Country guide
Kuwait
A civil-law system based on codified statutes, with Sharia applied to personal-status matters.
General information — last reviewed 20 October 2026 — to be reviewed by a licensed lawyer. Not legal advice.
Courts
- Courts of First Instance, Appeal and Cassation
- Personal status (family) circuits
How matters are filed
- Labour complaints go to the Public Authority for Manpower before court.
- Claims are filed at the courts in Arabic through a Kuwaiti-licensed lawyer.
Practice areas
Labour & Employment
Labour Law in the Private Sector No. 6 of 2010
Covers contracts, wages, leave and end-of-service indemnity.
Tenancy & Real Estate
Leases are governed by Kuwait’s rent law; disputes go to the rent circuits of the courts.
Family & Personal Status
Personal-status matters for Muslims are governed by Kuwait’s personal-status law and heard by family circuits.
Corporate & Commercial
Companies are registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry under the companies law.
Immigration & Golden Visa
Decree-Law No. 114 of 2024 on Foreigners’ Residence
Sets the rules for entry, residence permits, sponsorship and penalties for violations.
Criminal Defence
Offences are investigated by the Public Prosecution or police investigations and tried under the penal code.
Debt, Banking & Insolvency
Debts are recovered through payment orders, claims and the execution department.
FAQs
What changed for residence in 2024?
Decree-Law No. 114 of 2024 replaced the old foreigners’ residence law with updated rules and penalties.
Lawyers for this country
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