Kuwait plans fee hikes for 67 services, some up 17-fold

Dubai: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has proposed introducing or raising charges for 67 services — many of which are currently free — with some fees set to surge more than 17 times.

The plan, drafted in line with a Cabinet directive to review service pricing, would see company establishment applications, now free, cost KD20, including for non-profit firms.

Fees would also apply to services such as amending a company’s fiscal year, cancelling mortgages and commercial agencies, and providing brokerage for fish, fodder, livestock, vegetables, fruit, and poultry.

Temporary commercial licences would face the steepest hikes: a licence for a real estate or temporary jewellery showroom would jump from KD30 to KD500.

Other changes include a 25% rise for capital amendments, partner changes, dissolutions, trade name updates, and management clause modifications.

Licences to practise accounting would increase from KD150 to KD200, while company licence renewals and board member certificates would also rise by 25%.

Representation at general assemblies would cost KD125, up from KD100, and ration card fees would double from KD5 to KD10.

Officials said the overhaul responds to service cost gaps, fee comparisons with other Gulf states, and charges unchanged for over 50 years.