Moving to Kuwait: visas, cost of living & citizenship

About $1,800 a month for one person and $3,900 for a family of four in Kuwait City, including rent. A city-centre 1-bedroom flat costs around $900 a month and a 3-bedroom around $1,650. Prices are 60% of US levels. Kuwait is the 44th cheapest of the 76 countries in the index.

Kuwait scores 87/100 for safety (very safe), ranking 5th of 76. The homicide rate is 0.25 per 100,000 people (US 5.8, UK 1.0, Japan 0.2).

Kuwait scores 55/100 for stability (moderate), ranking 50th of 76, based on the World Bank's indicators for political stability, rule of law, control of corruption and government effectiveness.

Kuwait scores 62/100 for family-friendliness (very good), ranking 42nd of 76. Life expectancy is 84.6 years and under-5 mortality is 8.1 per 1,000 births.

There is no standard route to permanent residence. Long-term residence for investors (up to 15 years) and property owners (up to 10).

Citizenship by naturalisation is very rare. Practically unavailable. Dual citizenship: not allowed.

Most routes need a job offer from a local employer or a significant investment. Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries can move freely.

GCC citizens can live and work across Gulf Cooperation Council states. (Gulf Cooperation Council: United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia.)