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Kuwait Work Visas & Work Permits

Explore our guide to hiring foreign employees in Kuwait, including different types of Kuwait work visas and how to apply for them

If your business is planning an expansion to the Middle Eastern nation of Kuwait, you will probably be looking to hire some workers from abroad to help with the operation. To do this, each foreign worker will generally need Kuwait work visas. 

The process of obtaining Kuwaiti work visas can be complex and could take several weeks from start to finish. Kuwait has a range of visas on offer and complicated requirements, so it is important to follow the regulations carefully to avoid any potential delays.

At Horizons, our expansion specialists offer a wide range of Kuwait work visa services, immigration advice, and outsourcing, giving your organization everything it needs to thrive in Kuwait with the help of a selection of the best global talent.

Hire and pay talents
with Horizons in
180+ countries

Hire and pay talents
with Horizons in
180+ countries.

Basic requirements for Kuwait work visas

While the specifics vary depending on the type of visa, the basic requirements for obtaining visas for Kuwait are similar to many other countries. They include:
  • A valid passport
  • Health check
  • Criminal record check
  • Application forms
  • Application fees
 

Types of Kuwait work visas

There are a number of different types of visas for Kuwait, including tourist visas, entrance visas, and more, but the most relevant for foreign workers coming to live in Kuwait is the residence visa. This visa has several subcategories, including a work visa which allows holders to live and work in the country for extended periods of time. 

How to get a Kuwaiti work visa

Kuwaiti work visas are dependent on a job offer from a Kuwait-based company, so a job offer should be prepared and made initially. Once this has been set up, you (the employer) will need to handle your prospective employee’s residence/work visa application. 

Once the application has been processed by the authorities, they will provide a document called a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This will grant the employee entry into Kuwait and their residence visa will be issued upon arrival.

Your employee should also be sure to apply for a Kuwaiti Civil ID in their first month. For information about the process, you can contact the Ministry of Interior.

Other considerations

Kuwait has some especially strict entry requirements as compared with many other countries. For example, applicants must demonstrate a clear health check from HIV/AIDS and have a completely clean criminal record in most cases. It is important to engage with the process and ensure you have all necessary documentation available for submission when requested. 

How can Horizons help?

At Horizons, we help employers successfully expand into Kuwait, and we specialize in obtaining work visas for Kuwait. Our Kuwait immigration specialists offer expert advice and tailored outsourcing solutions to guide you through Kuwait’s complex immigration system rapidly and effectively. We will ensure that you and your workers are fully compliant with Kuwait’s laws, save you time, and answer any questions you may have about the process. 

Additionally, we offer a range of outsourcing services covering recruitment, payroll, HR, administration, and more to help your organization establish and grow its presence in Kuwait as efficiently as possible, even if you don’t have a registered entity in the country.

Kuwait Work Visas & Work Permits

Explore our guide to hiring foreign employees in Kuwait, including different types of Kuwait work visas and how to apply for them

If your business is planning an expansion to the Middle Eastern nation of Kuwait, you will probably be looking to hire some workers from abroad to help with the operation. To do this, each foreign worker will generally need Kuwait work visas. 

The process of obtaining Kuwaiti work visas can be complex and could take several weeks from start to finish. Kuwait has a range of visas on offer and complicated requirements, so it is important to follow the regulations carefully to avoid any potential delays.

At Horizons, our expansion specialists offer a wide range of Kuwait work visa services, immigration advice, and outsourcing, giving your organization everything it needs to thrive in Kuwait with the help of a selection of the best global talent.

Hire and pay talents
with Horizons in
180+ countries

Hire and pay talents
with Horizons in
180+ countries.

Basic requirements for Kuwait work visas

While the specifics vary depending on the type of visa, the basic requirements for obtaining visas for Kuwait are similar to many other countries. They include:
  • A valid passport
  • Health check
  • Criminal record check
  • Application forms
  • Application fees
 

Types of Kuwait work visas

There are a number of different types of visas for Kuwait, including tourist visas, entrance visas, and more, but the most relevant for foreign workers coming to live in Kuwait is the residence visa. This visa has several subcategories, including a work visa which allows holders to live and work in the country for extended periods of time. 

How to get a Kuwaiti work visa

Kuwaiti work visas are dependent on a job offer from a Kuwait-based company, so a job offer should be prepared and made initially. Once this has been set up, you (the employer) will need to handle your prospective employee’s residence/work visa application. 

Once the application has been processed by the authorities, they will provide a document called a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This will grant the employee entry into Kuwait and their residence visa will be issued upon arrival.

Your employee should also be sure to apply for a Kuwaiti Civil ID in their first month. For information about the process, you can contact the Ministry of Interior.

Other considerations

Kuwait has some especially strict entry requirements as compared with many other countries. For example, applicants must demonstrate a clear health check from HIV/AIDS and have a completely clean criminal record in most cases. It is important to engage with the process and ensure you have all necessary documentation available for submission when requested. 

How can Horizons help?

At Horizons, we help employers successfully expand into Kuwait, and we specialize in obtaining work visas for Kuwait. Our Kuwait immigration specialists offer expert advice and tailored outsourcing solutions to guide you through Kuwait’s complex immigration system rapidly and effectively. We will ensure that you and your workers are fully compliant with Kuwait’s laws, save you time, and answer any questions you may have about the process. 

Additionally, we offer a range of outsourcing services covering recruitment, payroll, HR, administration, and more to help your organization establish and grow its presence in Kuwait as efficiently as possible, even if you don’t have a registered entity in the country.