Kuwait Work Visa | Types, Requirements, Process & More

Living and working in Kuwait is the dream of many since it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world and no personal income taxes, making it an appealing labor market for expats. 

Construction, engineering, information technology, and other sectors offer numerous job offers in the Kuwaiti market, and if you have just accepted a job offer in the Gulf country, you must first understand how to secure a Kuwait work visa and residency permission. 

We've gathered all the necessary information for obtaining your Kuwait work visa in this article.

What type of visa do you need to work in Kuwait?

Residence visa: Any expatriate other than Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens must apply for a Kuwait residence visa to live in the country. 

There are three main types of the residence visa: work, domestic, and dependent.

What are the requirements to obtain Kuwait work visas?

A Kuwait work visa, also known as an employment visa, is typically obtained by individuals who have been offered employment in Kuwait and need to secure the necessary authorization to work and reside there.

It requires a job offer from a private company or a government organization. The employer must apply for a work permit or visa on behalf of the employee.

The requirements are as follows:

• Valid passport with a minimum of two years before the expiration date
• One completed current visa application form as issued by Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• One passport-size photo
• HIV test (AIDS test)
• Health Certificate: Obtained from the local doctor certifying that the patient is in good health and free from contagious diseases. Lab test results for the following: hepatitis B & C, malaria, filariasis, syphilis, and chest X-ray for tuberculosis
• No Criminal Record
• The work permit

What is the Kuwait work visa application process?

The process of obtaining a Kuwait work visa typically involves obtaining an offer of employment, obtaining sponsorship from a Kuwaiti employer, and completing various forms and procedures with the Kuwaiti government.

Upon submission of the necessary documents, the employee will receive a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) which permits them to enter Kuwait. Upon their arrival, they will be granted a residency visa. 

Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send a copy of the work permit to the Kuwait embassy in the employee's country of residence. If your employees live in a country without a Kuwait embassy, you must submit the work permit and NOC to the Ministry of Interior.

Important note: Since May, Kuwait has stopped issuing work and entry visas to Filipinos on the instructions of the First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Acting Minister of Defense Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al-Sabah.

The decision came after the Asian country allegedly violated the provisions of the labor agreement signed by both countries in May 2018.