Kuwait revises citizenship law, introduces stricter eligibility and revocation norms

Kuwait has introduced major amendments to its citizenship law, revising rules on granting, withdrawal and regulation of nationality. The changes, published in the Official Gazette Al-Kuwait Al-Youm, take immediate effect and aim to restructure the country’s nationality framework, according to Kuwait News Agency.

The decree replaces key provisions of the citizenship law, removes outdated clauses and introduces new legal controls. Authorities said the revisions seek to balance national identity considerations with humanitarian and social factors while reinforcing the state’s authority over citizenship decisions.

Rules revised for nationality, withdrawal and verification

The amendments redefine eligibility for Kuwaiti nationality by origin, including individuals born to a Kuwaiti father inside or outside the country. Changes also cover naturalisation rules, children’s nationality status and conditions under which citizenship may be retained or lost.


Children of naturalised citizens will generally be treated as naturalised rather than citizens by origin, with provisions allowing minors to choose their nationality upon reaching adulthood.

The law outlines stricter conditions for loss and withdrawal of nationality, including cases involving voluntary acquisition of foreign citizenship. It also introduces safeguards for spouses and minors, along with provisions for possible reinstatement under specific conditions.

Women’s nationality rights have been revised, including rules related to marriage, divorce and acquisition of foreign nationality.

The decree grants expanded powers to the Minister of Interior to decide on nationality matters, including cases involving minors born to Kuwaiti mothers under certain conditions. It also allows restoration of nationality subject to approval and residency requirements.

Authorities can now use scientific methods such as DNA testing and biometric identification in nationality disputes to strengthen verification processes.

The law introduces penalties of up to three years in prison and fines of KD 3,000 for providing false information, rising to seven years and KD 5,000 in cases of deliberate fraud.

Nationality decisions are classified as sovereign acts and are not subject to judicial review under the new provisions.

Several earlier laws and provisions, including those issued in 1994 and 1995, have been repealed. The government said all ministers concerned will oversee implementation of the decree.