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Setting up a business in Kuwait

KDIPA licences, ownership and steps.

Kuwait3 min readLast updated 29 Oct 2026Fact-checked 29 Oct 2026

In short

Foreign investors can own up to 100% through a KDIPA licence in approved sectors. Otherwise companies need Kuwaiti ownership of at least 51%. Corporate tax is 15% on foreign companies.

Full ownership
Via KDIPA
Corporate tax
15% (foreign)
VAT
Not yet
Setup
1–3 months

Step by step

Your progress0 / 3

Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.

  1. 4–8 weeks

Documents checklist

Documents ready0 / 3

Do’s and don’ts

Do

  • Use a local lawyer

Don’t

  • Don’t use nominee arrangements

Cost estimator

Your estimateKWD 500

Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.

Watch out

  • Kuwaitisation quotas apply in some sectors.

Common questions

Is there a free zone?

Yes, Shuwaikh Free Zone, with limited activities.

Background and more detail

Foreign investors can own up to 100% through a KDIPA licence in approved sectors. Otherwise companies need Kuwaiti ownership of at least 51%. Corporate tax is 15% on foreign companies.

Key facts

  • Full ownership: Via KDIPA
  • Corporate tax: 15% (foreign)
  • VAT: Not yet
  • Setup: 1–3 months

Steps

  1. KDIPA application
  2. Commercial licence – MOCI.
  3. Bank and visas

Watch out

  • Kuwaitisation quotas apply in some sectors.

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