Doing Business in Kuwait

Doing Business in Kuwait

Preface

This guide has been prepared by Baker Tilly in Kuwait, an independent member of Baker Tilly International. It is designed to provide information on a number of subjects important to those considering investing or doing business in Kuwait.

Baker Tilly International is one of the world’s largest accountancy and business advisory networks in terms of combined fee income and is represented by
742 offices in 146 territories with over 36,332 personnel worldwide. Its members are high-quality, independent accountancy and business advisory firms, all of whom are committed to providing the best possible service to their clients, both in their own marketplace and across the world.

This guide is one of a series of country profiles compiled for use by Baker Tilly International member firms’ clients and professional staff. Copies may be downloaded from www.bakertilly.global.

The doing business in Kuwait guide has been designed for the information of readers. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information contained in this guide may not be comprehensive and recipients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. The facts and figures as presented are correct at the time of writing.

Up-to-date advice and general assistance on Kuwait matters can be obtained from Baker Tilly in Kuwait; contact details can be found at the end of this guide.

October 2020

1- Kuwait Fact Sheet

Geography

Location Southwest Asia
Area 17,820km2
Land boundaries Saudi Arabia (to the south and west); Iraq (to the north)
Coastline 499km on the Arabian Gulf
Climate Extreme summers and short winters with occasional showers
Terrain Mostly flat plain desert
Time Zone GMT + 3
Country Code 00965

People

Population 4.78 million as of 31 December 2019 with more than 1.4 million citizens and the remaining are expatriates (Source: PACI). Approximately 98% of Kuwait’s population is urbanized while 2% are nomadic or semi-nomadic. The majority of the population lives in towns and cities situated close to the coastline, while the interior land is scantily inhabited.
Ethnic Groups 29.98% Kuwaitis, 27.07% other Arabs, 41.07% Asian, 0.84% European/ American, 1% African, and 0.03% Australian.
Religion Islam is the state religion. 73.52% of the population are Muslims, a majority of which are Sunni. There is freedom of religion within the jurisprudence of the country’s law.
Language The official language is modern standard Arabic. English is also well-understood and used in business circles.

Government

Country Name State of Kuwait
Government Type

Constitutional Monarchy. Kuwait’s constitution was adopted on 11 November 1962. The constitution declares Kuwait as a constitutional monarchy with executive powers vested in the hands of the Amir (ruler) of the country. Kuwait is currently ruled by the 17th Amir of the country HH Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Kuwait has an elected National Assembly (the Parliament) of 50 members supplemented by members of the Council of Ministers. The maximum term for an assembly is four years. The National Assembly is vested with legislative responsibilities, which also include oversight powers over the government.

Capital Kuwait City
Administrative Divisions Kuwait is divided into national and local administrations. Presently there are 6 governorates (muhafazah), namely Capital City, Hawally, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer, Ahmadi, and Jahra. These governorates are further divided into districts

2- Business Environment

2.1 Introduction

Kuwait’s economy is largely dependent on oil revenues.

Below is a snapshot of the key economic indicators for Kuwait:

GDP KD 39.4 Billion (2019)
GDP – real growth rate 0.4% (2019)
Average Oil Production 2.739 MMbbl/d (2019)
Value of Total Exports KD 19.7 Billion (2019)
Value of Total Imports KD 8.94 Billion (2019)
Annual Inflation Rate 1.1% (2019)
Currency (code) The Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

2.2 Legal Framework for Doing Business in Kuwait

Kuwait’s legal framework governing business activities provides a range of opportunities to do business in Kuwait. Several legislations regulate Kuwait’s business environment, prominently the Companies Law No. 1 of 2016, as amended, Law No. 116 of 2013 regarding the Promotion of Direct Investment in the State of Kuwait, and Law No. 36 of 1964 regulating Commercial Agencies.

Investments can be made in Kuwait through three main channels:

  1. Establishing a Kuwaiti company in accordance with Companies Law No. 1 of 2016: The above Law sets forth the requirements and procedures for incorporating different forms of business entities, which include:

    • Sole Proprietorship;
    • Joint Venture
    • Company with Limited Liability;
    • Public Shareholding Company
    • Closed Shareholding Company
    • Partnership;
    • Limited Partnership;
    • Partnership Limited by Shares

    For more information about the above legal forms of business entities, please refer to Kuwait’s Companies Law No. 1 of 2016, as amended, and the Executive Regulations thereof.

  2. Establishing an investment entity in accordance with Law No. 116 of 2013 and the Executive Regulations regarding the Promotion of Direct Investment in the State of Kuwait: Companies under the above Law include:

    • A Kuwaiti company having one of the legal entity forms of companies set forth in the Companies Law No. (1) of 2016, which will be incorporated for the purpose of Direct Investment. Foreign participation in the such company may be up to 100% of the company’s capital in accordance with the principles and rules set forth under Companies Law.
    • A branch of a foreign company licensed to operate within the State of Kuwait for the purpose of Direct Investment.
    • Representative offices are solely intended to develop market studies and production potential without engaging in a business activity or the business of commercial agents.

    For more information about the above legal forms of business entities, please refer to Kuwait’s Companies Law No. 1 of 2016, as amended, and the Executive Regulations thereof.

  3. Doing business through a local agent in accordance with Kuwait Commercial Agencies Law No. 13 of 2016 and the Commercial Law No. 68 of 1980, as amended The agency business in the State of Kuwait may take any of the below-mentioned forms:

    • Contract Agency Agreement: This agency form is governed by Article (271) of the Kuwait Commercial Law No. 68 of 1980. The local agent undertakes to perform the below tasks as set forth in the agreement:

      • Promote the principal’s business on an ongoing basis in the territory.
      • Enter into transactions in the name of the principal in consideration of a fee.
    • Distributorship Agency Agreement:

      This agency form is governed by Article (286) of the Kuwait Commercial Law No. 68 of 1980. The local agent may act as the distributor of the principal’s products in a defined territory in consideration of a percentage of the profit.

    • Commission Agency Agreement:

      This agency form is governed by Articles (287) to (296) of the Kuwait Commercial Law No. 68 of 1980. Local agents may act in their own name for the principal’s account against the commission. The principal’s name may not be revealed without their consent. Commissions are charged for transactions on a case-by-case basis.

    • Representative offices are solely intended to develop market studies and production potential without engaging in a business activity or the business of commercial agents.

    Fees of a commercial representative may be paid as a fixed regular amount, a commission, or a percentage of profits.

2.3 Accounting and Audit Requirements

  1. Statutory Requirements

    Business entities in Kuwait should maintain adequate financial records in Arabic.

  2. Accounting Standards

    All companies in Kuwait are required to comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the preparation of financial statements in accordance with Ministerial Resolution No. 110 of 1991.

  3. Audit Requirements

    Companies in Kuwait, both Shareholding and Limited Liability, must be audited annually. The auditor should be independent, and registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) and Capital Markey Authority (CMA), and must be a member of the Kuwait Association of Accountants and Auditors.

2.4 Filing Requirements

In the State of Kuwait, there is an administrative governmental body that grants licenses for business activities and regulators that supervise business activities. Filing to administrative governmental bodies and regulators is made as follows:

  1. Administrative Governmental Body

    The administrative governmental body that grants business licenses is the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).

  2. The following entities are required to submit their annual audited financial statements within three months from the end of the financial year to the MOCI, which is both their licensor and regulator:

    • Sole Proprietorship
    • Partnership Company
    • Limited Partnership
    • Partnership Limited by Shares
    • Joint Venture
    • Company with Limited Liability
    • Closed Shareholding Companies
    • Public Shareholding Companies
  3. Regulatory Bodies The regulatory bodies that supervise business activities are as follows:

    • Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK)
    • Capital Markets Authority (CMA)
    • Ministry of Commerce and Industry
    • Ministry of Finance
Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK)

The banking system is regulated closely by the CBK. The CBK is responsible for supervising Kuwait’s commercial (conventional and Islamic) and specialized banks, as well as foreign bank branches including financing companies, as well as investment companies performing financing activities, and exchange companies. It additionally performs other tasks including but not limited to setting the monetary policy.

The below entities are required to submit their quarterly financial statements to the CBK within 10 days from the end of the quarter and annual audited financial statements within 3 months from the end of the financial year:

  • Banks
  • Exchange Companies
  • Investment Companies (Providing Financing)
  • Financing Companies
Capital Markets Authority (CMA)

The Capital Markets Authority (“CMA”) is currently the regulatory authority primarily responsible for regulating the marketing, offer and sale of securities in Kuwait.

The below entities are required to submit their quarterly financial statements to the CMA within 45 days from the end of the quarter and annual audited financial statements within 3 months from the end of the financial year:

  • Closed Shareholding Companies licensed by the CMA
  • Public Shareholding Companies
Ministry of Commerce and Industry

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry supports commercial and industrial activities and provides for the needs of the State and citizens in relation to goods and services.

Insurance Companies are required to submit their audited annual financial statements to the MOCI on an annual basis.

Ministry of Finance

The Ministry of Finance is responsible for regulating Kuwait’s financial
services Industry and Kuwait’s international trade.

Companies subject to Income Tax, National Labor Service Tax (NLST), Zakat, Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and Common Reporting Standard (CRS) should submit their tax declarations or other reportable information to the Ministry of Finance on an annual basis or as per deadlines prescribed by the Ministry.

3- Investment & Financing Channels

3.1 Investment Channels

There are two types of investments in Kuwait, i.e. Direct Investment and Indirect Investment.

Direct Investment: Direct Investments are those owned directly in the name of the investor and which are acquired through the investor’s direct participation.

The Direct Investment channels are illustrated below:

 Direct Investment channels

Boursa Kuwait is one of the most prominent channels of direct investment in Kuwait. The Capital Market Authority is an independent government body regulating and monitoring the securities market of Kuwait.

Below is a brief about the CMA and Boursa Kuwait:

Capital Markets Authority (CMA)

The Capital Markets Authority (“CMA”) is currently the regulatory authority primarily responsible for regulating the marketing, offer,ing and sale of securities in Kuwait. Law No. 7 of 2010 regarding the Establishment of the Capital Markets Authority and Regulating Securities Activities was issued on February 21, 2010. Certain provisions of the law were further amended in Law No. 108 of 2014 which was issued on 10 August 2014 and Law No. 22 of 2015, which was issued on 10 May 2015.

Boursa Kuwait

Boursa Kuwait is a private entity that was established in April 2014 by the Capital Markets Authority Commissioners’ Council Resolution No. 37/2013 dated 20 November 2013, replacing the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE), to become the nation’s official exchange effective 25 April 2016 with the aim to take over and manage the Kuwait stock market and progressively transition its operations, while delivering on three main fronts; transparency, efficiency, and accessibility.

Officially licensed on 5th October 2016, Boursa Kuwait’s mission is “To operate an efficient, fair and transparent capital market platform that services all relevant asset classes, whilst focusing on clients’ interest through excellence in everything we do”.

The Boursa is currently segmented into 3 markets as follows:

  • Premier Market
  • Main Market
  • Auction Market

Since being established, Boursa Kuwait has recorded a lot of achievements, the latest and the biggest being its upgrade as an “emerging market” by the FTSE Russell Emerging Markets Index, S&P Dow Jones Indices, and the MSCI Index.

In addition, Boursa Kuwait’s privatization drive has been successful with 94% of the Company’s shares being held by private investors and only 6% stake being held by the government. This makes Boursa Kuwait the only stock exchange operator in the Middle East that is not owned by the state. In addition, Boursa Kuwait’s own shares were publicly listed on the stock exchange on 14 September 2020.

Indirect Investments:

Indirect Investments are those owned by the investor and which are acquired indirectly through the funds or portoflios.

The Indirect Investment channels are illustrated below

Indirect Investment channel

3.2 Investment Incentives in Kuwait

Kuwait offers the following investment incentives:

Industry Law

The Government of Kuwait encourages investment in the local business by providing the below-mentioned incentives:

  • Certain raw materials and equipment are exempt from import duties
  • Goods locally produced are protected against similar goods that are imported by levying tariffs on imports
  • Availing industrial loans at economic interest rates
  • Businesses that deal with government supply contracts are provided preferential treatment
Direct Foreign Capital Investment Law

Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA) was established to promote direct investment in the State of Kuwait, as a specialized public authority with financial and administrative independence. KDIPA is one of the economic implementing arms of the country performing developmental, promotional, regulatory, and advocacy roles. Under the authority of the KDIPA, the Direct Foreign Capital Investment Law (Law No. 116) was promulgated in 2013.

The Direct Foreign Capital Investment Law provides several incentives, which include the following:

  • Non-Kuwaitis are provided the opportunity to invest in excess of 50% (up to 100%) in Kuwaiti companies.
  • Approved projects requiring imported materials are fully or partially exempted from customs duties and other government charges.
  • Tax exemption for up to 10 years with respect to non-Kuwaiti shareholders’ shares of the profits from the business.
  • Repatriation of profits and capital invested is guaranteed under the law.
  • Investors can avail of benefits from avoidance of double taxation treaties,

if available, and other promotion and protection agreements signed between Kuwait and other countries.

  • Industrial plots can be leased at low rental rates for long periods of time.
  • Recruitment of foreign labor is required for the project.

Some of the success stories under KDIPA include the following:

  • IBM
  • MMI (Montreal Medical International Inc.)
  • BRG
  • Malka (Malka Communications Group Inc.)
  • NTG Clarity Networks Inc
  • TSK
  • Grand Cinemas
  • TR (Technical Reuindas)
  • GE
  • Huawei
  • Selex ES
  • SinGulf Global
  • AZN O&M Company W.L.L
  • WTE
  • Leonardo
  • Mckinsey and Co.
  • Sacyr
  • Cengiz

3.3 Exchange Control

There are no significant restrictions on foreign currency movements except for safeguards to combat money laundering as stipulated and strictly implemented by the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK).

Hence, capital, equity, dividends, loan, interest, profits, royalties, fees, and savings are freely remittable by foreign investors through banks, investment companies, and currency exchange companies albeit strictly monitored by the CBK.

3.4 Financing Sources

Primary sources of financing in Kuwait for business purposes are its domestic and foreign banks. These institutions provide facilities that may be on a medium to long-term basis. A prominent institution in Kuwait facilitating the growth of commerce and industry is the Industrial Bank of Kuwait. It provides the following financing facilities:

  • Industrial Finance
  • Commercial Finance
  • Small Enterprise Finance
  • Finance of Agriculture

Loans are provided on a deferred repayment basis with subsidized rates.

Also, the National Fund for Small and Medium Enterprises Development provides financing for up to 80% of capital for feasible projects submitted by Kuwaiti Nationals.

4- Employment Regulations

4.1 Governing Law and Legal Requirements

There are several laws governing employment in Kuwait including:

  • Private Sector: Private Sector Labor Law No. 6 of 2010, as amended, which is enforced by the Public Authority for Manpower;
  • Government Sector: Government Sector Labor Law No. 18 of 1960, as amended; and
  • Oil and Gas Sector: Oil Sector Labor Law No. 28 of 1969.

4.2 Employment Permits

Employers are responsible for obtaining employment permits for their foreign employees. An employer should obtain a permit from the Public Authority for Manpower and send it to the foreign employee before that person embarks for Kuwait. The employer should undertake to engage the foreign employee only in the job specified in the employment permit.

Employment permits are usually issued for up to three years and may be renewed for similar periods upon the request of an employer. GCC nationals do not need to have employment permits to work in Kuwait.

4.3 Employment Agreement

Under the Kuwait Labor Law, an employment agreement should be made in writing. In any case, the agreement shall provide a description of the job, the compensation payable, the date of appointment, and the duration of employment (if for a definite term). In terms of the duration of service, a period that does not exceed five years is considered a definite term. The probationary period is 100 days and the employment agreement during the said period can be terminated by either party without prior notice with the employee receiving the accumulated dues.

4.4 Remuneration

Remuneration typically includes the following:

  • Basic salary
  • Allowances
  • Grants
  • Endowments
  • Cash Benefits

Overtime is payable as follows:

  • 125% of normal pay on working days including Saturdays (Rest Day)
  • 150% of normal pay on Fridays (Off Day)
  • 200% of normal pay on public holidays

End of Service Benefits (EOSB):

The terminal benefit payment is calculated as 15-day pay per year for the first five years of service and one month of pay per year thereafter unless a higher rate is provided in the employment agreement. The calculation is based on the latest salary. The total amount paid may not exceed one and one-half years’ remuneration based on the last basic salary.

The worker shall be entitled to half of the EOSB in the event that he/she terminates the agreement, which has an indefinite term and the period of service is a minimum of 3 years and not more than 5 years. However, if the period of service is 5 years and is less than 10 years, the worker will be entitled to two-thirds of the EOSB. If the period of service exceeds 10 years, the worker will be entitled to the entire EOSB.

Leave:
  • The annual paid leave is 30 days.
  • Maternity leave is 70 days, (30 days before delivery and 40 days after delivery)
  • Sick leave is 15 days with full pay, 10 days with 75% pay, 10 days with 50% pay, 10 days with 25% pay, and 30 days without pay.

4.5 Health, Safety & Welfare at Workplace

Employees should be protected from physical hazards and occupational diseases at the workplace. Thus, employers are required to take necessary precautions to protect their employees’ welfare in line with the regulations specified in the Labor Law.

4.6 Notice Requirements

As per the Labor Law, a minimum of 3 month notice period should be provided to an employee on termination of their employment agreement furnishing adequate explanation for such termination. The Law also declares that an employee must provide a 3-month notice period to their employer in case of resignation.

4.7 Transfer of Obligations

In the event that the business entity is sold, merged with another entity, or transferred by inheritance, donation, or other legal action, the employment agreement shall remain valid under the same conditions, and the obligations and rights of the original employer towards the workers shall be transferred to the employer who replaces them.

4.8 Termination

The employee who is terminated for any reason shall have the right to object to a such decision before the competent labor department. If it is established, by virtue of the final verdict, that the employer has arbitrarily terminated the worker, the latter shall be entitled to an end-of-service benefit and compensation for material and moral damages.

4.9 Trade Unions

Trade Unions’ formation and activities are strictly controlled. Only one unit is allowed to be established for workers in any profession. An employee is not allowed to join more than one union.

To be a union member, an employee must be at least 18 years of age and have a certificate of good conduct from a competent authority. For expatriates, a valid employment permit and a Kuwait work experience for five consecutive years are required to become a union member.

Kuwaitis are the only persons who have the right to vote in the union’s general assembly. Being elected to the executive board of a union is also restricted to Kuwaitis. Expatriates only have the right to delegate one among them as a representative in order to share their views before the executive board.

4.10 Social Security

Social security in Kuwait is applicable only to Kuwaiti nationals and GCC nationals according to the GCC Uniform Social Security System. As per Social Security Law No. 61 of 1976, employers and Kuwaiti employees shall make a monthly social security contribution. The employers should contribute 11% while the employee should contribute 7.5% of the basic salary plus the government contribution. Employees’ contribution is deducted from their salary.

5- Taxation

5.1 Overall Structure

Each tax is regulated by separate legislation which is governed by the Amiri Decree. The tax system is comprised of the following main taxes:

  • Foreign Entity Taxation
  • Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS)
  • Zakat (Islamic Tax)
  • National Labor Support Tax (NLST)

5.1.1 Foreign Entity Taxation

All foreign companies operating in Kuwait are subject to income tax. In other words, any income earned by a foreign company from Kuwait is subject to income tax irrespective of whether the entity has an office or place of business inside Kuwait.

The only exceptions to this condition are companies incorporated in the GCC and fully owned by GCC citizens, which are operating in Kuwait, will not be subject to any taxes, and income is exempted under double taxation avoidance treaties.

The current income tax rate is a flat 15% of:

  1. Net Profit based on actual reported profit or
  2. Deemed Profit when a foreign company is unable to maintain separate accounting books for its operations in Kuwait

A tax declaration should be filed within 3.5 months of the end of the taxable period. It is possible to extend this deadline by 60 days but this is subject to the discretion of the Tax Department.

Tax is payable in four equal installments as follows:

  • The first installment has to be paid within 3.5 months from the end of the taxable period
  • The second installment has to be paid within 5.5 months from the end of the taxable period
  • The third installment has to be paid within 8.5 months from the end of the taxable period
  • The fourth installment has to be paid within 11.5 months from the end of the taxable period
  1. Tax Deductible Costs

    All costs incurred in the course of carrying out operations in Kuwait and deemed necessary for realizing income are tax deductible subject to certain exclusions as specified under the Disallowed Expenses as per the Law. These expenses should be supported by valid documents and should be related to the taxable period.

  2. Tax Losses

    Tax losses may be carried forward for up to three years, i.e. losses incurred in the first year can be utilized to set off profits in the second year and the balance can be utilized to set off profits in the third year.

  3. Depreciation

    Depreciation rates are prescribed by Law based on the nature of the asset, which are then applied to cost and computed on a straight-line basis. The permissible rates of depreciation include 4% a year for buildings, 20% for plant and machinery, 15% to 20% for motor vehicles and 15% for office furniture.

  4. Withholding Taxes

    All entities transacting with foreign companies in Kuwait are expected to withhold the last payment of the contract, which should not be less than 5% of the total contract value until the foreign entity provides them with a tax clearance certificate issued by the Tax Department in the Ministry of Finance.

5.1.2 Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS)

Pursuant to Amiri Decree issued on 12 December 1976 incorporating KFAS, all Kuwaiti public and closed shareholding companies are required to contribute 1% of net profits to KFAS. Deduction towards KFAS contribution from the profit should be made after transfer to the statutory reserve and the offset of losses brought forward.

5.1.3 Zakat

Pursuant to Law No. 46 of 2006 regarding Zakat and contribution by public and closed shareholding companies in the State’s budget, the shareholding companies are required to contribute 1% of net profits towards Zakat. Deduction towards Zakat contribution from net profit should be made before the Board of Directors’ remuneration, contribution to Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, donations, grants, and NLST.

5.1.4 National Labor Support Tax (NLST)

Pursuant to Law No. 19 of 2000 regarding National Labor Support, all Kuwaiti companies listed on the Boursa Kuwait and other business entities are required to contribute 2.5% of annual net profits towards NLST. Deduction towards NLST contribution from profit should be made before the Board of Directors’ remuneration, contribution to Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences, donations, grants, and Zakat.

5.1.5 Value-Added Tax (VAT)

Value Added Tax (VAT) application started in Gulf Council Countries. On 27 November 2016, GCC States signed the Common VAT Agreement of the States of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Pursuant to the said Agreement, the six GCC States agreed to introduce the VAT at a rate of 5% where each of the member States will set the implementation date.

Such an Agreement is expected to be adopted in the State of Kuwait in the short term.

5.1.6 Double Taxation Avoidance Treaties

Kuwait has signed double taxation avoidance treaties with the following countries:

Albania Hungary Portugal
Algeria Hong Kong Romania
Armenia India Russia
Austria Indonesia Serbia and Montenegro
Azerbaijan Iran Seychelles
Belarus Ireland Singapore
Belgium Italy Slovakia
Benin Japan South Africa
Bosnia and Herzegovina Jordan Spain
Brunei Kenya Sri Lanka
Bulgaria Korea Sudan
Canada Laos Switzerland
China Latvia Syria
Croatia Lebanon Tunisia
Cyprus Luxembourg Turkey
Czech Republic Malta Ukraine
Denmark Malaysia United Kingdom
Djibouti Mauritius Uzbekistan
Egypt Moldova Venezuela
Ethiopia Morocco Vietnam
France Netherlands Yemen
Georgia Pakistan Zimbabwe
Germany Philippines Greece
Poland

The double taxation avoidance treaties provide international investors seeking to do business in Kuwait with certain tax exemptions. However, the tax exemptions may be availed as long as the investors have operated under a non-permanent establishment (activities less than 6 months). Some of the exemptions include:

  • Expenses incurred outside Kuwait for any Kuwaiti projects are allowed as long as such expenses are charged in line with international practices.
  • Profits generated from the supply of materials are not taxable.

5.2 Kuwait’s Compliance with International Tax Treaties

5.2.1 Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA)

On 29 April 2015, the government of the State of Kuwait signed with the US government the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to Improve International Tax Compliance and Implement the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) whereby the Kuwait financial institutions are required to report all financial accounts of US individuals or entities to the US Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).

5.2.2 Common Reporting Standard (CRS)

On 19 August 2016, the Government of the State of Kuwait signed the CRS Multilateral Competent Authority Agreement with OECD whereby the financial institutions in the State of Kuwait will provide governmental authorities with information about profits, balances and revenues generated from the sale of assets when the beneficiary is resident outside their home country in accordance with the Common Reporting Standard developed by OECD.

6- Customs Duty

Based on the Customs Union formed on 01 January 2003 by the GCC States, it is agreed that a uniform customs duty will be levied among all member States; customs will not be levied for trade among GCC States; and regulations, which restrict trade among GCC States, would be eliminated.

As a result, Kuwait levies a standard customs tariff of 5% on CIF invoice prices subject to certain exceptions.

As per the Customs Union, a unified list of goods comprising 400 items including basic foodstuffs, personal effects, and used household items are exempted from customs duties.

7- Member Firm Contact Details

Hisham Sorour

Managing Partner
Baker Tilly
Assurance, tax, and consulting
Kuwait City, Sharq area, Khalid Ibn Al Waleed Street,
25 February Tower, Floor 19
T: + 965 1 88 77 99 Ext.: 301
F: + 965 2294 2651

Baker Tilly Kuwait

Assurance, tax, and consulting
Kuwait City, Sharq area,
Khalid Ibn Al Waleed Street,
25 February Tower, Floor 19
T: + 965 1 88 77 99 Ext.: 301
F: + 965 2294 2651