New Rules for Charitable Organisations in Kuwait: What Founders, Boards, and Donors Need to Know

Setting up or managing a charitable organisation in Kuwait now requires more than just good intentions. New regulations introduced in mid-2025 have reshaped the legal framework for charitable organisations – now formally referred to as Mubarra – placing a greater emphasis on governance, eligibility, and state oversight. Whether you’re launching a new charity, serving on a board, or supporting its mission as a donor, it’s important to understand how these updates may affect you.

The term “charity” in Kuwait now has a formal legal meaning and applies only to registered organisations that meet the new regulatory requirements.

What’s new? Key Updates at a Glance

For Founders:

• A minimum of 10 Kuwaiti founders is now required, each over 21 and of good standing
• A deposit of KWD 10,000 must be placed in a local bank under the charity’s name before registration
• Security clearance and approvals from relevant authorities must be obtained in advance.

For Boards:

• Board members must be at least 30 years old and hold a diploma or university degree
• Board terms are capped at two years, with formal nomination and election processes now required
• Annual financial statements and administrative activity reports must be submitted

For Operations:

• Charities may not carry out any activities or solicit donations until full registration is complete
• All activities must take place from approved premises, with the charity’s name clearly displayed
• Violations must be addressed within one week of notification to avoid further enforcement action

For Oversight:

• Regulators now have stronger authority to suspend operations for repeated non-compliance
• In certain cases, the Ministry may appoint an interim board or dissolve the organisation entirely
• Upon dissolution, remaining assets are transferred under state supervision to appropriate entities

Why It Matters

These changes mark a clear shift toward greater transparency and accountability in Kuwait’s charitable sector. For existing charities, this means reviewing internal governance and compliance procedures. For new organisations, the path to registration is more structured, but also more regulated.

What to Do Now

Charities and their advisors should:

• Reassess internal bylaws and governance frameworks
• Confirm founder and board eligibility
• Ensure all required documentation and approvals are secured before beginning any activities

Need help?

For legal advice tailored to your organisation, contact our team at asar@asarlegal.com