A small, oil-rich country on the Arabian Gulf, Kuwait is flat and arid, but oil wealth makes this an attractive place for immigrants. Kuwaiti Arabs make up a third of the population, with other Arabs 22 percent and non-Arabs 38 percent.

Kuwait was founded in the 18th century. The ruling al-Sabah dynasty was in place in 1899 when Kuwait came under British protection. Full independence was achieved in 1961. Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, but a U.S.-led coalition routed Iraqi forces. Kuwait was the principal platform for U.S. military operations against Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Business in Kuwait

A license is required for all business in Kuwait. General trading, contracting, importing, and industrial licenses are issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI). Specific licenses are required for other commercial activities, and these are often issued by the ministry that controls that activity.

Business licenses are only issued to Kuwaiti nationals and Kuwaiti companies and, in some cases, to GCC nationals and companies.

The percentages for Kuwaiti manpower in private sector will apply to all businesses under specified categories employing 100 or more workers.



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