Activities that need extra approvals in Kuwait

The situation

Some activities need approval from sector regulators in addition to the MOCI licence.

The law

• Companies Law No. 1 of 2016 (as amended, including Decree-Law 106 of 2024): Governs company forms, WLL partner meetings, accounts and liquidation; Decree-Law 106 of 2024 eased WLL extraordinary meeting quorums

What it means for you

Regulated activities such as financial services, healthcare and education need sector approvals. Building these into the plan avoids a licence that you cannot use. Check each activity with MOCI at the name and activity stage.

What to do

1. List planned activities.
2. Ask MOCI which need outside approvals.
3. Start sector applications early.
4. File for the licence when approvals are clear.

Activity specific approvals were not verified in sources reviewed.

Related

• Doing business in Kuwait without a local agent
• Kuwaiti or GCC owned company and income tax
• Choosing between a WLL and a KDIPA entity
• Foreign ownership limit in a Kuwait WLL
• Income tax on a foreign partner's share of a Kuwait WLL
• Protecting a minority foreign partner in a Kuwait WLL