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Kuwait – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Kuwait

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit in order to work legally in Kuwait. The work permit is known as a residency visa and must be obtained by the expat’s employer

Exemptions: There are no exemptions to the work permit requirement for expats in Kuwait. All non-Kuwaiti nationals must have a valid work permit and residency visa in order to work in the country.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in Kuwait

There are two main types of work permits for expats in Kuwait: the Residence Visa and the Work Visa. The Residence Visa is issued to the expat’s employer and allows the expat to live and work in Kuwait. The Work Visa is issued to the expat and is specific to the type of work the expat will be doing

Eligibility: To be eligible for a work permit in Kuwait, the expat must have a job offer from a Kuwaiti employer and a passport from their home country that is valid for at least six months. The expat’s employer must also be able to demonstrate that they are unable to find a qualified Kuwaiti national to fill the position.


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Work Permit Application Process in Kuwait

The procedure to apply for a work permit in Kuwait involves several steps, including the following:

  1. The expat’s employer must apply for a work permit on the expat’s behalf.
  2. The expat’s employer must provide a copy of the expat’s passport and a job offer letter.
  3. The expat’s employer must provide proof that they have been unable to find a qualified Kuwaiti national to fill the position.
  4. The expat’s employer must pay the fees for the work permit and residency visa.

The process of obtaining a work permit in Kuwait can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.

Work Permit Documents in Kuwait

The following documents are required to apply for a work permit in Kuwait:

  1. A copy of the expat’s passport
  2. A job offer letter from the expat’s employer
  3. Proof that the employer has been unable to find a qualified Kuwaiti national to fill the position
  4. Payment of the fees for the work permit and residency visa

Work Permit Costs in Kuwait

The cost of applying for a work permit in Kuwait varies depending on the type of work permit required. The fees for the work permit and residency visa typically include the cost of obtaining a medical examination, obtaining a police clearance certificate, and paying for the work permit itself.

Reliable Information on Working Legally in Kuwait

Expats can find reliable information on working legally in Kuwait by visiting the following websites:

  1. Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mofa.gov.kw/
  2. Kuwait Embassy in the United States: https://kuwait.usembassy.gov/
  3. Kuwait Public Authority for Manpower: https://www.pam.gov.kw/

These websites provide comprehensive information on the requirements and procedures for obtaining a work permit in Kuwait, as well as information on other important topics such as housing, healthcare, and taxes.


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