Establishing an Import-Export Company in Kuwait

If you wish to establish an import-export company in Kuwait, you have come to the right place. Abdulaziz Al-Subaie Law Firm & Legal Consultancy comprises a team of the most skilled corporate lawyers who will handle all necessary procedures and secure the required licenses, ensuring your company’s formation in full compliance with Kuwait’s Companies Law. Call now on 5076923 for an immediate response and tailored legal advice.

Conditions for Establishing an Import-Export Company

• The company must be formed by two or more persons.
• The non-Kuwaiti partner’s ownership stake may not exceed 49% of the capital, in accordance with Kuwait’s foreign ownership regulations.
• The company’s manager must not be employed by any governmental entity.
• None of the partners may have been convicted of dishonorable or criminal offenses.
• Any foreign partner must hold a valid Kuwaiti residence permit compliant with Kuwait’s Residency Law.
• Each partner must provide a capital certificate confirming deposit of their contribution into a Kuwait-licensed bank.
• A third partner is required if a husband and wife wish to establish a company together.
• The company manager must be a Kuwaiti national or a citizen of a GCC member state.

For detailed conditions, call Abdulaziz Al-Subaie Law Firm & Legal Consultancy at 5076923.

Documents Required for Company Incorporation

1. Photocopies of Civil ID cards for the company manager and all partners, proving identity and residence.
2. Notarized lease agreement for the company’s registered office.
3. Insurance records confirming the manager’s registration with the Public Institution for Social Security.
4. Certificate proving the manager is not employed by any government agency.
5. Bank certificate evidencing capital deposit (for a Limited Liability Company).
6. Capital certificates of each partner (for Partnerships and Simple Limited Partnerships).
7. Sponsor’s consent for the foreign partner’s participation, legalized by the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
8. Copy of work permit for the foreign partner and residency transfer certificate for a non-Kuwaiti manager.
9. Civil ID Authority’s e-Civil Number Certificate for the company’s headquarters.

Contact 5076923 to have a specialist lawyer advise you on all required documents.

Procedural Steps for Incorporation

1. Determine the appropriate company type, address all partners’ requirements, and assess the intended trade volume.
2. Select and reserve a trade name with the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
3. Draft the Articles of Association in compliance with Companies Law No. 1 of 2016, specifying the primary import-export activities.
4. Obtain preliminary approvals and sector-specific licenses (e.g., pharmaceuticals, foodstuffs, electronics) as needed.
5. Open a provisional bank account in the company’s name and deposit the required capital.
6. Notarize the Articles of Association—signed by all founders—in the presence of the Ministry of Justice.
7. Register the company with the Commercial Register and obtain the Certificate of Incorporation.
8. Secure the Commercial License authorizing import-export operations.

If you prefer full assistance, our lawyers will manage every step on your behalf. Reach us at 5076923.

Conditions for Obtaining an Import-Export License

• The applicant must be a Kuwaiti national.
• If non-Kuwaiti partners are involved, Kuwaiti ownership must comprise at least 51%.
• The company must hold a valid Commercial License covering import-export activities.
• The company must be registered with the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce & Industry to clear goods through Kuwaiti ports.
• An import permit must be obtained at least 24 hours before the shipment’s arrival.
• The shipment must be collected from the location specified in the import permit.

To obtain your license in full compliance with legal requirements, contact Abdulaziz Al-Subaie Law Firm & Legal Consultancy at 5076923.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a corporate lawyer handle the incorporation process on my behalf? A: Yes. A corporate lawyer can complete all incorporation procedures under a formal power of attorney and leverages the expertise to meet all requirements within the prescribed timeframe.

Q: How can I engage a lawyer to establish my import-export company? A: Call Abdulaziz Al-Subaie Law Firm & Legal Consultancy at 5076923. Our corporate lawyers will handle all procedures and secure every necessary license to launch your company.

Q: What is the cost of setting up an import-export company in Kuwait? A: Costs vary based on capital, company type, statutory fees, legal and professional charges, and licensing expenses.

Q: Is an import-export company profitable? A: Yes. With professional management, strategic planning, and cost control, an import-export company can be highly profitable.

For comprehensive legal support—from conceptualization to license issuance—call Abdulaziz Al-Subaie Law Firm & Legal Consultancy at 5076923.