Kuwait has introduced new requirements for marriage contract registration and personal documents with the approval of new laws. These laws mandate that couples complete a pre-marriage educational program before registering their marriage. These changes have been made to facilitate processes and improve coordination among government entities.
Drafting New Laws
According to the new decree, Law No. 122 of 2026, changes have been made to Law No. 10 of 2020 regarding document registration. The aim of these changes is to simplify the registration process, strengthen coordination among government agencies, and enhance the security and trust in official records. According to these amendments, parties or their representatives can appear in person, through an automated electronic system, or using video conferencing with modern technologies approved by the Ministry of Justice, before a notary public.
Educational Requirements for Couples
Under this decree, the registration of the marriage contract is only possible if both parties have completed the pre-marriage educational program. The Minister of Justice is responsible for determining the content of this program, its duration, completion requirements, and the implementing agencies. Additionally, relevant entities must confirm that the couples have completed this program and record it in the relevant registers.
This decree also includes procedures for divorce and annulment cases, where parties, except in cases covered by specific legal exceptions, are required to refer to the Family Dispute Resolution Center. In these cases, parties must allow the designated legal period to pass without reconciliation for the registration process to continue.
Key Points and Implications
If the completion of the educational program is not confirmed, the registration offices and authorized officials who proceed with the marriage registration may face severe penalties. These penalties include imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of up to 1000 Kuwaiti Dinars. These changes clearly demonstrate Kuwait's determination to improve legal processes and establish higher standards in the registration of personal and family documents.
Moreover, this decree allows government entities to access necessary records and documents according to the specified controls in the executive regulations. These measures are particularly designed to prevent the duplication of verification and registration of corporate contracts and related documents.
