Kuwait Work Permits & Visas: Employer Guide to Types & Sponsorship

Who Needs a Kuwait Work Visa?

If you’re considering working in Kuwait or hiring foreign staff, it’s important to understand who requires a work permit under local law. Kuwait operates under a sponsorship system (known as kafala), and foreign nationals must have proper authorization before they can live and work in the country.

• All non-Kuwaiti nationals who want to work in Kuwait need a valid work permit.
• This includes both skilled and unskilled workers across all industries, regardless of contract type.
• The work permit must be obtained before arrival in Kuwait, typically through the employer acting as the sponsor.

While most foreign workers need a permit, there are some exceptions:

• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain): usually allowed to work in Kuwait without needing a formal work permit, though they may still need to register with local authorities.
• Diplomatic staff: accredited foreign diplomats and embassy staff are exempt from the normal work permit process.
• Short-term business visitors: individuals entering Kuwait for brief business trips, meetings, or negotiations may use a business visa instead of a work permit. However, this does not authorize them to perform paid employment.

Types of Work Visas in Kuwait

Kuwait offers several work visa categories tailored to different employment scenarios.

Private Sector Work Visa (Article 18)

The Private Sector Work Visa, also known as Article 18, is the primary residency permit for foreign employees working in Kuwait’s private companies. It’s essential for hiring expatriates in long-term, in-office, or hybrid roles within Kuwait's private sector. Employers are responsible for kicking off the visa application process, which includes obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor and a residency permit (Iqama) from the Ministry of Interior.

The application requires several documents, including a valid passport (with minimum 6 months validity), a medical certificate, police clearance, and proof of employment. It’s also important to adhere to Kuwait’s sponsorship system, or "kafala", which ties the employee’s legal status directly to your company.

💡Best work permit option if: You’re looking to hire employees for specialized roles, management positions, or jobs that require a consistent presence in Kuwait over the long term. This visa is perfect for positions that demand extended stays, such as managerial roles, specialized skills, or roles that require consistent stays in the country.

Government Sector Work Visa (Article 17)

The Government Sector Work Visa (Article 17) is specifically for foreign nationals working in government institutions or on government projects in Kuwait. If your organization is a government entity or a contractor on a government project, you’ll need this visa for your foreign employees.

Employers in the public sector must apply for this visa on behalf of their employees. The application process involves submitting documents such as a government residency form approved by the relevant government institution, a work visa sponsored by the government institution, and a health insurance registration certificate.

This visa is needed to employ foreign workers in government departments or on government-funded projects.

💡Best work permit option if: Your organization is a government entity or engaged in government projects requiring foreign expertise. This visa type is ideal for positions that require specialized knowledge or skills that are not readily available in the local labor market.

Domestic Worker Visa (Visa 20)

The Domestic Worker Visa (Visa 20) is designed for foreign nationals working as domestic staff such as maids, drivers and household helpers under the sponsorship of a Kuwaiti citizen or resident. If you’re a Kuwaiti household seeking domestic assistance, this visa will be your go-to.

Sponsors must submit various documents, including salary certificates, a house rental agreement and proof of the domestic worker's qualifications during the visa application process.

💡Best work permit option if: You are a Kuwaiti citizen or resident seeking to hire full-time domestic staff such as maids, drivers, or nannies. This visa is particularly suitable for Kuwaiti households  in need of full-time domestic assistance and are looking to hire workers from abroad to fill these roles.

‍

Requirements for a Work Permit in Kuwait

To obtain a work permit in Kuwait, employers must ensure that both they and their prospective employees meet specific criteria.

 
• Valid Passport: The employee's passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay.
• Employment Offer: A formal job offer from a Kuwaiti employer is mandatory.
• Medical Certificate: A health certificate confirming the employee is free from contagious diseases.
• Police Clearance: A certificate from the employee's home country verifying no criminal record.
• Educational Qualifications: Authenticated copies of relevant degrees or certificates, especially for specialized positions.
• Work Permit Application Form: Completed and signed by both employer and employee.

Kuwait Work Permit Application Process

 
• Step 1: Obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC): The employer applies for an NOC from the Ministry of Interior, allowing the employee to enter Kuwait.
• Step 2: Work Permit Application: The employer submits a work permit application to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor, including all required documents.
• Step 3: Medical Examination: Upon arrival, the employee undergoes a medical examination at an approved Kuwaiti health facility.
• Step 4: Fingerprinting and Security Clearance: The employee completes fingerprinting and obtains security clearance from Kuwaiti authorities.
• Step 5: Residence Permit Issuance: With all approvals in place, the employee receives a residence permit, authorizing legal employment in Kuwait.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Kuwait

In Kuwait, the sponsorship system requires that foreign workers be sponsored by a Kuwaiti employer. The sponsor is responsible for the employee's legal status, including obtaining work permits and residence visas. This system ensures that employers are accountable for their foreign workforce and that employees have legal backing during their employment in Kuwait.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Kuwait?

In January 2025, Kuwait announced that it would be ending fee exemptions for work visa transfers and implementing a standard fee of KWD 150 regardless of the work permit type and duration. This fee reflects the government fee for work permits and visas in Kuwait, and is not associated with Playroll's fees for visa support services.

Beyond the main permit fee, there are related charges you should factor into your HR and compliance budgets:

• Entry visa processing: Around KWD 3 for a single entry visa, or approximately KWD 1 per month for multi-entry visas.
• Residency permit (Iqama): Required annually for all employees, with fees generally ranging from KWD 10–20 per year.
• Civil ID card: A mandatory identification card for all residents, typically costing KWD 5–10 per issuance or renewal.
• Employer transfers: While the KWD 150 fee applies to standard transfers, in certain cases, such as out-of-cycle or special transfers, additional charges may be applied. Historically, this has been around KWD 300, though the new framework reduces the frequency of these cases.

Employer Responsibilities

Under Kuwait’s labor law and sponsorship (kafala) system, employers are legally responsible for covering the costs of work permits, visas, and renewals. Passing these costs to employees is not permitted in most circumstances.

As such, employers should:

• Budget for permit, residency, and ID renewals on an annual basis.
• Keep records of payment receipts to ensure compliance during labor inspections.
• Stay updated on changes to immigration rules, as fee structures are subject to regulatory revisions.

💡 Please contact our team for detailed information on our visa support services.

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Kuwait

The total processing time for work permits and visas in Kuwait typically ranges from 4 to 8 weeks. However, this duration can vary based on factors such as the completeness of the application, the specific visa type, and the workload of the processing authorities. Be sure to plan accordingly to accommodate potential delays.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Kuwait

Work permits in Kuwait are generally valid for one to three years, depending on the employment contract and visa type. Employers are responsible for initiating the renewal process before the permit's expiration to ensure uninterrupted legal employment. Renewal procedures typically involve updating medical examinations, ensuring the validity of the employee's passport, and paying applicable fees.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Kuwait

Kuwait does not currently offer a specific visa tailored for digital nomads. However, remote workers can consider alternative visa options to legally reside in the country.

 
• Tourist Visa: Allows stays up to 90 days; suitable for short-term visits but not for extended remote work.
• Temporary Residence Visa: Permits stays up to 6 months; renewable, offering a longer duration for remote work activities.
• Self-Sponsorship Visa: Enables individuals to sponsor their own stay without a local employer; applicants must meet specific financial criteria.

It's essential for digital nomads to comply with Kuwaiti immigration laws and avoid engaging in activities that may require a formal work permit.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Kuwait

Employing foreign nationals in Kuwait presents several challenges due to regulatory frameworks and labor market dynamics. Here are common challenges and tips for employers:

 
• Kafala System Constraints: The sponsorship system ties employees to their employers, limiting mobility and potentially leading to worker exploitation.
• Regulatory Compliance: Navigating complex labor laws and visa regulations requires meticulous attention to ensure adherence and avoid legal penalties.
• Cultural Integration: Facilitating the assimilation of foreign employees into Kuwaiti workplace culture is vital for harmonious employer-employee relationships.

Tips for Employers:

 
• Stay Informed: Regularly update your knowledge of Kuwaiti labor laws and regulations to ensure compliance.
• Promote Cultural Awareness: Implement training programs that foster understanding of Kuwaiti culture among foreign employees.
• Ensure Fair Treatment: Adopt transparent policies that protect workers' rights and promote ethical employment practices.

Not Sure What to Pay in Kuwait? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

• Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
• Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
• Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.