you’re looking for ways to do business in Kuwait, here are some options:
• A limited liability company (referred to as a WLL, which stands for “With Limited Liability”)
• A joint stock company (referred to as a KSC, which stands for “Kuwait Shareholding Company”)
• A limited liability partnership
• A branch office
• An agreement with a local commercial agent
Eligibility or Criteria
- 1. It must be between two persons or more.
- 2. Partners must have clear criminal records and must not have any convictions.
- 3. The share of the non-Kuwaiti partner must not exceed 49%.
- 4. The foreign partner must have a valid residency visa.
- 5. The managing partner must not be a government employee.
- 6. Each partner must submit a proof that he paid his share in the capital.
- 7. A limited liability company may not be established between a husband and a wife, unless there is a third partner.
- 8. The manager must be Kuwaiti or from GCC countries.
