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Kuwait Introduces New Residency Rules: Entry and Visit Visa Fees at KD10 Per Month

December 26, 2025 6:46 am

Kuwait Introduces New Residency Rules: Entry and Visit Visa Fees at KD10 Per Month

Kuwait has launched new residency regulations designed to simplify visa processes and set affordable fees. These updates fix entry and visit visa costs at KD10 per month, effective December 23. The changes also clarify guidelines for investor visas, birth registrations, and domestic workers.

Overview of the New Residency Rules

Kuwait’s fresh set of residency rules aims to enhance clarity and efficiency. The Interior Ministry emphasizes the need to streamline procedures and eliminate confusion regarding visa fees. The new regulations apply to visitors, residents, investors, employers, and domestic workers.

Monthly Visa Fee Structure

Under the new rules, Kuwaiti authorities now charge KD10 for each month the entry or visit visa is valid. For example, if your visa is valid for three months, you would pay KD30. This straightforward fee structure allows travelers to anticipate their total costs based solely on their approved length of stay.

Long-Term Residency for Investors

Foreign investors now benefit from clearer guidelines. Entry and residence visas for investors will be issued only after a formal request to the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). Eligible investors can apply for ordinary residency permits valid for up to 15 years. However, this approval depends on conditions set by the Council of Ministers and confirmation that all requirements are met.

Birth Registration Procedures and Associated Fines

The regulations also establish clear procedures for birth registration for foreign families in Kuwait. Parents have a four-month grace period to register their newborns. If this deadline is missed, fines will apply:

KD2 per day for the first month after the grace period
KD4 per day for delays thereafter

This change serves as a strong reminder to complete necessary paperwork promptly.

Updated Rules for Domestic Workers

Kuwait has implemented more detailed regulations concerning domestic workers. Such workers must be between 21 and 60 years old. Entry permits will be issued only at the request of the employer, coordinated with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.

Additionally, domestic workers with residency permits can stay abroad for up to four months. After this period, their permits will expire unless the sponsor applies for an official absence permit. Notably, this rule does not affect domestic workers who left Kuwait before the new regulations took effect.

Conclusion

Kuwait is simultaneously tightening and streamlining its residency system. The new monthly visa fees promote predictability, while clearer rules help various groups understand their status, from short-term visitors to long-term investors.

For anyone planning to travel, work, or invest in Kuwait, these updates simplify residency regulations. However, they leave minimal room for errors if deadlines are missed. Staying informed and compliant is key to navigating these changes smoothly.