Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has issued a new decision amending parts of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners' Residence Law, introducing a new fee for converting visit visas into regular residency permits.

The amendment was officially published in the government gazette "Kuwait Alyawm" under Ministerial Decision No. 1091 of 2026, which modifies certain provisions of Ministerial Decision No. 2249 of 2025 governing the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners' Residence Law.

Under the new amendment, a new clause has been added to Article 39, requiring the payment of a KD 150 fee for the service of converting a visit entry visa into a regular residency permit in accordance with Article 16 of the regulations.

The Ministry stated that the measure is part of ongoing efforts to update residency procedures, improve administrative services, and clearly define the applicable government fees for residency-related transactions.

However, the decision explicitly exempts domestic workers and those under the same legal category from paying the newly introduced fee, in accordance with Article 20 of the Executive Regulations.

The decision also instructs all competent authorities to implement the amendment within their respective jurisdictions, confirming that the regulation entered into force immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

The latest amendment forms part of Kuwait's broader efforts to modernize its residency system, strengthen administrative efficiency, and ensure that immigration procedures continue to operate under a clear and updated legal framework.