In a move to strengthen the workforce and foster a more inclusive environment, Kuwait has announced a significant expansion of eligibility for family visas, effective January 28, 2024.
Where is Kuwait?
Kuwait is located in the northeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Iraq to the north and west and Saudi Arabia to the south. It is a small country, with a total land area of about 17,818 square kilometers (6,880 square miles).
The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City, which is located on the Persian Gulf coast. The city is home to about two-thirds of the country’s population. Other major cities in Kuwait include Hawalli, Farwaniya, and Salmiya.
The revised policy now includes spouses and children of a diverse group of skilled foreign nationals currently residing in Kuwait, subject to meeting specified education standards and minimum salary requirements, VisaGuide.World reports.
At the same time, updated regulations are poised to simplify the process of attracting and retaining talented professionals, as skilled foreign workers now have the opportunity to secure residency for their immediate family members in Kuwait.
This development also marks a significant change from December 2022, when Kuwait began gradually reopening the family visa program. This initiative follows a complete suspension of the route in August 2022, reflecting the country’s evolving stance towards facilitating family reunification for expatriates.
Foreign nationals residing in Kuwait are now eligible to apply for a family residence visa, extending the privilege to their spouse and children under 18. However, some criteria must be met by the main applicant:
- Submission of a university-level degree relevant to their field of work in Kuwait, with exceptions for specific professions such as engineering, media, medicine, and higher education roles.
- A minimum wage of KD 800 (approximately US$2,600) increased from the previous requirement of KD 550 before the program was suspended in 2022.
The Family Residence Visa, a renewable multiple-entry permit, entitles dependents to stay in Kuwait for up to three years. To start the application process, family residence visa applicants must first enter Kuwait with an entry visa and then complete the formalities within two months.
In August 2022, Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior stopped issuing family residence visas as part of a comprehensive review of the country’s immigration regulations. In December 2022, the latter resumed issuing family residence visas to young children aged 0-5 under specific circumstances.
Meanwhile, in September 2023, the issuance of family residence visas for spouses and children (boys under 15 and girls under 18) of the main applicants employed as medical personnel in the Ministry of Health resumed.
How to apply for Kuwait family visa. The requirements
- Valid Passport with a minimum of two (2) years prior to 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: Obtained from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), valid within three months of the issuance date of the Permit. The “No Criminal Record” has to be certified first by the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C., then legalized by the Embassy with a $25.00 Authentication fee.
- The Accompany Family permit.
- Children under 5 years of age must present an up-to-date schedule of essential vaccinations.
To download the visa application form click the link
Based on VisaGuide’s Passport Index, Kuwait’s passport is currently ranked 99th in the world. Kuwaiti citizens can travel without a visa to 58 countries worldwide. On the other hand, Kuwaiti passport holders must apply for a visa to enter a total of 112 countries