Ministry of Commerce Allows Free Zone Companies Without Physical Stores

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued Ministerial Decision No. (216) of 2026 concerning the regulation of free trade activities, and Ministerial Decision No. (217) of 2026 approving the schedule of free trade activities, with the aim of defining permitted sectors and establishing the controls and requirements governing them. The ministry clarified that free trade activities encompass professional, scientific, technical, consulting, commercial, building services, administrative support, business support, arts, entertainment, education, training, and tourism sectors. It added that permitted activities also include rental activities, usage, maintenance, and repair activities (simple crafts), information and communications, real estate activities, and the textile, apparel, and leather industries. The ministry noted that the regulatory framework allows for the licensing of companies, including free trade companies that can be operated without the need for a commercial premises in accordance with specified controls. It stated that license applications can be submitted through the Kuwait Business Center Administration, the unified government electronic services application (Sahl), (Sahl Business), or any other channel approved by the ministry.