Kuwait City: Kuwait’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry has temporarily suspended new freelance business licence applications as part of a review of the procedures governing the issuance of freelance licences.
The decision applies only to new applicants. Officials clarified that individuals holding valid freelance licences and existing single-owner companies can continue operating without any changes to their legal status or business activities.
According to ministry sources, the temporary measure is intended to streamline the commercial licensing system and introduce updated regulations that better reflect the country’s current business environment.
Authorities said the rapid growth of freelance businesses across various sectors has highlighted the need for a more transparent licensing process and stronger regulatory oversight.
As part of the reforms, the ministry is working with the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) to electronically integrate business licences, registered addresses and company records, improving the accuracy and efficiency of commercial data.
The ministry said no new freelance licences will be issued until the revised system is implemented, while assuring existing licence holders that their businesses can continue operating as normal.
