The interior ministry has introduced new residency and visa fees, along with several regulatory changes, under the bylaws of the residence law published in the official gazette on Sunday. The new rules take effect on Dec 23, 2025.
The bylaws set a minimum monthly salary of KD 800 for expatriates to sponsor spouses and children. Exceptions apply to several professions in the government sector, including teachers, engineers, health workers, journalists and religious staff. Residency department directors may grant further exemptions for specific cases, such as residents born in Kuwait or young children of residents born abroad.
Annual dependent fees have been raised to KD 20 for spouses and children of expatriates in government, private sector, and student residencies, KD 40 for dependents of investors and clergymen and KD 100 for dependents of self-sponsored residents. Sponsoring other relatives, such as parents, will now cost KD 300 annually.
Residency renewal fees have doubled to KD 20 for most categories, while investors and real estate owners will pay KD 50 a year. Self-sponsored residents under article 24 must pay KD 500. Temporary residency will cost KD 10 per month, except for domestic helpers, who will pay KD 5.
Visit visas, now costing KD 10, are valid for three months and renewable up to a year. Some categories may be converted into residency, including government visit visas for university graduates and family visit visas. Overstay fines have been updated based on visa type.
For domestic helpers, Kuwaiti families can hire up to five helpers depending on family size, with renewal fees starting at KD 10 and rising for additional workers. Expat families face higher rates, up to KD 500 for extra helpers. Helpers must be between 21 and 60 years old, though exemptions are possible.
The new regulations allow extending visit visas once, transferring visit visas into residency, and provide four months to register newborns for residency. Normal residencies can last up to five years, ten years for children of Kuwaiti women and property owners and 15 years for investors.
Residency holders must complete procedures within two months of entry and maintain valid health insurance. The duration of residency is no longer tied to passport validity. Foreigners without work may obtain residency by proving sufficient income or property ownership.
The bylaws also clarify deportation conditions. Foreigners may be deported even with valid residencies if they lack income, work illegally or pose risks to public order, security or morals. Deportation may follow felony convictions or repeated offenses within five years.