diff --git a/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.custom-gcl.yml b/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.custom-gcl.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..78e822caa76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.custom-gcl.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+version: v2.5.0
+name: golangci-lint-kube-api
+destination: ./bin
+
+plugins:
+  - module: sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter
+    version: latest
diff --git a/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml b/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml
index 4838c54c0df..6b1a90764ec 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml
+++ b/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml
@@ -17,7 +17,13 @@ jobs:
         with:
           go-version-file: go.mod
 
+      - name: Check linter configuration
+        run: make lint-config
+
       - name: Run linter
         uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@v8
         with:
           version: v2.5.0
+
+      - name: Run lint target
+        run: make lint
diff --git a/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.golangci.yml b/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.golangci.yml
index e5b21b0f11c..4b55b0cb6b2 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.golangci.yml
+++ b/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/.golangci.yml
@@ -21,11 +21,23 @@ linters:
     - unconvert
     - unparam
     - unused
+    - kubeapilinter
   settings:
     revive:
       rules:
         - name: comment-spacings
         - name: import-shadowing
+    custom:
+      kubeapilinter:
+        type: module
+        description: "Kube API Linter plugin"
+        original-url: "sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter"
+        settings:
+          linters: {}
+          lintersConfig:
+            optionalfields:
+              pointers:
+                preference: WhenRequired
   exclusions:
     generated: lax
     rules:
@@ -36,6 +48,9 @@ linters:
           - dupl
           - lll
         path: internal/*
+      - path-except: "^api/"
+        linters:
+          - kubeapilinter
     paths:
       - third_party$
       - builtin$
diff --git a/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/Makefile b/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/Makefile
index 4f42c1d5b24..deb25aa0dbf 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/Makefile
+++ b/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/Makefile
@@ -188,7 +188,8 @@ KIND ?= kind
 KUSTOMIZE ?= $(LOCALBIN)/kustomize
 CONTROLLER_GEN ?= $(LOCALBIN)/controller-gen
 ENVTEST ?= $(LOCALBIN)/setup-envtest
-GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint-kube-api
 
 ## Tool Versions
 KUSTOMIZE_VERSION ?= v5.7.1
@@ -230,8 +231,17 @@ $(ENVTEST): $(LOCALBIN)
 
 .PHONY: golangci-lint
 golangci-lint: $(GOLANGCI_LINT) ## Download golangci-lint locally if necessary.
-$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(LOCALBIN)
-	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE): $(LOCALBIN)
+	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) .custom-gcl.yml
+	@echo "Running golangci-lint custom..."
+	@$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) custom || { \
+		echo "golangci-lint failed. Cleaning up..."; \
+		rm -f $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE); \
+		exit 1; \
+	}
 
 # go-install-tool will 'go install' any package with custom target and name of binary, if it doesn't exist
 # $1 - target path with name of binary
diff --git a/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v1/cronjob_types.go b/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v1/cronjob_types.go
index 9db5ea28c02..edf2e16ea6c 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v1/cronjob_types.go
+++ b/docs/book/src/cronjob-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v1/cronjob_types.go
@@ -192,7 +192,7 @@ type CronJob struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of CronJob
 	// +required
@@ -200,7 +200,7 @@ type CronJob struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of CronJob
 	// +optional
-	Status CronJobStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status CronJobStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -208,7 +208,7 @@ type CronJob struct {
 // CronJobList contains a list of CronJob
 type CronJobList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []CronJob `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.custom-gcl.yml b/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.custom-gcl.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..78e822caa76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.custom-gcl.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+version: v2.5.0
+name: golangci-lint-kube-api
+destination: ./bin
+
+plugins:
+  - module: sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter
+    version: latest
diff --git a/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml b/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml
index 4838c54c0df..6b1a90764ec 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml
+++ b/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml
@@ -17,7 +17,13 @@ jobs:
         with:
           go-version-file: go.mod
 
+      - name: Check linter configuration
+        run: make lint-config
+
       - name: Run linter
         uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@v8
         with:
           version: v2.5.0
+
+      - name: Run lint target
+        run: make lint
diff --git a/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.golangci.yml b/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.golangci.yml
index e5b21b0f11c..4b55b0cb6b2 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.golangci.yml
+++ b/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/.golangci.yml
@@ -21,11 +21,23 @@ linters:
     - unconvert
     - unparam
     - unused
+    - kubeapilinter
   settings:
     revive:
       rules:
         - name: comment-spacings
         - name: import-shadowing
+    custom:
+      kubeapilinter:
+        type: module
+        description: "Kube API Linter plugin"
+        original-url: "sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter"
+        settings:
+          linters: {}
+          lintersConfig:
+            optionalfields:
+              pointers:
+                preference: WhenRequired
   exclusions:
     generated: lax
     rules:
@@ -36,6 +48,9 @@ linters:
           - dupl
           - lll
         path: internal/*
+      - path-except: "^api/"
+        linters:
+          - kubeapilinter
     paths:
       - third_party$
       - builtin$
diff --git a/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/Makefile b/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/Makefile
index 02348985717..9fd1fe0a988 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/Makefile
+++ b/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/Makefile
@@ -184,7 +184,8 @@ KIND ?= kind
 KUSTOMIZE ?= $(LOCALBIN)/kustomize
 CONTROLLER_GEN ?= $(LOCALBIN)/controller-gen
 ENVTEST ?= $(LOCALBIN)/setup-envtest
-GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint-kube-api
 
 ## Tool Versions
 KUSTOMIZE_VERSION ?= v5.7.1
@@ -226,8 +227,17 @@ $(ENVTEST): $(LOCALBIN)
 
 .PHONY: golangci-lint
 golangci-lint: $(GOLANGCI_LINT) ## Download golangci-lint locally if necessary.
-$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(LOCALBIN)
-	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE): $(LOCALBIN)
+	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) .custom-gcl.yml
+	@echo "Running golangci-lint custom..."
+	@$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) custom || { \
+		echo "golangci-lint failed. Cleaning up..."; \
+		rm -f $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE); \
+		exit 1; \
+	}
 
 # go-install-tool will 'go install' any package with custom target and name of binary, if it doesn't exist
 # $1 - target path with name of binary
diff --git a/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/api/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go b/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/api/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go
index 4e8569dc9ab..fc9e4712206 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/api/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go
+++ b/docs/book/src/getting-started/testdata/project/api/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Memcached struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Memcached
 	// +required
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Memcached struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Memcached
 	// +optional
-	Status MemcachedStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status MemcachedStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ type Memcached struct {
 // MemcachedList contains a list of Memcached
 type MemcachedList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Memcached `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.custom-gcl.yml b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.custom-gcl.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..78e822caa76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.custom-gcl.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+version: v2.5.0
+name: golangci-lint-kube-api
+destination: ./bin
+
+plugins:
+  - module: sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter
+    version: latest
diff --git a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml
index 4838c54c0df..6b1a90764ec 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml
+++ b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.github/workflows/lint.yml
@@ -17,7 +17,13 @@ jobs:
         with:
           go-version-file: go.mod
 
+      - name: Check linter configuration
+        run: make lint-config
+
       - name: Run linter
         uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@v8
         with:
           version: v2.5.0
+
+      - name: Run lint target
+        run: make lint
diff --git a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.golangci.yml b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.golangci.yml
index e5b21b0f11c..4b55b0cb6b2 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.golangci.yml
+++ b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/.golangci.yml
@@ -21,11 +21,23 @@ linters:
     - unconvert
     - unparam
     - unused
+    - kubeapilinter
   settings:
     revive:
       rules:
         - name: comment-spacings
         - name: import-shadowing
+    custom:
+      kubeapilinter:
+        type: module
+        description: "Kube API Linter plugin"
+        original-url: "sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter"
+        settings:
+          linters: {}
+          lintersConfig:
+            optionalfields:
+              pointers:
+                preference: WhenRequired
   exclusions:
     generated: lax
     rules:
@@ -36,6 +48,9 @@ linters:
           - dupl
           - lll
         path: internal/*
+      - path-except: "^api/"
+        linters:
+          - kubeapilinter
     paths:
       - third_party$
       - builtin$
diff --git a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/Makefile b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/Makefile
index 4f42c1d5b24..deb25aa0dbf 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/Makefile
+++ b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/Makefile
@@ -188,7 +188,8 @@ KIND ?= kind
 KUSTOMIZE ?= $(LOCALBIN)/kustomize
 CONTROLLER_GEN ?= $(LOCALBIN)/controller-gen
 ENVTEST ?= $(LOCALBIN)/setup-envtest
-GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint-kube-api
 
 ## Tool Versions
 KUSTOMIZE_VERSION ?= v5.7.1
@@ -230,8 +231,17 @@ $(ENVTEST): $(LOCALBIN)
 
 .PHONY: golangci-lint
 golangci-lint: $(GOLANGCI_LINT) ## Download golangci-lint locally if necessary.
-$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(LOCALBIN)
-	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE): $(LOCALBIN)
+	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) .custom-gcl.yml
+	@echo "Running golangci-lint custom..."
+	@$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) custom || { \
+		echo "golangci-lint failed. Cleaning up..."; \
+		rm -f $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE); \
+		exit 1; \
+	}
 
 # go-install-tool will 'go install' any package with custom target and name of binary, if it doesn't exist
 # $1 - target path with name of binary
diff --git a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v1/cronjob_types.go b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v1/cronjob_types.go
index e92d070bb71..9e3412ff0eb 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v1/cronjob_types.go
+++ b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v1/cronjob_types.go
@@ -156,7 +156,7 @@ type CronJob struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of CronJob
 	// +required
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ type CronJob struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of CronJob
 	// +optional
-	Status CronJobStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status CronJobStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 /*
@@ -175,7 +175,7 @@ type CronJob struct {
 // CronJobList contains a list of CronJob
 type CronJobList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []CronJob `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v2/cronjob_types.go b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v2/cronjob_types.go
index ba9ef8f2eac..78c58ae3b8f 100644
--- a/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v2/cronjob_types.go
+++ b/docs/book/src/multiversion-tutorial/testdata/project/api/v2/cronjob_types.go
@@ -186,7 +186,7 @@ type CronJob struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of CronJob
 	// +required
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ type CronJob struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of CronJob
 	// +optional
-	Status CronJobStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status CronJobStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ type CronJob struct {
 // CronJobList contains a list of CronJob
 type CronJobList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []CronJob `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/pkg/plugins/golang/deploy-image/v1alpha1/scaffolds/internal/templates/api/types.go b/pkg/plugins/golang/deploy-image/v1alpha1/scaffolds/internal/templates/api/types.go
index 56769378d5f..0d83d1e8da5 100644
--- a/pkg/plugins/golang/deploy-image/v1alpha1/scaffolds/internal/templates/api/types.go
+++ b/pkg/plugins/golang/deploy-image/v1alpha1/scaffolds/internal/templates/api/types.go
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ type {{ .Resource.Kind }} struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta ` + "`" + `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"` + "`" + `
+	metav1.ObjectMeta ` + "`" + `json:"metadata,omitzero"` + "`" + `
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of {{ .Resource.Kind }}
 	// +required
@@ -134,7 +134,7 @@ type {{ .Resource.Kind }} struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of {{ .Resource.Kind }}
 	// +optional
-	Status {{ .Resource.Kind }}Status ` + "`" + `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"` + "`" + `
+	Status {{ .Resource.Kind }}Status ` + "`" + `json:"status,omitzero"` + "`" + `
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ type {{ .Resource.Kind }} struct {
 // {{ .Resource.Kind }}List contains a list of {{ .Resource.Kind }}
 type {{ .Resource.Kind }}List struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta ` + "`" + `json:",inline"` + "`" + `
-	metav1.ListMeta ` + "`" + `json:"metadata,omitempty"` + "`" + `
+	metav1.ListMeta ` + "`" + `json:"metadata,omitzero"` + "`" + `
 	Items           []{{ .Resource.Kind }} ` + "`" + `json:"items"` + "`" + `
 }
 
diff --git a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/init.go b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/init.go
index 6f78d0a5cfa..a4583d104f0 100644
--- a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/init.go
+++ b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/init.go
@@ -176,6 +176,7 @@ func (s *initScaffolder) Scaffold() error {
 		&templates.DockerIgnore{},
 		&templates.Readme{CommandName: s.commandName},
 		&templates.Golangci{},
+		&templates.CustomGcl{GolangciLintVersion: GolangciLintVersion},
 		&e2e.Test{},
 		&e2e.WebhookTestUpdater{WireWebhook: false},
 		&e2e.SuiteTest{},
diff --git a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/api/types.go b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/api/types.go
index 429b68192d6..6996047e875 100644
--- a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/api/types.go
+++ b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/api/types.go
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ type {{ .Resource.Kind }} struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta ` + "`" + `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"` + "`" + `
+	metav1.ObjectMeta ` + "`" + `json:"metadata,omitzero"` + "`" + `
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of {{ .Resource.Kind }}
 	// +required
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ type {{ .Resource.Kind }} struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of {{ .Resource.Kind }}
 	// +optional
-	Status {{ .Resource.Kind }}Status ` + "`" + `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"` + "`" + `
+	Status {{ .Resource.Kind }}Status ` + "`" + `json:"status,omitzero"` + "`" + `
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -140,7 +140,7 @@ type {{ .Resource.Kind }} struct {
 // {{ .Resource.Kind }}List contains a list of {{ .Resource.Kind }}
 type {{ .Resource.Kind }}List struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta ` + "`" + `json:",inline"` + "`" + `
-	metav1.ListMeta ` + "`" + `json:"metadata,omitempty"` + "`" + `
+	metav1.ListMeta ` + "`" + `json:"metadata,omitzero"` + "`" + `
 	Items           []{{ .Resource.Kind }} ` + "`" + `json:"items"` + "`" + `
 }
 
diff --git a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/custom-gcl.go b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/custom-gcl.go
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..0efda5231e6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/custom-gcl.go
@@ -0,0 +1,54 @@
+/*
+Copyright 2025 The Kubernetes Authors.
+
+Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
+you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
+You may obtain a copy of the License at
+
+    http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
+
+Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
+distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
+WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
+See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
+limitations under the License.
+*/
+
+package templates
+
+import (
+	"sigs.k8s.io/kubebuilder/v4/pkg/machinery"
+)
+
+var _ machinery.Template = &CustomGcl{}
+
+// CustomGcl scaffolds a file ..custom-gcl.yaml which define KAL configuration to install
+type CustomGcl struct {
+	machinery.TemplateMixin
+	machinery.ProjectNameMixin
+
+	// GolangciLintVersion is the golangci-lint version used to build the custom binary
+	GolangciLintVersion string
+}
+
+// SetTemplateDefaults implements machinery.Template
+func (f *CustomGcl) SetTemplateDefaults() error {
+	if f.Path == "" {
+		f.Path = ".custom-gcl.yml"
+	}
+
+	f.TemplateBody = customGCLTemplate
+
+	f.IfExistsAction = machinery.SkipFile
+
+	return nil
+}
+
+const customGCLTemplate = `version: {{ .GolangciLintVersion }}
+name: golangci-lint-kube-api
+destination: ./bin
+
+plugins:
+  - module: sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter
+    version: latest
+`
diff --git a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/github/lint.go b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/github/lint.go
index 730eba48ab4..b0605ce646d 100644
--- a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/github/lint.go
+++ b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/github/lint.go
@@ -65,8 +65,14 @@ jobs:
         with:
           go-version-file: go.mod
 
+      - name: Check linter configuration
+        run: make lint-config
+
       - name: Run linter
         uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@v8
         with:
           version: {{ .GolangciLintVersion }}
+
+      - name: Run lint target
+        run: make lint
 `
diff --git a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/golangci.go b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/golangci.go
index d2a1d1fc012..29fa106d2b0 100644
--- a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/golangci.go
+++ b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/golangci.go
@@ -64,11 +64,23 @@ linters:
     - unconvert
     - unparam
     - unused
+    - kubeapilinter
   settings:
     revive:
       rules:
         - name: comment-spacings
         - name: import-shadowing
+    custom:
+      kubeapilinter:
+        type: module
+        description: "Kube API Linter plugin"
+        original-url: "sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter"
+        settings:
+          linters: {}
+          lintersConfig:
+            optionalfields:
+              pointers:
+                preference: WhenRequired
   exclusions:
     generated: lax
     rules:
@@ -79,6 +91,9 @@ linters:
           - dupl
           - lll
         path: internal/*
+      - path-except: "^api/"
+        linters:
+          - kubeapilinter
     paths:
       - third_party$
       - builtin$
diff --git a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/makefile.go b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/makefile.go
index 4ee5fbc7ff7..c411d9efd91 100644
--- a/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/makefile.go
+++ b/pkg/plugins/golang/v4/scaffolds/internal/templates/makefile.go
@@ -263,7 +263,8 @@ KIND ?= kind
 KUSTOMIZE ?= $(LOCALBIN)/kustomize
 CONTROLLER_GEN ?= $(LOCALBIN)/controller-gen
 ENVTEST ?= $(LOCALBIN)/setup-envtest
-GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint-kube-api
 
 ## Tool Versions
 KUSTOMIZE_VERSION ?= {{ .KustomizeVersion }}
@@ -305,8 +306,17 @@ $(ENVTEST): $(LOCALBIN)
 
 .PHONY: golangci-lint
 golangci-lint: $(GOLANGCI_LINT) ## Download golangci-lint locally if necessary.
-$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(LOCALBIN)
-	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE): $(LOCALBIN)
+	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) .custom-gcl.yml
+	@echo "Running golangci-lint custom..."
+	@$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) custom || { \
+		echo "golangci-lint failed. Cleaning up..."; \
+		rm -f $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE); \
+		exit 1; \
+	}
 
 # go-install-tool will 'go install' any package with custom target and name of binary, if it doesn't exist
 # $1 - target path with name of binary
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.custom-gcl.yml b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.custom-gcl.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..78e822caa76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.custom-gcl.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+version: v2.5.0
+name: golangci-lint-kube-api
+destination: ./bin
+
+plugins:
+  - module: sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter
+    version: latest
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.github/workflows/lint.yml b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.github/workflows/lint.yml
index 4838c54c0df..6b1a90764ec 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.github/workflows/lint.yml
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.github/workflows/lint.yml
@@ -17,7 +17,13 @@ jobs:
         with:
           go-version-file: go.mod
 
+      - name: Check linter configuration
+        run: make lint-config
+
       - name: Run linter
         uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@v8
         with:
           version: v2.5.0
+
+      - name: Run lint target
+        run: make lint
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.golangci.yml b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.golangci.yml
index e5b21b0f11c..4b55b0cb6b2 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.golangci.yml
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/.golangci.yml
@@ -21,11 +21,23 @@ linters:
     - unconvert
     - unparam
     - unused
+    - kubeapilinter
   settings:
     revive:
       rules:
         - name: comment-spacings
         - name: import-shadowing
+    custom:
+      kubeapilinter:
+        type: module
+        description: "Kube API Linter plugin"
+        original-url: "sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter"
+        settings:
+          linters: {}
+          lintersConfig:
+            optionalfields:
+              pointers:
+                preference: WhenRequired
   exclusions:
     generated: lax
     rules:
@@ -36,6 +48,9 @@ linters:
           - dupl
           - lll
         path: internal/*
+      - path-except: "^api/"
+        linters:
+          - kubeapilinter
     paths:
       - third_party$
       - builtin$
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/Makefile b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/Makefile
index 6a428164264..91e3f14f939 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/Makefile
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/Makefile
@@ -184,7 +184,8 @@ KIND ?= kind
 KUSTOMIZE ?= $(LOCALBIN)/kustomize
 CONTROLLER_GEN ?= $(LOCALBIN)/controller-gen
 ENVTEST ?= $(LOCALBIN)/setup-envtest
-GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint-kube-api
 
 ## Tool Versions
 KUSTOMIZE_VERSION ?= v5.7.1
@@ -226,8 +227,17 @@ $(ENVTEST): $(LOCALBIN)
 
 .PHONY: golangci-lint
 golangci-lint: $(GOLANGCI_LINT) ## Download golangci-lint locally if necessary.
-$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(LOCALBIN)
-	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE): $(LOCALBIN)
+	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) .custom-gcl.yml
+	@echo "Running golangci-lint custom..."
+	@$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) custom || { \
+		echo "golangci-lint failed. Cleaning up..."; \
+		rm -f $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE); \
+		exit 1; \
+	}
 
 # go-install-tool will 'go install' any package with custom target and name of binary, if it doesn't exist
 # $1 - target path with name of binary
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/crew/v1/captain_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/crew/v1/captain_types.go
index c7377c347c9..bef6aec7b05 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/crew/v1/captain_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/crew/v1/captain_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type Captain struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Captain
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Captain struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Captain
 	// +optional
-	Status CaptainStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status CaptainStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Captain struct {
 // CaptainList contains a list of Captain
 type CaptainList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Captain `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1/wordpress_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1/wordpress_types.go
index 615d540c95e..a785838d26e 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1/wordpress_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1/wordpress_types.go
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Wordpress
 	// +required
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Wordpress
 	// +optional
-	Status WordpressStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status WordpressStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 // WordpressList contains a list of Wordpress
 type WordpressList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Wordpress `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1alpha1/busybox_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1alpha1/busybox_types.go
index 58f1f644d41..5fb42df3ec1 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1alpha1/busybox_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1alpha1/busybox_types.go
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ type Busybox struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Busybox
 	// +required
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ type Busybox struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Busybox
 	// +optional
-	Status BusyboxStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status BusyboxStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ type Busybox struct {
 // BusyboxList contains a list of Busybox
 type BusyboxList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Busybox `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go
index e9a2b649dbb..de6e96e899e 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ type Memcached struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Memcached
 	// +required
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ type Memcached struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Memcached
 	// +optional
-	Status MemcachedStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status MemcachedStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ type Memcached struct {
 // MemcachedList contains a list of Memcached
 type MemcachedList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Memcached `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v2/wordpress_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v2/wordpress_types.go
index e930845b25c..7935e36cc13 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v2/wordpress_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/example.com/v2/wordpress_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Wordpress
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Wordpress
 	// +optional
-	Status WordpressStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status WordpressStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 // WordpressList contains a list of Wordpress
 type WordpressList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Wordpress `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/fiz/v1/bar_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/fiz/v1/bar_types.go
index b0fd2941da6..b91c01c94b0 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/fiz/v1/bar_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/fiz/v1/bar_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type Bar struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Bar
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Bar struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Bar
 	// +optional
-	Status BarStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status BarStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Bar struct {
 // BarList contains a list of Bar
 type BarList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Bar `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/foo.policy/v1/healthcheckpolicy_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/foo.policy/v1/healthcheckpolicy_types.go
index a5bc0b59651..1b71fe4afaa 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/foo.policy/v1/healthcheckpolicy_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/foo.policy/v1/healthcheckpolicy_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type HealthCheckPolicy struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of HealthCheckPolicy
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type HealthCheckPolicy struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of HealthCheckPolicy
 	// +optional
-	Status HealthCheckPolicyStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status HealthCheckPolicyStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type HealthCheckPolicy struct {
 // HealthCheckPolicyList contains a list of HealthCheckPolicy
 type HealthCheckPolicyList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []HealthCheckPolicy `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/foo/v1/bar_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/foo/v1/bar_types.go
index b0fd2941da6..b91c01c94b0 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/foo/v1/bar_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/foo/v1/bar_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type Bar struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Bar
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Bar struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Bar
 	// +optional
-	Status BarStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status BarStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Bar struct {
 // BarList contains a list of Bar
 type BarList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Bar `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/sea-creatures/v1beta1/kraken_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/sea-creatures/v1beta1/kraken_types.go
index dbbba68c8b4..897f1a8240f 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/sea-creatures/v1beta1/kraken_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/sea-creatures/v1beta1/kraken_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type Kraken struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Kraken
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Kraken struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Kraken
 	// +optional
-	Status KrakenStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status KrakenStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Kraken struct {
 // KrakenList contains a list of Kraken
 type KrakenList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Kraken `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/sea-creatures/v1beta2/leviathan_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/sea-creatures/v1beta2/leviathan_types.go
index b79a5c4e81e..3b9192ee578 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/sea-creatures/v1beta2/leviathan_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/sea-creatures/v1beta2/leviathan_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type Leviathan struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Leviathan
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Leviathan struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Leviathan
 	// +optional
-	Status LeviathanStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status LeviathanStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Leviathan struct {
 // LeviathanList contains a list of Leviathan
 type LeviathanList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Leviathan `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v1/destroyer_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v1/destroyer_types.go
index 849a07b38ce..fba07ea19b7 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v1/destroyer_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v1/destroyer_types.go
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ type Destroyer struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Destroyer
 	// +required
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ type Destroyer struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Destroyer
 	// +optional
-	Status DestroyerStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status DestroyerStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ type Destroyer struct {
 // DestroyerList contains a list of Destroyer
 type DestroyerList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Destroyer `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v1beta1/frigate_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v1beta1/frigate_types.go
index d01cf4a41cb..4656fb6d5ba 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v1beta1/frigate_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v1beta1/frigate_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type Frigate struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Frigate
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Frigate struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Frigate
 	// +optional
-	Status FrigateStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status FrigateStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Frigate struct {
 // FrigateList contains a list of Frigate
 type FrigateList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Frigate `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v2alpha1/cruiser_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v2alpha1/cruiser_types.go
index 46c906dd4c5..8f3d45fb9aa 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v2alpha1/cruiser_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-multigroup/api/ship/v2alpha1/cruiser_types.go
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ type Cruiser struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Cruiser
 	// +required
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ type Cruiser struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Cruiser
 	// +optional
-	Status CruiserStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status CruiserStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ type Cruiser struct {
 // CruiserList contains a list of Cruiser
 type CruiserList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Cruiser `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.custom-gcl.yml b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.custom-gcl.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..78e822caa76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.custom-gcl.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+version: v2.5.0
+name: golangci-lint-kube-api
+destination: ./bin
+
+plugins:
+  - module: sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter
+    version: latest
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.github/workflows/lint.yml b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.github/workflows/lint.yml
index 4838c54c0df..6b1a90764ec 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.github/workflows/lint.yml
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.github/workflows/lint.yml
@@ -17,7 +17,13 @@ jobs:
         with:
           go-version-file: go.mod
 
+      - name: Check linter configuration
+        run: make lint-config
+
       - name: Run linter
         uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@v8
         with:
           version: v2.5.0
+
+      - name: Run lint target
+        run: make lint
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.golangci.yml b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.golangci.yml
index e5b21b0f11c..4b55b0cb6b2 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.golangci.yml
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/.golangci.yml
@@ -21,11 +21,23 @@ linters:
     - unconvert
     - unparam
     - unused
+    - kubeapilinter
   settings:
     revive:
       rules:
         - name: comment-spacings
         - name: import-shadowing
+    custom:
+      kubeapilinter:
+        type: module
+        description: "Kube API Linter plugin"
+        original-url: "sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter"
+        settings:
+          linters: {}
+          lintersConfig:
+            optionalfields:
+              pointers:
+                preference: WhenRequired
   exclusions:
     generated: lax
     rules:
@@ -36,6 +48,9 @@ linters:
           - dupl
           - lll
         path: internal/*
+      - path-except: "^api/"
+        linters:
+          - kubeapilinter
     paths:
       - third_party$
       - builtin$
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/Makefile b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/Makefile
index 649bb75d7ed..b7e8c9c52eb 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/Makefile
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/Makefile
@@ -184,7 +184,8 @@ KIND ?= kind
 KUSTOMIZE ?= $(LOCALBIN)/kustomize
 CONTROLLER_GEN ?= $(LOCALBIN)/controller-gen
 ENVTEST ?= $(LOCALBIN)/setup-envtest
-GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint-kube-api
 
 ## Tool Versions
 KUSTOMIZE_VERSION ?= v5.7.1
@@ -226,8 +227,17 @@ $(ENVTEST): $(LOCALBIN)
 
 .PHONY: golangci-lint
 golangci-lint: $(GOLANGCI_LINT) ## Download golangci-lint locally if necessary.
-$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(LOCALBIN)
-	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE): $(LOCALBIN)
+	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) .custom-gcl.yml
+	@echo "Running golangci-lint custom..."
+	@$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) custom || { \
+		echo "golangci-lint failed. Cleaning up..."; \
+		rm -f $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE); \
+		exit 1; \
+	}
 
 # go-install-tool will 'go install' any package with custom target and name of binary, if it doesn't exist
 # $1 - target path with name of binary
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1/wordpress_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1/wordpress_types.go
index 615d540c95e..a785838d26e 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1/wordpress_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1/wordpress_types.go
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Wordpress
 	// +required
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Wordpress
 	// +optional
-	Status WordpressStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status WordpressStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 // WordpressList contains a list of Wordpress
 type WordpressList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Wordpress `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1alpha1/busybox_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1alpha1/busybox_types.go
index 58f1f644d41..5fb42df3ec1 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1alpha1/busybox_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1alpha1/busybox_types.go
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ type Busybox struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Busybox
 	// +required
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ type Busybox struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Busybox
 	// +optional
-	Status BusyboxStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status BusyboxStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ type Busybox struct {
 // BusyboxList contains a list of Busybox
 type BusyboxList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Busybox `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go
index e9a2b649dbb..de6e96e899e 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v1alpha1/memcached_types.go
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ type Memcached struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Memcached
 	// +required
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ type Memcached struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Memcached
 	// +optional
-	Status MemcachedStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status MemcachedStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -86,7 +86,7 @@ type Memcached struct {
 // MemcachedList contains a list of Memcached
 type MemcachedList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Memcached `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v2/wordpress_types.go b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v2/wordpress_types.go
index e930845b25c..7935e36cc13 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v2/wordpress_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4-with-plugins/api/v2/wordpress_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Wordpress
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Wordpress
 	// +optional
-	Status WordpressStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status WordpressStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Wordpress struct {
 // WordpressList contains a list of Wordpress
 type WordpressList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Wordpress `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4/.custom-gcl.yml b/testdata/project-v4/.custom-gcl.yml
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..78e822caa76
--- /dev/null
+++ b/testdata/project-v4/.custom-gcl.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+version: v2.5.0
+name: golangci-lint-kube-api
+destination: ./bin
+
+plugins:
+  - module: sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter
+    version: latest
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4/.github/workflows/lint.yml b/testdata/project-v4/.github/workflows/lint.yml
index 4838c54c0df..6b1a90764ec 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4/.github/workflows/lint.yml
+++ b/testdata/project-v4/.github/workflows/lint.yml
@@ -17,7 +17,13 @@ jobs:
         with:
           go-version-file: go.mod
 
+      - name: Check linter configuration
+        run: make lint-config
+
       - name: Run linter
         uses: golangci/golangci-lint-action@v8
         with:
           version: v2.5.0
+
+      - name: Run lint target
+        run: make lint
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4/.golangci.yml b/testdata/project-v4/.golangci.yml
index e5b21b0f11c..4b55b0cb6b2 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4/.golangci.yml
+++ b/testdata/project-v4/.golangci.yml
@@ -21,11 +21,23 @@ linters:
     - unconvert
     - unparam
     - unused
+    - kubeapilinter
   settings:
     revive:
       rules:
         - name: comment-spacings
         - name: import-shadowing
+    custom:
+      kubeapilinter:
+        type: module
+        description: "Kube API Linter plugin"
+        original-url: "sigs.k8s.io/kube-api-linter"
+        settings:
+          linters: {}
+          lintersConfig:
+            optionalfields:
+              pointers:
+                preference: WhenRequired
   exclusions:
     generated: lax
     rules:
@@ -36,6 +48,9 @@ linters:
           - dupl
           - lll
         path: internal/*
+      - path-except: "^api/"
+        linters:
+          - kubeapilinter
     paths:
       - third_party$
       - builtin$
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4/Makefile b/testdata/project-v4/Makefile
index fc3e0f9dd0a..429d4d96f8a 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4/Makefile
+++ b/testdata/project-v4/Makefile
@@ -184,7 +184,8 @@ KIND ?= kind
 KUSTOMIZE ?= $(LOCALBIN)/kustomize
 CONTROLLER_GEN ?= $(LOCALBIN)/controller-gen
 ENVTEST ?= $(LOCALBIN)/setup-envtest
-GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint
+GOLANGCI_LINT = $(LOCALBIN)/golangci-lint-kube-api
 
 ## Tool Versions
 KUSTOMIZE_VERSION ?= v5.7.1
@@ -226,8 +227,17 @@ $(ENVTEST): $(LOCALBIN)
 
 .PHONY: golangci-lint
 golangci-lint: $(GOLANGCI_LINT) ## Download golangci-lint locally if necessary.
-$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(LOCALBIN)
-	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE): $(LOCALBIN)
+	$(call go-install-tool,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE),github.com/golangci/golangci-lint/v2/cmd/golangci-lint,$(GOLANGCI_LINT_VERSION))
+
+$(GOLANGCI_LINT): $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) .custom-gcl.yml
+	@echo "Running golangci-lint custom..."
+	@$(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE) custom || { \
+		echo "golangci-lint failed. Cleaning up..."; \
+		rm -f $(GOLANGCI_LINT_BASE); \
+		exit 1; \
+	}
 
 # go-install-tool will 'go install' any package with custom target and name of binary, if it doesn't exist
 # $1 - target path with name of binary
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/admiral_types.go b/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/admiral_types.go
index ae9ffa93b2a..b6efcfbfc5e 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/admiral_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/admiral_types.go
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ type Admiral struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Admiral
 	// +required
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ type Admiral struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Admiral
 	// +optional
-	Status AdmiralStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status AdmiralStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ type Admiral struct {
 // AdmiralList contains a list of Admiral
 type AdmiralList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Admiral `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/captain_types.go b/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/captain_types.go
index c7377c347c9..bef6aec7b05 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/captain_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/captain_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type Captain struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Captain
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Captain struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Captain
 	// +optional
-	Status CaptainStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status CaptainStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Captain struct {
 // CaptainList contains a list of Captain
 type CaptainList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Captain `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/firstmate_types.go b/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/firstmate_types.go
index d365e068b67..a5bb4abd5c5 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/firstmate_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/firstmate_types.go
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ type FirstMate struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of FirstMate
 	// +required
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ type FirstMate struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of FirstMate
 	// +optional
-	Status FirstMateStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status FirstMateStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -84,7 +84,7 @@ type FirstMate struct {
 // FirstMateList contains a list of FirstMate
 type FirstMateList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []FirstMate `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/sailor_types.go b/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/sailor_types.go
index b84cb0b2260..c275c31e6d7 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/sailor_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4/api/v1/sailor_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type Sailor struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of Sailor
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type Sailor struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of Sailor
 	// +optional
-	Status SailorStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status SailorStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type Sailor struct {
 // SailorList contains a list of Sailor
 type SailorList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []Sailor `json:"items"`
 }
 
diff --git a/testdata/project-v4/api/v2/firstmate_types.go b/testdata/project-v4/api/v2/firstmate_types.go
index cb043103946..bda6b5e17ad 100644
--- a/testdata/project-v4/api/v2/firstmate_types.go
+++ b/testdata/project-v4/api/v2/firstmate_types.go
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ type FirstMate struct {
 
 	// metadata is a standard object metadata
 	// +optional
-	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	metav1.ObjectMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 
 	// spec defines the desired state of FirstMate
 	// +required
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ type FirstMate struct {
 
 	// status defines the observed state of FirstMate
 	// +optional
-	Status FirstMateStatus `json:"status,omitempty,omitzero"`
+	Status FirstMateStatus `json:"status,omitzero"`
 }
 
 // +kubebuilder:object:root=true
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ type FirstMate struct {
 // FirstMateList contains a list of FirstMate
 type FirstMateList struct {
 	metav1.TypeMeta `json:",inline"`
-	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitempty"`
+	metav1.ListMeta `json:"metadata,omitzero"`
 	Items           []FirstMate `json:"items"`
 }