Limited vs Unlimited Contracts (Kuwait) (2026 Legal Guide) — Rules & Requirements
About this article
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?
Kuwait's Law 6/2010 allows both limited (fixed-term, max 5 years per Article 28) and unlimited contracts. Article 44 sets a 3-month notice for unlimited contracts (monthly-paid). Article 53 resignation scaling applies only to unlimited contracts. Limited-contract employees who complete the term receive full indemnity; early resignation exposes them to compensation owed to the employer.
When does it apply?
- Under Kuwait Private Sector Labour Law 6/2010.
What should you do?
- Confirm contract type via PAM-registered records.
- For unlimited contracts on resignation, apply Article 53 scaling (1/2 for 3-5 yrs, 2/3 for 5-10, full for 10+).
- For limited-contract early resignation, evaluate the employer-compensation exposure under Article 47.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't resign from a limited contract early without legal advice — Article 47 exposes you to compensation owed to the employer.
About Workers' Rights in Kuwait
Your job in Kuwait is governed by Law No. 6 of 2010 (Private Sector Labour Law), with work permits managed by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). Standard hours are 8 a day, 48 a week (6 during Ramadan), with a summer outdoor work ban 11am-4pm from June to August. End-of-service indemnity runs 15 days' pay per year for the first 5 years then one month per year, capped at 18 months. Kafala still applies — you need an NOC to switch employers, though PAM can override in abuse cases. Domestic workers are covered by Law No. 68 of 2015.
Common Questions
What is the limited vs unlimited contracts (kuwait) right in Kuwait?
Kuwait's Law 6/2010 allows both limited (fixed-term, max 5 years per Article 28) and unlimited contracts. Article 44 sets a 3-month notice for unlimited contracts (monthly-paid). Article 53 resignation scaling applies only to unlimited contracts. Limited-contract employees who complete the term receive full indemnity; early resignation exposes them to compensation owed to the employer.
When does it apply — limited vs unlimited contracts (kuwait)?
Under Kuwait Private Sector Labour Law 6/2010.
What should you do — limited vs unlimited contracts (kuwait)?
Confirm contract type via PAM-registered records.For unlimited contracts on resignation, apply Article 53 scaling (1/2 for 3-5 yrs, 2/3 for 5-10, full for 10+).For limited-contract early resignation, evaluate the employer-compensation exposure under Article 47.
What should you NOT do — limited vs unlimited contracts (kuwait)?
Don't resign from a limited contract early without legal advice — Article 47 exposes you to compensation owed to the employer.