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Expat Guide to Residency in Kuwait

How to get residency in Kuwait. A Guide for Expats, Retirees and Immigrants in Kuwait.
Expat Guide to Residency in Kuwait

Obtaining a residency visa in Kuwait is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Kuwait gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

  • Gather the necessary documents for residency application:
    • Valid passport
    • Copy of valid visa
    • Copy of valid work permit
    • Copy of valid health insurance
    • Copy of valid civil ID
  • Visit the Ministry of Interior website and create an account
  • Fill out the online application form and upload the necessary documents
  • Pay the application fee
  • Visit the Ministry of Interior in person to submit the application and provide biometric information
  • Wait for the application to be processed
  • Once approved, apply for a Tax Number:
    • Visit the Ministry of Finance website and create an account
    • Fill out the online application form and upload the necessary documents
    • Pay the application fee
    • Visit the Ministry of Finance in person to submit the application and provide biometric information
    • Wait for the application to be processed

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Kuwait?

“If you plan to stay in Kuwait for a while, you will need to obtain a residency visa. This visa is usually obtained through a sponsor, such as an employer or family member, and must be renewed every year. You will also need to provide proof of health insurance, a valid passport, and a valid visa. Additionally, you may need to provide proof of financial stability, such as a bank statement or proof of income,” said one expat living in Kuwait.

“In order to visit Kuwait, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, and a passport-sized photograph. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Kuwait, foreign nationals must obtain a residence permit. The process of applying for residency involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, a passport-sized photograph, and proof of employment or sponsorship. Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of the residency,” commented one member living in Kuwait.

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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