Kuwait

At a glanceRequirements at a glance

Commercial License Required

Yes

Yes. Any business operating in Kuwait, including a moving company, needs a commercial license from MOCI, with the correct business activity registered.

Vehicle Licensing for Goods Transport Requires General Traffic Department Approval

Yes, where the mover operates its own goods-transport vehicles. Companies operating vehicles for goods transportation need approval from the General Traffic Department, under conditions set by the Traffic Engineering Department, separate from the general commercial license. Where a mover subcontracts the transport, the carrier’s own approval covers the transport it performs, and the mover should use carriers that hold the licences that transport requires.

A Recent Policy Reopening

Yes. Kuwait had suspended the issuance of new vehicle licenses for companies involved in goods transportation and delivery. A 2024 decision by the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior lifted this suspension, but attached specific new conditions: the company must have at least one branch in a location that doesn’t obstruct traffic, as determined by the Traffic Engineering Department, and vehicle replacements for existing operators must follow specific guidelines on vehicle lifespan and type.

Logistics Services Providers Specifically Named

Likely relevant, where the mover operates its own vehicles. Companies wishing to provide logistics services must also obtain General Traffic Department approval, under the same conditions applied to delivery service providers. Household goods moving is a goods-transport and logistics activity, but no source was found that names moving companies specifically, so confirm with the General Traffic Department.

Consumer Protection

Yes. Kuwait’s 2014 consumer protection legislation established the framework, administered by MOCI’s Department of Consumer Protection (part of the Consumer Protection and Combating Commercial Fraud sector).

Consumer Complaint Resources (For Movers Not Vetted as ITMs)

Yes. Consumers can reach MOCI’s consumer complaint hotline (135) for general consumer issues (separate sector-specific hotlines exist for health, food, and telecom complaints). An independent Consumer Protection Association, established by ministerial decree in 2020/2021, also represents consumer interests and is recognized internationally through Consumers International.

Industry Association

None dedicated. No dedicated Kuwaiti moving-industry trade association was identified in this research.

OverviewOverview & Scope

Kuwait licenses movers through a two-layer system: a general commercial license from MOCI, plus separate approval from the General Traffic Department for the vehicles used in goods transport. The second layer attaches to the company operating the vehicles. Where a mover subcontracts the transport, the carrier’s own approval covers the transport it performs, and the mover should use carriers that hold it. This second layer is a recent, still-evolving area: Kuwait suspended new goods-transport and delivery vehicle licenses for a period, only lifting that suspension in 2024 under new conditions tied to branch location and vehicle replacement rules. Logistics services providers are explicitly named as needing the same approval, which is likely relevant to household goods moving. On the consumer side, MOCI’s Department of Consumer Protection administers the 2014 consumer protection framework, backed by a free hotline and an independent Consumer Protection Association.

RegistrationRegistration & Compliance Essentials

Company licensing

1. Obtain a commercial license from MOCI, with the correct business activity registered.

Subcontracted transport

2. Where transport is subcontracted, use carriers that hold the licences required for the transport they perform.

Vehicles and drivers (where the mover operates its own vehicles)

3. Obtain General Traffic Department approval for goods-transport and logistics vehicles, meeting the current conditions, including an appropriately located branch as determined by the Traffic Engineering Department.
4. Make sure any vehicle replacements comply with the current lifespan and type guidelines set by the General Traffic Department.

Customer practices

5. Ensure consumer-facing practices comply with Kuwait’s consumer protection legislation.

ChecklistCompliance checklist

Company licensing

• Commercial license held from MOCI, with the correct activity registeredVerified by DocumentRequired

Subcontracted transport

• Where transport is subcontracted, the mover uses carriers that hold the licences required for the transport they performWhere applicableVerified by AffirmationRequired

Vehicles and drivers (where the mover operates its own vehicles)

• General Traffic Department approval for goods-transport vehicles, including the Traffic Engineering Department’s branch-location conditionWhere applicable (mover operates its own goods-transport vehicles)Verified by DocumentRequired
• Vehicle replacements follow the General Traffic Department’s lifespan and type guidelinesWhere applicable (mover operates its own vehicles and replaces them)Verified by AffirmationRequired

Customer practices

• Consumer-facing practices comply with Kuwait’s 2014 consumer protection legislationVerified by AffirmationRequired