Kuwait Plans Major Increases in Service Fees; Tourist Visa Rules Eased for GCC Residents
KUWAIT CITY — Kuwait is set to introduce a series of fee hikes for government services, including company registration and temporary commercial licences, following a Cabinet directive to review service pricing nationwide, Gulf News reports.
Under the new plan, establishing a company in Kuwait, which is currently free of charge, would now cost KD20—even for non-profit organisations. Other services, such as amending a company’s fiscal year, cancelling mortgages or commercial agencies, and providing brokerage for fish, fodder, livestock, vegetables, fruit, and poultry, would also carry new fees.
Temporary commercial licences are expected to see the largest increases. For example, a licence for a temporary real estate or jewellery showroom would jump from KD30 to KD500. Additionally, fees for capital amendments, partner changes, dissolutions, trade name updates, and management clause changes are set to rise by 25 per cent.
Accounting practice licences would increase from KD150 to KD200, while company licence renewals and board member certificates would also cost 25 per cent more. Representation at general assemblies would rise from KD100 to KD125, and ration card fees would double from KD5 to KD10.
Officials said the fee adjustments are part of Kuwait’s broader effort to align service pricing with economic policies and cost evaluations.
Visa-on-Arrival Now Open to GCC Residents
In a separate move, Kuwait has made it easier for foreign residents of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to visit the country. Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah announced that all foreigners living in GCC countries can now obtain a tourist visa on arrival at any entry point.
The decision, published in the official gazette Kuwait Al-Youm on Sunday, takes effect immediately. Tourist visas will be valid for 90 days, and applicants must hold a residency permit in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, or Bahrain that is valid for at least six months.
The new rule replaces a 2008 regulation that limited the visa-on-arrival facility to certain professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and executives. With this change, around 25 million GCC residents can now visit Kuwait more easily.
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