If you’ve chosen to expand to Kuwait, you have two options for hiring — tap into the local labor market or find talented international employees. If you go the second route, you must ensure that every international worker has the right visas and work permits in Kuwait. Companies just entering the market in Kuwait can also have trouble sponsoring work permits for employees, as they must be locally licensed and incorporated to do so.
Types of work visas in Kuwait
Kuwait offers several different types of visas that depend on the visitor’s entry requirements, length of stay, and trip purpose. The available options include:
- Tourist visa: Visitors can enter and travel around Kuwait with this visa. Applicants just need to provide basic information and passport details.
- Visit visa: A visit visa is broken down into further categories depending on the purpose of the visit, such as family or business. A Kuwait company or relative must sponsor the applicant to obtain this visa.
- Residence visa: All expatriates, other than Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens, must apply for a Kuwait residence visa to live in the country. There are 3 subtypes:
- Work visa: For employees with a job offer.
- Domestic visa: For domestic workers.
- Dependent visa: For family members of residents.
- Entrance visa: These are issued to government and civil sector employees.
Requirements to obtain Kuwait work visas
Most of employees will need to obtain a residency visa before working for the Kuwait-based company. This type of visa requires an employment offer from a private company or government organization. As the employer, you will then apply for the work permit or visa on behalf of the employees.
Required documents for a work visa include:
- A passport that’s valid at least 6 months.
- A completed visa application from the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- A passport-size photo.
- An HIV/AIDS test.
- A health certificate from a local doctor showing that the applicant is in good health and does not have a contagious disease.
- Police clearance showing no criminal record.
After submitting these documents, the employee will receive a “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) that allows them to enter Kuwait. Once they come to Kuwait, they’ll receive a residency visa. Within 30 days of receiving the residency visa, they can apply for a Kuwait Civil ID.
Application process
Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will send a copy of the work permit to the Kuwait embassy in the employee’s country of residency. You should also send the employee a copy of their own work permit to take to the embassy in person if necessary. If the employee lives in a country without a Kuwait embassy, you must submit the work permit and NOC to the Ministry of Interior.
Some of the documents required to apply for the work permit include:
- A valid passport.
- Work permit from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor.
- Health insurance certificate.
- Disease-free certificate.
- Sponsor’s signature authorization copy.
- 2 personal photos.
- Entry visa used.
Other important considerations
The Private Sector Kuwait Labor Law has certain requirements for employers. For example, you must keep a file for each international employee that includes copies of their:
- Work permit.
- Work contract.
- Civil ID.
- Documents related to annual and sick leave.
- Records of overtime, work injuries, or diseases.
- End of service date and reasons for leaving the job
You’ll also need copies of receipts that all documents, tools, and certificates were returned to you after the employee’s service. Failure to secure proper work permits or to comply with regulations can result in significant fines and penalties.
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