Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has officially barred foreigners, including Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals, from practicing 120 freelance business activities, now reserved exclusively for Kuwaiti citizens.
The measure was enacted through Ministerial Resolution No. 168 of 2025, as part of Kuwait’s ongoing efforts to boost economic nationalisation and local entrepreneurship.
The revised regulations aim to streamline the freelance licensing process while reserving ownership, management, and operational rights for Kuwaiti nationals only.
Although the licence validity period has been extended from one year to four years, and the minimum capital requirement has been reduced to KD 50, only Kuwaiti citizens will be allowed to operate within the designated sectors.
Key Requirements for Freelance Licensing:
Applicants must be 21 years or older
Must have no criminal convictions
Must operate as single-person companies
Must submit compliance undertakings and documentation
Licences are non-transferable and require annual reporting, electronic payment, and commercial registration
List of Major Job Categories Reserved for Kuwaiti Citizens:
While the full list of 120 jobs has not been published publicly, the government has outlined the major protected sectors:
Consultancy Services:
- Economic consultancy
- Marketing consultancy
- Agricultural consultancy
- Social consultancy
Creative & Design Work:
- Fashion design
- Interior decoration
- Aesthetic and luxury item design
- Gift wrapping and packaging
Photography & Events:
- Event management
- Photography
- Exhibition coordination
Real Estate & Tourism:
- Real estate brokerage
- Tourist guide services
- Hotel and apartment booking services
Leasing & Rentals:
- Equipment leasing
- Computer and IT equipment rentals
- Recreational items leasing
Promotional & Marketing Services:
- Advertising
- Digital promotions
- Sales and marketing management
Specialised Brokerage & Facility Management:
- Small-scale facility oversight
- Craft industry supervision
- Administrative support services
The Ministry’s Trade Classification Committee will oversee the implementation and has been given the authority to revise or update the list of protected activities as needed.
Officials confirmed that these changes are designed to promote local business ownership, ensure regulatory compliance, and align small-scale economic activities with legal, environmental, and health standards.
