A comprehensive practical guide for Kuwaiti citizens who hold a foreign nationality or have children born outside Kuwait: the steps required and the statutory deadlines that must be observed.
His Highness the Amir of Kuwait issued Decree-Law No. 52 of 2026 on 5 April 2026, making substantial amendments to Amiri Decree No. 15 of 1959 on Kuwaiti nationality. These amendments directly affect several categories of citizens and impose clear and binding legal steps that must be taken within defined periods.
This article sets out, practically and in detail, what is required of each category, relying exclusively on the official legal texts.
1. Persons Under 21 Holding a Foreign Nationality
This covers children born to a father who acquired Kuwaiti nationality by naturalisation, who were minors at the time of their father's naturalisation, and who simultaneously hold a foreign nationality (American, British, and so on).
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1No immediate step is required of you. The person remains in their current position with no legal obligation for as long as they have not reached the age of majority (21 under Kuwaiti law). No action for now
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2On reaching 21 — a full year to choose. Under the amended Article 7, the minor children of a naturalised person are entitled to decide their choice of nationality during the year following their attainment of majority. This period is statutory and binding and must not be disregarded. One year from turning 21
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3Making the choice formally before the Ministry of Interior. The application is submitted to the competent body at the Ministry of Interior (the Supreme Committee for the Verification of Kuwaiti Nationality), and an oral decision has no effect. A formal written decision
What happens on choosing Kuwaiti nationality?
Where a person elects to retain Kuwaiti nationality, they must renounce their foreign nationality within 3 months of the date their choice is declared and produce proof of this to the Ministry of Interior. Otherwise the grant of Kuwaiti nationality is treated as never having been made (Article 11 bis).
2. Persons Over 21 Holding a Foreign Nationality
This category is the most affected by the new amendments and includes everyone who obtained Kuwaiti nationality by naturalisation and still holds another foreign nationality (American, British, Canadian, and so on).
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1Immediate renunciation of the foreign nationality. Article 11 bis provides expressly that everyone who obtained Kuwaiti nationality by naturalisation is bound to renounce their foreign nationality. Mandatory by statute
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2The statutory period: 3 months only. The period runs from the date Kuwaiti nationality was obtained. For those who obtained it before this law was issued, the position calls for immediate regularisation in consultation with a specialist lawyer. 3 months — do not delay
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3Producing proof of renunciation to the Ministry of Interior. An official document evidencing renunciation of the foreign nationality must be submitted to the competent body. Failure to submit within the period exposes the Kuwaiti nationality to retroactive cancellation. An official document is required
3. The Position of Kuwaiti Women Married to Foreign Men
The new law makes a substantial amendment to Article 10 concerning Kuwaiti women married to foreign men.
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1She loses her nationality if she enters her husband's nationality. Article 10 provides that a Kuwaiti woman who marries a foreign man loses her Kuwaiti nationality if she actually enters her husband's nationality. Note: actual entry is the condition
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2Withdrawal of nationality after the husband's death or divorce. Kuwaiti nationality is withdrawn from a woman naturalised by marriage to a Kuwaiti after his death or the end of the marriage, unless she has children by him and has not married a non-Kuwaiti. Review your position immediately
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3Withdrawal of nationality on holding a foreign passport. Holding the passport of a foreign state, even without formal naturalisation, may lead to withdrawal of Kuwaiti nationality under Article 10. Do not hold a foreign passport
4. Children Born to a Kuwaiti Mother and a Foreign Father
The new law introduces a specific provision in Article 7 bis (a) concerning minors born to a Kuwaiti mother and a foreign father.
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1Treated as Kuwaitis temporarily until majority. By decision of the Minister of Interior, a minor who has maintained residence in Kuwait may be treated as a Kuwaiti until reaching majority, where their foreign father is a prisoner of war, has divorced their mother irrevocably, or has died. Ministerial decision
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2Children of unknown paternity or unestablished filiation. A person born to a Kuwaiti mother whose father is unknown, or whose filiation to their father is not legally established, is treated as a Kuwaiti on a temporary basis. Temporary treatment
5. The New Verification Tool — DNA and Biometric Testing
Among the most significant amendments every citizen should be aware of: the amended Article 20 expressly permits the use of DNA and biometric testing as verification tools in nationality matters, in the following cases:
| Situation | Permitted legal use |
|---|---|
| Loss, withdrawal, or forfeiture of nationality | Testing may be used for verification |
| Adding a person to a father's nationality file | DNA testing may be relied upon |
| Suspected false claim of filiation | Testing is recognised legal evidence |
Why this matters
The State now has effective technical tools to detect any manipulation or irregularity in nationality files. Voluntary disclosure and proactive legal regularisation are far preferable to waiting until the matter comes to light through these tools, where the legal consequences may be considerably more severe.
6. Summary Table of Steps and Deadlines
| Category | Required step | Deadline | Provision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 21 holding a foreign nationality | Nothing now — choose on reaching majority | One year from turning 21 | Article 7 |
| Chose Kuwaiti nationality on majority | Renounce the foreign nationality | 3 months | Article 11 bis |
| Over 21, naturalised, holding a foreign nationality | Renounce immediately and produce proof to the Ministry | 3 months | Article 11 bis |
| Kuwaiti woman married to a foreign man | Do not enter the husband's nationality or hold his passport | Immediate | Article 10 |
| Person who lost nationality (Article 1) and wishes to recover it | One year's lawful residence, an application, and renunciation of the foreign nationality | After one year's residence | Article 11 |
| Kuwaiti woman by origin who lost her nationality by marriage | Apply to recover it when the marriage ends | After the marriage ends | Article 12 |
Reference Provisions
Does your position need specialist legal review?
Every case has its own circumstances. Contact Yamnak Law Firm for precise legal advice tailored to your situation.
Contact us nowThis article is for general legal awareness. It is not legal advice and is no substitute for it.
Based on Decree-Law No. 52 of 2026 — Kuwait Al-Youm, issue 1786, 13 April 2026.
