Kuwait Work Permit Guide for Employers (2026)
Work permit: 4–8 weeks | Post-arrival formalities: within 60 days. Work permit authority: PAM. Residence authority: Ministry of Interior. Last reviewed: May 2026
Major Kuwait labour and immigration changes: 2025–2026
- January 2025: Work permit fee standardised at KWD 150 per permit (all types and durations)
- May 2025 — Ministerial Circular No. 1/2025: Changes to academic qualifications or profession categories of expatriates on work permits suspended
- 1 July 2025 — Ministerial Circular No. 2/2025: Exit permit mandatory for all private sector expatriates before leaving Kuwait — via Sahel app or PAM Ashal portal; valid 7 days per trip
- 23 December 2025 — Ministerial Resolution No. 2249/2025: Annual iqama fee doubled to KWD 20; visit visas standardised at KWD 10/month; health insurance now mandatory for residency issuance and renewal; long-term residency (up to 15 years) introduced for investors
- May 2026 — Multiple-trip exit permit: New service allowing pre-authorised multiple departures within a specified period introduced via PAM
Kuwait operates a strict employer-sponsorship (kafala) system in which the hiring company is the legal sponsor (kafeel) of every expatriate employee. The employer applies for the work permit through PAM’s Ashal portal; the Ministry of Interior issues the Iqama; and since 1 July 2025, the employer must also approve every international trip the employee makes through an electronic exit permit. Two major waves of regulatory reform (in mid-2025 and in December 2025) have changed fees, exit rights, residency durations, and profession transfer rules in ways that any employer hiring in Kuwait in 2026 must account for.
Quick answer
Employer applies for Article 18 work permit via PAM Ashal portal — fee KWD 150, processing 4–8 weeks → employee enters Kuwait on work entry visa → post-arrival formalities (medical, Iqama, Civil ID) within 60 days → annual Iqama fee: KWD 20 (from December 2025) → Civil ID applied for within 30 days of Iqama. Exit permit mandatory from 1 July 2025 — via Sahel app, employer approves, valid 7 days. Transfer before 3 years: KWD 300 early fee + KWD 150 permit fee. Profession changes: suspended under Circular No. 1/2025. Family sponsorship minimum: KWD 800/month. Health insurance: mandatory for all residency.
The two authorities: PAM and Ministry of Interior
PAM — Public Authority for Manpower
- Issues work permits for all private sector expatriates
- Application portal: PAM Ashal — e-portal.manpower.gov.kw
- Mobile platform: Sahel app (individuals) and Sahel-Business (employers)
- Manages worker transfers, profession changes, and exit permit approvals
- Labour dispute resolution — 6 offices across Kuwait
- Governing law: Labour Law No. 6 of 2010
Ministry of Interior — General Directorate of Residency
- Issues Iqama (residence permit) — Article 18 for private sector
- Handles Civil ID coordination
- Processes family (Article 22) and investor (Article 23) residency
- Residency portal: moi.gov.kw
- Visa portal: kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw
- Governing regulation: Law on the Residence of Foreigners + Ministerial Resolution No. 2249/2025
Kuwait’s kafala system
Under Kuwait’s kafala (sponsorship) system, the employing company is the kafeel — the legal sponsor with financial and administrative responsibility for the expatriate employee throughout their stay. The employee’s right to live and work in Kuwait is directly tied to the employer’s sponsorship. If the employment relationship ends, the employee’s residency basis falls away. The employer is responsible for obtaining the work permit, sponsoring the Iqama, approving international travel (exit permits), and in case of redundancy or termination, bearing repatriation obligations. This employer-employee dependency structure is fundamental to how all expatriate hiring in Kuwait operates in 2026.
Kuwait residency categories for expatriate workers
Article 18 — Private Sector Work Permit
The primary route for all expatriate employees in Kuwaiti private companies. Employer applies to PAM. Iqama valid 1–2 years, renewable while employment continues. Subject to exit permit requirement, 3-year transfer rule, and profession freeze (Circular No. 1/2025).
Article 17 — Government Sector Work Permit
For expatriates employed by Kuwaiti government entities and ministries. Separate process through Ministry of Civil Service. Government sector employees have long required departmental permission for travel, predating the July 2025 exit permit rule.
Article 22 — Dependant Residency
For spouses, children, and parents sponsored by an expatriate employee. Minimum salary to sponsor spouse/children: KWD 800/month. Parents: KWD 650/month (parents over 60). Dependant visa holders can convert to Article 18 after 1 year of residence.
Article 23 — Investor Residency
For foreign investors. Minimum capital: KWD 1,000 for a general trading company. Annual residency fee: KWD 50 (from December 2025). Long-term residency up to 15 years available for qualifying investors under the December 2025 residency reform.
Work permit and residency fees 2026
| Fee / Category | Amount | Notes |
| Work permit fee | KWD 150 | Applies to all permit types and durations. Standardised by PAM in January 2025. |
| Early transfer fee | KWD 300 | Applies to transfers before the 3-year mark, in addition to the KWD 150 permit fee. |
| Annual Iqama | KWD 20 | Doubled from December 2025. Applies to private and government sector employees. |
| Visit visa | KWD 10 per month | Applies to all categories from December 2025. Maximum 3 months, renewable up to 1 year. |
| Investor residency | KWD 50 per year | Article 23. Effective from December 2025. |
| Self-sponsored residency | KWD 500 per year | Article 24. Effective from December 2025. |
Exit permit — mandatory for all private sector expatriates from 1 July 2025
Under Ministerial Circular No. 2 of 2025, all expatriate workers in Kuwait’s private sector must obtain an electronic exit permit from their employer before leaving Kuwait — for any trip, whether temporary (holiday, family visit) or permanent (end of employment). This applies to all Article 18 workers.
- Worker applies: Through the Sahel mobile app (individuals) or PAM Ashal portal — submits Civil ID number, personal details, and intended travel dates
- Employer approves: Through Sahel-Business app or Ashal Companies portal — system automatically verifies the employer-employee match
- Permit validity: 7 days from date of issuance per trip
- Multiple-trip permit: Available as of May 2026 — authorised signatories can grant advance automatic approval for multiple departures within a specified period, removing the need to approve each trip individually
- Disputes: If an employer fails to respond or unjustly denies a request without valid reason, the worker can file a complaint with PAM
Employers should implement an internal exit permit approval workflow. Companies with large expatriate workforces should utilise the multiple-trip permit feature to reduce administrative burden while maintaining the required oversight.
How to hire a foreign national in Kuwait: the Article 18 process
Employer verifies PAM registration, commercial registration, and sector quota
Before initiating any application, the employer confirms the company holds a valid commercial registration (CR) with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is registered with PAM, and has available work permit slots within its sector allocation. Employers must comply with labour Kuwaitisation (Nationalisation) requirements for their sector before additional expatriate permits will be issued. Sector quota non-compliance = blocked permit applications, verify before initiating.
Employer submits work permit application via PAM Ashal portal
The employer submits the Article 18 work permit application through the PAM Ashal portal (e-portal.manpower.gov.kw) with all required documents. The KWD 150 work permit fee is paid at this stage. For professions requiring security screening, confirmed under the May 2025 PAM regulation, PAM approval must be obtained first before Ministry of Interior security clearance is sought. Note: Under Ministerial Circular No. 1/2025, changes to academic qualifications or profession categories are currently suspended, the occupation submitted must be the correct final occupation. Profession changes suspended under Circular No. 1/2025, confirm occupation accurately before submission.
AM processes application 4 to 8 weeks
PAM reviews the application. Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on the occupation and nationality. Status can be tracked through the Ashal portal. Upon approval, the work permit is confirmed and the employer can proceed to the visa stage. PAM processing: typically 4–8 weeks — track via Ashal portal.
Employee applies for employment entry visa at Kuwaiti embassy or consulate
With the approved work permit, the employee applies for an employment entry visa at the Kuwaiti embassy or consulate in their country of residence. Required documents include a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity; recommended 2 years with at least 2 blank pages), attested educational certificates, medical fitness certificate, and police clearance certificate. Employee action — at Kuwaiti embassy/consulate in country of residence.
Employee enters Kuwait — post-arrival formalities within 60 days
The employee enters Kuwait on the work entry visa, which is endorsed at the point of entry. Post-arrival formalities, including local medical examination, Iqama application, and Civil ID application, must be completed within 60 days of work permit issuance. All post-arrival formalities must be completed within 60 days, do not delay.
Local medical examination at designated centre in Kuwait
The employee undergoes a mandatory medical examination at a designated medical centre in Kuwait. The examination includes blood tests (Hepatitis B & C, HIV, syphilis, Malaria, Filariasis) and a chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening. The medical result must confirm fitness to work and freedom from contagious diseases. Local medical includes blood panel and chest X-ray — at designated Kuwait medical centre.
Iqama (residence permit) issued by Ministry of Interior
The employer sponsors the Iqama application through the Ministry of Interior. The annual Iqama renewal fee is KWD 20 (effective 23 December 2025). Health insurance must be in place, residency will not be issued or renewed without valid health insurance, and the residency period cannot exceed the insurance validity. The Iqama is typically valid for 1 to 2 years and is renewable while employment continues. Health insurance mandatory, residency period cannot exceed insurance validity.
Civil ID application within 30 days of Iqama
The employee applies for the Civil ID (bitaqa al-madaniyah) within 30 days of receiving the Iqama. The Civil ID is Kuwait’s national identity card for residents and is required for banking, healthcare, rental agreements, and all government services. It is also the identifier used when submitting exit permit applications through the Sahel app. Civil ID application within 30 days of Iqama, required for banking, healthcare, Sahel app.
| Process / Step | Timeline / Deadline | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PAM work permit | 4–8 weeks | KWD 150 fee via Ashal portal |
| Entry visa | Weeks | At Kuwaiti embassy abroad |
| Post-arrival deadline | 60 days | Medical, Iqama, Civil ID all within 60 days |
| Civil ID deadline | 30 days | After Iqama issuance |
| Total end-to-end | 2–4 months | PAM application to Civil ID in |
Documents required for a Kuwait Article 18 work permit and entry visa
Pre-arrival — submitted with PAM application and at Kuwaiti consulate
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Minimum 6 months validity; recommended 2 years; at least 2 blank visa pages. Copy of biographical pages submitted to PAM; original required at consulate for visa stamping. |
| Educational degree certificate | Bachelor’s degree or relevant qualification attested by the Kuwait Embassy in the home country and verified by the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Must be related to the applicant’s field of expertise. Translated into Arabic or English if in another language. |
| Medical fitness certificate (pre-arrival) | From an official medical centre in country of residence; must confirm freedom from contagious diseases and fitness to work. Lab tests: Hepatitis B & C, Malaria, Filariasis, Syphilis, tuberculosis chest X-ray, HIV. Recommended less than 90 days old. Translated into English or Arabic if applicable. |
| Police clearance certificate | Issued by country of residence; legalised for use in Kuwait. Translated into English or Arabic if applicable. |
| Employment contract / job offer letter | Signed by both employer and employee; specifies occupation, salary, and contract duration |
| Passport photographs | Multiple formats required: 3.5cm × 4.5cm for visa; 40mm × 60mm for Iqama (blue background, neutral expression, no spectacles except for medical reasons) |
| Evidence of legal immigration status in country of application | Required if applicant holds a passport from a country different from their country of residence |
Post-arrival — submitted in Kuwait for Iqama and Civil ID
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Local medical examination results | Full panel including Hepatitis B & C, HIV, syphilis, Malaria, Filariasis, tuberculosis chest X-ray, and blood group certificate — issued by designated Kuwait medical centre |
| Blood group certificate | Standard blood group confirmation; completed and stamped by the medical centre at time of test |
| Residence permit (Iqama) application form | Declaration by applicant in Arabic on the prescribed form; signed by the employer as sponsor |
| Civil ID application form. Required — within 30 days of Iqama | Completed by applicant in Arabic on the prescribed form; confirms passport photographs are genuine |
| Valid health insurance policy | Mandatory from December 2025 — residency will not be issued or renewed without it; period of residency cannot exceed insurance validity |
| Lease contract for residence in Kuwait | Signed by all parties; copy generally accepted but original may be requested |
Kuwait work permit — at a glance (2026)
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Work permit authority | Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) — manpower.gov.kw | Ashal portal: e-portal.manpower.gov.kw |
| Residency authority | Ministry of Interior — General Directorate of Residency (moi.gov.kw) |
| Standard private sector route | Article 18 — employer is legal sponsor (kafeel); Iqama tied to employer |
| Governing labour law | Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 | Law on the Residence of Foreigners + Ministerial Resolution No. 2249/2025 |
| Work permit fee | KWD 150 per permit (standardised January 2025) |
| Processing time | 4–8 weeks (PAM) |
| Annual Iqama fee | KWD 20 (doubled from December 2025) |
| Post-arrival formalities deadline | Within 60 days of work permit issuance |
| Civil ID application deadline | Within 30 days of Iqama issuance |
| Exit permit (mandatory from 1 July 2025) | Electronic — Sahel app or Ashal portal; employer approval required; valid 7 days; multiple-trip permit available from May 2026 |
| Employer transfer — before 3 years | KWD 300 early transfer fee + KWD 150 work permit fee |
| Employer transfer — after 3 years | No employer approval needed; formal PAM transfer process still required |
| Profession change | Suspended under Ministerial Circular No. 1/2025 |
| Health insurance | Mandatory for all residency issuance and renewal — residency period cannot exceed insurance validity |
| Family sponsorship minimum salary | KWD 800/month for spouse and children; KWD 650/month for parents (over 60) |
Why partner with Acumen International as your Employer of Record in Kuwait
Why Partner with Acumen International: Your Kuwait EOR & Compliance Engine
Global standard. Local kafeel. No Kuwaiti entity required.
For companies without a local Kuwaiti presence, Acumen International provides a turnkey Employer of Record (EOR) solution that serves as the legal backbone for your local team.
- Work Permit and Visa Sponsorship (Kafala) Management: We act as the registered kafeel, assuming all administrative and financial liabilities for your expatriate staff. We manage the entire lifecycle from PAM work permit applications to the complex 60-day post-arrival sprint, shielding you from the risks of local labor litigation.
- Integrated Immigration & Mobility: Unlike standalone immigration firms, we handle the exit permit approval workflow. We utilize the 2026 multiple-trip authorisation feature to ensure your employees can travel for business or leisure without administrative bottlenecks or manual per-trip approvals.
- Regulatory Shield: We navigate the profession freeze (Circular No. 1/2025) and Kuwaitisation quotas on your behalf. We ensure every hire is mapped to a compliant occupation and academic level to prevent permit rejections and maintain your establishment’s good standing with PAM.
- WPS-Compliant Payroll & Benefits: We execute monthly payroll through the Kuwaiti Wage Protection System (WPS). We manage GOSI (Social Insurance) and the mandatory 2026 health insurance requirements, ensuring residency permits remain valid and unblocked.
- Asset-Light Expansion: You avoid the 6–12 month process of incorporating a local Kuwaiti entity and meeting steep capital requirements. Instead, you deploy talent in 4–8 weeks via our established infrastructure, allowing for rapid, compliant market entry.
Acumen International manages the complexities of Kuwaiti labour law and the Ministry of Interior’s 2026 reforms, so your business remains agile in a strictly regulated market.
Official government resources in Kuwait
The primary authority for work permits, labour relations, and exit permit oversight. Ashal employer portal: e-portal.manpower.gov.kw
2. PAM Ashal Portal — employer work permit applications
The electronic portal through which all work permit applications, renewals, exit permit approvals, and transfer applications are submitted by registered employers.
3. Ministry of Interior — residency and visa services
General Directorate of Residency — processes Iqama applications, family residency, and Civil ID coordination. Kuwait e-visa portal: kuwaitvisa.moi.gov.kw
4. Kuwait Labour Law No. 6 of 2010 — official text
The governing law for private sector labour relations in Kuwait. Covers employment contracts, leave, termination, wages, and dispute resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the final legal responsibility for the employee under the kafala system?
The hiring company acts as the kafeel, or sponsor, and assumes full financial and administrative liability for the employee. This means the employer is legally responsible for the employee’s residency status, health insurance, annual iqama renewals, and mandatory repatriation costs if the contract ends. In 2026, this responsibility also extends to digital oversight of international travel through Kuwait’s exit permit system.
How does the profession freeze affect hiring and internal promotions?
Under Ministerial Circular No. 1/2025, once a work permit is issued, the employee’s occupation and academic qualification category are locked. Employers cannot currently change a worker’s profession or upgrade their title, for example from Technician to Engineer, within the PAM system. Employers should therefore select the precise occupation during the initial application, as mid-contract adjustments are currently suspended.
Is the exit permit required for every trip out of Kuwait?
Yes. Since 1 July 2025, every private sector expatriate has needed an electronic exit permit for each departure from Kuwait. However, as of May 2026, employers can use the multiple-trip feature in the Sahel-Business app. This allows authorised signatories to grant pre-approval for a defined period, such as one year, so the employee can travel without the employer approving each individual flight manually.
What is the 3-year rule for employee transfers?
Standard Article 18 permits generally require an employee to stay with their sponsor for three years. If a transfer is requested before this period ends, the new employer must pay a KWD 300 early transfer fee in addition to the standard KWD 150 permit fee. After three years, the worker can transfer without the original employer’s consent, provided they serve the statutory notice period required by PAM.
How does health insurance validity affect the duration of residency?
Following the December 2025 reforms, the Ministry of Interior will no longer issue a residence permit that outlasts the employee’s health insurance policy. If the employer purchases 12 months of insurance, the iqama will be capped at 12 months, even if the work permit allows for a longer period. Employers should align insurance coverage with the intended residency duration to avoid unnecessary renewal cycles.
Can an employer be penalised if post-arrival deadlines are missed?
Yes. The 60-day window to complete the local medical examination, iqama, and Civil ID process is a hard deadline. Missing this window can make the worker’s presence in Kuwait unlawful, trigger daily overstay fines, and block the employer’s file at PAM. The Civil ID must also be applied for within 30 days of iqama issuance to avoid further administrative penalties.
Hiring foreign nationals in Kuwait?
Acumen International’s Global EOR solution gives your business a compliant route to employing workers in Kuwait — managing PAM work permit applications, Iqama sponsorship, exit permit approvals, health insurance compliance, Civil ID coordination, and payroll under Kuwait Labour Law
Important: Acumen International operates as a Global Employer of Record and supports businesses deploying their own expatriate employees in Kuwait. Our involvement flows from our role as the registered Kuwaiti employing entity and kafeel — specifically, PAM work permit applications via the Ashal portal, Iqama sponsorship, and employment compliance under Kuwait Labour Law. We do not provide standalone immigration legal advice and do not assist individuals seeking employment in Kuwait independently. This page is intended for companies with pre-selected candidates requiring compliant Kuwaiti employment infrastructure.