Employment Visa and Residence Permit in Kuwait
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from Kuwaiti national legislation, Amiri decrees, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
Foreign nationals need both a work permit (from PAM) and a residence permit (iqama, from the Ministry of Interior) to live and work in Kuwait:
- Your employer (sponsor) applies for your work permit through the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) and your residence permit through the Ministry of Interior's Residency Affairs Department.
- The standard employment visa is Article 18 — valid for 1-2 years and renewable. Article 20 is for business owners and investors.
- You must pass a medical examination (including tests for infectious diseases and drug screening) to receive your residence permit.
- Your passport will be stamped with the residence permit. Under the law, your employer cannot confiscate your passport — PAM enforces this through complaints and fines.
- You can check your visa status through the MOI online portal or the Sahel app.
- Working for an employer other than your sponsor without an approved transfer is illegal and can result in deportation and a re-entry ban.
When does it apply?
- You have received a job offer from a Kuwait employer and need to enter the country on an Article 18 work visa.
- Your residence permit is approaching expiry and needs renewal.
- You are in Kuwait and your employer needs to complete your residency processing (medical exam, civil ID, fingerprinting).
What to Do If Your Kuwait Work Visa or Residence Permit Is Delayed or Refused
- Confirm your employer has applied through PAM for your work permit — you cannot apply yourself under the kafala system.
- Complete the medical examination at an approved government clinic promptly after arrival — delays can invalidate your entry visa.
- Keep your passport in your own possession — if your employer takes it, file a complaint with PAM immediately.
- Start the renewal process at least 30 days before expiry to avoid the KWD 2/day overstay fine.
- Download the Sahel app to track your visa status and receive renewal reminders.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not work before your residence permit is issued — working on a visit or entry visa is illegal.
- Do not let your employer keep your passport — this is illegal and you should report it to PAM.
- Do not overstay your visa — fines are KWD 2 per day and prolonged overstay leads to detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban.
Common Questions
When does it apply — employment visa and residence permit?
You have received a job offer from a Kuwait employer and need to enter the country on an Article 18 work visa.Your residence permit is approaching expiry and needs renewal.You are in Kuwait and your employer needs to complete your residency processing (medical exam, civil ID, fingerprinting).
What should I do if my Kuwait employer has not processed my work permit or residence visa?
Confirm your employer has applied through PAM for your work permit — you cannot apply yourself under the kafala system.Complete the medical examination at an approved government clinic promptly after arrival — delays can invalidate your entry visa.Keep your passport in your own possession — if your employer takes it, file a complaint with PAM immediately.Start the renewal process at least 30 days before expiry to avoid the KWD 2/day overstay fine.Download the Sahel app to track your visa status and receive renewal reminders.
What should you NOT do — employment visa and residence permit?
Do not work before your residence permit is issued — working on a visit or entry visa is illegal.Do not let your employer keep your passport — this is illegal and you should report it to PAM.Do not overstay your visa — fines are KWD 2 per day and prolonged overstay leads to detention, deportation, and a re-entry ban.