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How to start a business in Kuwait

How to start a business in Kuwait

In short

According to the article, you start a business in Kuwait by finding a Kuwaiti partner, renting a location in their name, getting the RUKSA TIJARA license, then the board license, signature paper and articles of association, with the partner holding 51%.

Key takeaways

  • You need a Kuwaiti national as a partner, who charges a fixed monthly fee, sometimes from 150 KD.
  • The rental agreement for your business location must be made in the Kuwaiti partner's name.
  • RUKSA TIJARA is the first license, followed by a board license you must display at your premises.
  • Per the article, a foreign owner can hold up to 49% while the Kuwaiti partner holds 51%.

Do you want to start and run a successful business in Kuwait? Read this post to learn the step-by-step process of opening a company!


How to start a business in Kuwait

Kuwait is one of the wealthiest countries in the Middle East, offering extensive business opportunities and higher returns on investments for investors. Although the country has a warm climate, entrepreneurs consider it the best place to start and run a business due to its reliable economic and business environment.

We recommend visiting the government’s official website or portal to learn about planning and starting a business in Kuwait. However, today’s article will explain the entire process and give you a step-by-step approach to creating a successful business in Kuwait. Read on!

Find a Kuwait Partner

You can’t start and run a business without a Kuwaiti partner. You will require a Kuwaiti national to open a business in this country. Hiring a professional service is an excellent way to find an ideal Kuwaiti for your company’s needs.

Although the Kuwaiti national won’t take profit from your business operations, they will charge a fixed amount. Sometimes, it starts from 150 Kuwaiti dinars per month. In addition, the Kuwaiti national will not interfere in your business and financial operations.

Choose a Business Location

Once you have found a Kuwait national for your business, the second step is to start your company and choose a location. For instance, you need an office to run your business operations. Similarly, you will need a dedicated space to run a restaurant, hotel business, or something like that!

You must rent a space to operate your business. Ensure you get a rent agreement of the business location to avoid problems. Remember, you must make the agreement on the Kuwaiti name.

Register Your Company

Once you have completed the rental agreement, you will start the registration process. RUKSA TIJARA is the first license your company will need during the registration process. It is one of the most critical documents to legalize your company in Kuwait.

In addition, you will need RUSKA ALAAN, the board’s license from the governmental authorities, after obtaining RUKSA TIJARA. You must display this license in your office or outside your retail shop, restaurant, etc.

ITEMAAD TUQUIA is the next legal document to apply for, which means Signature Paper in English and consists of a signature of the Kuwaiti partner. The purpose of this document is to verify that your Kuwaiti partner has signed all the legal docs.

Moreover, you will need to apply for and obtain an Article of Association Paper, also known as AQAAD TEHSEES. It is another critical document to get 49% of your company and provide 51% to the Kuwaiti partner.

Bear in mind that you can’t have over 49% of the share in your company. Otherwise, you will violate the law and regulations. The good news is that your Kuwaiti partner won’t take a profit share. However, they will take the monthly charges.

Final Words

In addition to the above steps, we recommend conducting market research to get an idea and write a business plan. Next, funding is critical to streamline your business operations and optimize its structure. Until Next Time!


  • Article based on personal opinion, experience and research.
  • Photos from Unsplash & canva.
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Quick answers

Do you need a Kuwaiti partner to open a business in Kuwait?

The article says yes: you need a Kuwaiti national as a partner. They take no share of the profit and don't interfere in operations, but they charge a fixed fee, sometimes starting from 150 Kuwaiti dinars a month. A professional service can help you find one.

What is RUKSA TIJARA?

RUKSA TIJARA is the first license your company needs when you register, and the article calls it one of the most critical documents for making your company legal in Kuwait. After it, you apply for the board license, which must be displayed at your office or shop.

What documents does the Kuwaiti partner sign?

Your partner signs ITEMAAD TUQUIA, the signature paper confirming they have signed the legal documents. You also need the articles of association, AQAAD TEHSEES, which set your share at 49% and the partner's at 51%, as the article describes.

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