Kuwait has unveiled a comprehensive overhaul of its residency and visa regulations, introducing higher fees, stricter controls, and new categories for foreign nationals. The Ministry of Interior announced the changes on November 23, 2025, with the new rules set to take effect on December 23, 2025. This marks one of the most significant reforms to Kuwait’s immigration system in recent years.
Key changes include a minimum salary requirement of KD800 for family residency and increased fees for sponsoring dependents other than spouses and children, now set at KD300 annually. Visa fees have been raised across most categories, with a KD10 fee now applied to all types of visit or entry visas, including tourism, family visits, medical treatment, and business purposes. Most visit visas are valid for three months and can be renewed once, up to a maximum of one year.
Residency permit fees have also been updated, with government and private sector work permits costing KD20 annually, investor residencies set at KD50, and property owner residencies at KD500. Domestic workers sponsored by Kuwaiti families are charged KD10 annually, while a new self-sponsor category requires a KD20 annual fee for foreigners with independent income.
The reforms introduce stricter rules for domestic helpers, limiting the number of helpers based on household size and imposing stepped fees for additional helpers. Domestic helpers must also be between 21 and 60 years old, unless granted an exemption. Temporary residency fees are set at KD10 per month for most categories, with extensions costing the same.
Investors and property owners benefit from specific residency categories, with investor residencies costing KD50 annually and property owner residencies requiring proof of ownership. The new system also mandates online applications, electronic appointment booking, and biometric verification for most procedures.
Penalties for violations have been tightened, with daily fines for overstaying visas and caps on settlement fees. Administrative deportation can now be ordered even if a residency is valid, based on grounds such as lack of income, unauthorized employment, or public security concerns.
The overhaul aims to modernize Kuwait’s residency framework, aligning it with the country’s evolving social and economic needs while increasing government revenue.