To come to Kuwait, there are four types of visas.
- Tourist Visa:
This visa is issued to individuals who wish to visit the State of Kuwait for the purpose of tourism and entertainment.
Single Entry Tourist Visa
Passport validity: No less than 6 months.
Entry permit validity: 30 days from the date of issuance.
Stay duration: No more than 90 days from the date of entry
Number of entries: Single entry.
Prohibition: The visa holder is prohibited from working and must leave the country upon the expiration of the visit period.
Multiple Entries Tourist Visa
Passport validity: No less than 6 months.
Entry permit validity: according to the visa duration.
Stay duration: No more than 30 days from the date of entry.
Number of entries: Multiple entries.
Prohibition: The visa holder is prohibited from working and must leave the country upon the expiration of the visit period.
2. Family Visa
This visa is granted to individuals who wish to visit their families residing in the State of Kuwait. This visa usually requires a family member residing in the host country to submit a request to visit their family members.
Single Entry Family Visa
Passport validity: No less than 6 months.
Entry permit validity: 30 days from the date of issuance.
Stay duration: No more than 90 days from the date of entry.
Number of entries: Single entry.
Prohibition: The visa holder is prohibited from working and must leave the country upon the expiration of the visit period.
Salary Requirement: There is no minimum salary requirement for a family visit visa. (Arabtimes)
Multiple Entries Family Visa
Passport validity: No less than 6 months.
Entry permit validity: according to the visa duration.
Stay duration: No more than 30 days from the date of entry.
Number of entries: Multiple entries.
Prohibition: The visa holder is prohibited from working and must leave the country upon the expiration of the visit period.
Salary Requirement: There is no minimum salary requirement for a family visit visa. (Arabtimes)
3. Business Visa
This visa is issued to individuals visiting the country for business purposes such as attending meetings, conferences, or establishing partnerships with local companies. A local company is required to apply for a business visit with proof of the business purpose of the visit.
Single Entry Business Visa:
Passport validity: No less than 6 months.
Entry permit validity: 30 days from the date of issuance.
Stay duration: No more than 30 days from the date of entry.
Number of entries: Single entry.
Prohibition: The visa holder is prohibited from working and must leave the country upon the expiration of the visit period.
Multiple Entries Business Visa
Passport validity: No less than 6 months.
Entry permit validity: according to the visa duration.
Stay duration: No more than 30 days from the date of entry.
Number of entries: Multiple entries.
Prohibition: The visa holder is prohibited from working and must leave the country upon the expiration of the visit period.
4. Government Visa
A government visa is granted to officials or government employees who visit the country for official government purposes.
Single Entry Government Visa
Passport validity: No less than 6 months.
Entry permit validity: 30 days from the date of issuance.
Stay duration: No more than 90 days from the date of entry.
Number of entries: Single entry.
Prohibition: The visa holder is prohibited from working and must leave the country upon the expiration of the visit period.
Multiple Entries Government Visa
Passport validity: No less than 6 months.
Entry permit validity: according to the visa duration.
Stay duration: No more than 30 days from the date of entry.
Number of entries: Multiple entries.
Prohibition: The visa holder is prohibited from working and must leave the country upon the expiration of the visit period.
Conversion of Family/Tourist Visit Visas to Dependent Visas.
As per Arabtimes, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has officially announced measures allowing expatriates to bring their
spouses and children on visit visas with the option of converting them into dependent residency. The policy framework exists, residency departments and typing centres are still awaiting clear executive instructions and system activation, which is why conversion applications are currently not being accepted.
Once it is completely regulated, the following categories will be able to convert their visit visas to residence visas.
- Government Visit Visa Holders.
- Domestic workers.
- Family Visit Visa, the salary of the sponsor must be 800 KD.
- Working Visa, the person who entered Kuwait on a working visa but left Kuwait on urgent, then the same person can come back on a visit visa and convert to a working visa.
- Other Exceptional Circumstances as per approval of the General Administration of Residence Affairs.
How to apply for a Dependent Visa?
Kuwait’s dependent visa process involves an expatriate sponsor applying at the General Department of Immigration with documents like passport copies, Civil IDs, salary proof (KD 800+ for private sector), attested degree, relationship proof (marriage/birth certificates), and a No Criminal Record certificate, for immediate family.
Key Steps & Requirements (General Dependent/Family Residency)
- Sponsor’s Eligibility:
- Salary: Minimum KD 800/month for private sector.
- Profession: Certain professions may have specific requirements or exemptions.
- Required Documents (Sponsor & Dependent):
- Sponsor: Passport, Civil ID, Work Permit (Izne Amal), attested degree/company letter, salary certificate.
- Dependent: Valid passport (min 1-year validity), Civil ID, attested marriage/birth certificates, and a Relationship Affidavit from your embassy/Kuwait MOFA.
- Medical: Lab tests (Hepatitis B/C, Malaria, etc.) and Chest X-ray for Tuberculosis (from Kuwait).
- Police Clearance (PCC): From home country, attested by their MOFA/US State Dept, then legalized by the Kuwait Embassy.
- Application Process:
- Typing Centers: Get the application form typed at approved centers in Kuwait.
- Submission: Submit documents at the relevant Governorate’s General Department of Immigration.
- Fees: Pay fees (Fee Detail)
- Approach your governorate for further info.
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