WEFAQ Law Firm Accredited by KDIPA to File Investment Applications for Investors in Kuwait

WEFAQ Law Firm is now a KDIPA-accredited firm. The Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) has entered WEFAQ in its register of companies and offices accredited to file applications with the Authority on behalf of investors, under Director General Decision No. 429 of 2026. The decision was issued on 4 November 2026 and published in Kuwait Al-Youm Issue 1816 on 8 November 2026 (pages 50 and 51).

What the decision says

Article 1 registers 46 companies and offices, WEFAQ among them. The decision takes effect from its publication in the Official Gazette (Article 2). It was issued under Law No. 116 of 2013 on the Promotion of Direct Investment in Kuwait, its Executive Regulations (Ministerial Decision No. 502 of 2014), and Director General Decision No. 246 of 2017, which sets the system for registering and accrediting the advisory firms that file applications with KDIPA on investors' behalf. It follows the recommendations of KDIPA's registration team dated 22 October 2026.

What this means for investors and businesses

KDIPA is the main gateway for foreign companies that want to set up in Kuwait. Under Law No. 116 of 2013 it can grant an investment licence that allows a foreign investor to own up to 100% of a Kuwaiti company, instead of the usual route through a local partner, as well as licences for a branch of a foreign company or a representative office. Approved projects may also qualify for incentives under the same law, such as tax and customs exemptions, depending on the project.

For a business planning to enter Kuwait, the registration means one adviser can handle the legal side of the KDIPA process from start to finish: our team can prepare the application, file it directly with the Authority on the investor's behalf, answer KDIPA's questions and follow the file through to a decision. Investors deal with one team rather than several, and the application is built by lawyers who will also handle the company's legal needs once it is up and running.

How WEFAQ can support your business

Our Foreign Direct Investment team works with companies at each stage of entering the Kuwaiti market. Before filing, we help investors choose the right route (investment licence, branch or representative office), settle the business activity, and plan the ownership and corporate structure. During the application, we prepare and file the KDIPA documents and handle correspondence with the Authority. After approval, we assist with incorporating the company with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, commercial licensing, commercial agency and distribution agreements, employment contracts and labour compliance, and trademark registration. We also advise existing KDIPA-licensed companies on changes to their activity, ownership or capital.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreign company own 100% of a business in Kuwait? Yes, through a KDIPA investment licence under Law No. 116 of 2013, subject to the conditions of the law and the activities it allows.

What does KDIPA accreditation mean? It means the firm is entered in KDIPA's register of companies and offices that may file applications with the Authority on behalf of investors, under Decision No. 246 of 2017.

WEFAQ's view: a well-prepared first filing is usually the fastest route through KDIPA. Investors should settle the activity, the structure and the ownership plan before filing, because these choices shape the licence and any incentives that may follow. Before appointing anyone to act for you before KDIPA, it is sensible to check that they are on the Authority's register. To discuss a market-entry project, contact our team.

Source: KDIPA Director General Decision No. 429 of 2026 on registering companies and offices in the register of companies and offices accredited by KDIPA to file applications on behalf of investors; Kuwait Al-Youm Issue 1816, pages 50 and 51, dated 8 November 2026; Law No. 116 of 2013 on the Promotion of Direct Investment in Kuwait.

This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your circumstances, please contact WEFAQ Law Firm.