KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has announced sweeping reforms to its immigration system, introducing higher visa fees, updated residency categories, and stricter rules for dependents and domestic workers. The new regulations, considered the most extensive overhaul in years, will take effect on December 23, 2025.
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According to the ministry, visa fees have been revised across nearly all categories, with family residency now requiring a minimum monthly salary of KD800. Sponsoring dependents other than spouses and children will cost KD300 per year, reflecting the government’s effort to streamline immigration procedures while increasing state revenue.
Kuwait Sets New Fees for All Entry Visas and Residency Permits Under Executive Regulations..
The Executive Regulations of the Foreign Residency Law Decree have defined the fees for all types of entry visas to #Kuwait.
Article 39 outlines the fees for entry visas, residency… pic.twitter.com/XdFsu63HFC— Ayman Mat News (@AymanMatNews) November 23, 2025
The reforms unify and simplify charges for entry visas, renewals, transfers, and long-term residency schemes. Updated penalty structures have also been introduced, with overstaying fines now calculated daily and capped depending on visa type. Authorities say the new system will ensure clearer guidelines for expatriates and visitors while strengthening regulatory enforcement.
#Kuwaiti authorities have allowed the conversion of #visitvisas into permanent residence permits, under which people entering the country on #familyvisitvisas or #touristvisas can obtain residency to join family members legally residing in Kuwait. pic.twitter.com/42YzXAzohx
— Kuwait Urdu News (@KuwaitUrduNews) November 23, 2025
Under the revised framework, all visit visas — including tourism, family, medical, commercial, and business — will carry a standard fee of KD10. Most visit visas will be valid for three months and may be renewed once for an additional three months, with a maximum validity of one year. Multiple-entry visas may remain valid for one year, allowing each stay of up to one month.
Under the new residency issued in Kuwait Sunday, authorities can deport expatriates under three conditions. pic.twitter.com/FMaQAwjcMG
— KUWAIT TIMES (@kuwaittimesnews) November 23, 2025
Residency permits have also undergone major adjustments. Government and private sector work permits now cost KD20 annually, investor residencies KD50, and property owner residencies KD500. Domestic workers sponsored by Kuwaiti families will pay KD10 annually, while self-sponsored foreigners will pay KD20 per year.
Big win for Pakistan!
Kuwait lifts visa ban after 19 years, work, family, tourist & business visas now open.
New doors of opportunity for skilled Pakistanis! ✈️ pic.twitter.com/PSGKcsi4sG— Mansoor Ahmed Qureshi (@MansurQr) May 26, 2025
Dependent fees vary by sponsor category, with government and private sector workers paying KD20 per dependent, investors and religious workers KD40, and property owners KD100. Exemptions or reduced fees apply to vulnerable groups, including children of Kuwaiti mothers and spouses of citizens.
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Officials say the overhaul aims to modernize Kuwait’s immigration system, aligning it with national economic priorities and providing a more structured residency framework for foreigners.