Telephone Numbers
Telephone Numbers
How to Start a Business and Do Business in Kuwait
For detailed information +90 542 381 3868 'Call.
The JV LLC is one of the most frequently used business structures in Kuwait. To establish this form of business, a manager of any nationality is required. A Kuwaiti shareholder, holding a 51% stake in the company, must also be appointed. A foreign shareholder is limited to holding only a 49% stake in this type of entity. The liability of the shareholders and directors is limited to a specific amount. The minimum paid-up capital for this entity type is 1,000 Kuwaiti Dinars (KWD).
The Kuwait Foreign Direct Investment Law permits 100% foreign ownership in certain entities. This is only possible after obtaining the necessary permits and approvals from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Agency (KDIPA). However, registering this entity will take approximately 180 days. The minimum paid-up capital to form this type of entity ranges from USD 70,000 to USD 140,000. The activities planned by this company must be deemed of national importance.
The limited liability partnership in Kuwait is another common form of business structure. This type of entity consists of partners. One of the partners must be a local individual. Approval from KDIPA is required concerning the partners. This form of entity has certain tax advantages. Annual returns must be submitted by this type of entity.
Generally, companies in these free zones are exempt from any form of taxation. Customs duties and other charges will also not be levied on firms operating within this free zone.
This form of company is similar to public limited companies that offer their shares on a public stock exchange. Foreigners can also be shareholders in this form of entity. They must hold a maximum of 49% of the shares, unless an exemption is obtained from KDIPA. To create this type of entity, it must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce and Investment.
If you wish to conduct business as a foreign company, opening a branch office in Kuwait is a suitable option. A branch in Kuwait is merely an extension of the foreign parent company. The branch does not have limited liability, and all liability rests with the parent company.
A representative office in Kuwait is simply an extension of its foreign parent company. A representative office is not permitted to engage in profit-generating activities in Kuwait. Financial statements are not required to be filed by the representative office. Activities such as promotion and marketing for the foreign firm can be conducted by the representative office.
If a significant capital investment is not required, an investor looking to register a company in Kuwait can use a commercial agency agreement. An investor will consider entering into such an agreement with a local agent. The agent would then conduct all transactions related to representing the company in Kuwait.
The available Business Structures in Kuwait include: Kuwait Joint Venture LLC (JV LLC), Wholly Foreign-Owned Entity (WLL), Kuwait Limited Liability Partnership (Kuwait LLP), Kuwait Free Zone Company (Shuwaikh Companies), Kuwait Public Shareholding Company, Branch Office, Representative Office, and Commercial Agency Agreement. Our business setup services include advising on the most suitable business structure for your needs in Kuwait. Our team will assist you throughout the business registration process, with the opening of a bank account for the business, and in handling post-registration compliance matters.
Our consultants create a strategic plan to establish and operate the business based on your needs. We develop a budget and improve cash flows for your business. We also review internal control processes and conduct business assessments. We provide advisory on matters related to the management of the business.
Our legal experts provide legal advice on commercial activities, finance, intellectual property protection, and more. We also prepare legal documents for your business and review and compile the necessary paperwork. Furthermore, we ensure that all legal and regulatory compliance is properly fulfilled.
Our experts offer bookkeeping services, ensuring the proper maintenance of various accounting records. This includes maintaining complete and orderly financial records such as cash books, general ledgers, fixed asset registers, and accounts receivable and payable sub-ledgers. Additionally, we provide financial reporting, accounting guidance, and bookkeeping support. They assist in creating accurate financial accounts, ensure compliance with accounting standards, and offer qualified advice on complex accounting issues. Accounts and financial statements are prepared to reflect a true and fair view of the company’s operations. We ensure the fulfillment of accounting and auditing requirements on behalf of our clients.
Our tax experts will help you effectively manage your tax liabilities and identify opportunities to reduce tax expenses. We ensure the timely filing of tax returns. We provide consultancy on both direct and indirect taxes. As the world becomes increasingly connected, businesses regularly engage in cross-border transactions with complex tax implications. Through our global tax advisory services, we provide comprehensive guidance on international tax compliance, double taxation agreements, transfer pricing, and international tax planning. Our knowledge helps companies navigate the challenges of international taxes and strengthen their tax positions worldwide.
Our Intellectual Property Experts assist with IP Compliance. We help in obtaining IP registration by completing application forms and compiling the relevant documents. Our team of intellectual property specialists also advises on IP compliance and IP Protection. We also assist in enforcing intellectual property rights against any infringement.
About Our Services in Kuwait
World Company Setup is one of the leading management consultancy firms providing end-to-end business setup, financial, regulatory, taxation, legal, and advisory services to early-stage businesses, startups, entrepreneurs, and large corporate companies across the globe.
Kuwait is rich in natural resources. It ranks among the world's top ten oil exporters. Although the economy is primarily oil-based, the national development plan, New Kuwait Vision 2035, emphasises economic diversification.
+90 542 381 3868
+971 58 5204103