Foreign ownership of real estate in Kuwait is subject to extremely strict legal regulations and limitations governed by national property laws. Generally, non-Kuwaiti nationals are barred from owning land or residential real estate unless they meet rigorous statutory criteria, which historically includes holding a valid permanent residency visa, obtaining explicit prior special government approval from the cabinet, and adhering to strict property size and location limits. Most expatriates living and working in the country therefore reside in rented accommodations rather than purchasing property directly.