العربية• International Business Setup
Full ownership in Kuwait goes through the investment licence
Law No. 116 of 2013 on the promotion of direct investment allows a foreign investor up to 100% ownership of a Kuwaiti company, with an investment licence from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). It uses a “negative list” approach: all sectors are open except those excluded by the Council of Ministers.
You deal with LegalIn alone, from Egypt. We handle the in-country steps through our network of offices there, so you do not need to engage another firm.
• Is this route for you?
- Investors targeting the Kuwaiti market.
- Egyptian companies that want a branch in Kuwait.
- Companies that want a representative office to study the market before operating.
• Foreign ownership and investment regime
Up to 100% with an investment licence, subject to a negative list
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Up to 100% with a KDIPA investment licence. Incorporation outside this route has different rules, which we review for your case |
| Legal basis | Law No. 116 of 2013 |
| Negative list | Crude oil and gas extraction, certain petroleum and fertiliser industries, real estate activities (except construction development), security and investigation services, professions regulated by a professional body such as law, and labour services |
| Available routes | A Kuwaiti company with an investment licence, a branch of a foreign company, or a representative office for market studies only |
The negative list was issued by a Council of Ministers decision in 2015; we check for any later amendment before starting.
• How we handle the file
From Egypt to incorporation
- Checking the activity against lists of activities restricted or closed to non-nationals.
- Choosing the form and the ownership and management structure.
- Preparing, notarising and attesting documents.
- Registering and obtaining licences from the competent authorities.
- Arranging post-incorporation steps: government registrations, hiring and compliance.
• Before we start
What we need to know
- Your exact activity, and who and where your customers are.
- The partners and their nationalities, and whether the investor is an individual or a company.
- Whether you need a physical office or staff in Kuwait.
- How the new entity relates to your company in Egypt, if any.
This tells us the route and the document list; documents vary with the activity and the partners’ nationalities.
• Common pitfalls
What can delay the file?
Opening a representative office, then carrying on commercial activity through it.
Confusing incorporation with an investment licence with ordinary incorporation, which has different ownership rules.
Targeting an activity on the negative list without checking it.
Filing an incomplete application: the decision period runs from completion.
• FAQ
Questions we often hear before setting up in Kuwait
Do I need a Kuwaiti partner?
Not necessarily when incorporating with an investment licence, depending on the activity.
Can my Egyptian company open a branch in Kuwait?
Yes, a branch is one of the routes available to foreign companies.
Do I need a firm in Kuwait?
No. You deal with LegalIn, and we coordinate with our network of offices there.
• Related routes
Your file may also involve
• Your next step
Considering Kuwait?
Send us your activity and partners’ details. We review the right route and get back to you on the next step.
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