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  • Home
  •  /  Resources
  •  /  Country Overviews
  •  /  Kuwait
  • Country Overviews

Kuwait

At a Glance

Capital Kuwait City
Language Arabic
Population 2,788,534 (July 2015 est.)
GDP Total $288.4 billion (2015 est.)
GDP Per Capita $70,200 (2015 est.)

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Kuwait. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Kuwait may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

  • Attend business meetings
  • Attend conferences or conventions
  • Receive or facilitate training
  • Tour a company facility

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Kuwait?

Most nationals require a visa to enter Kuwait to conduct business activities and should obtain a Commercial Visit Visa, also known as a Business Visitor Visa from a Kuwaiti Consulate or Embassy, prior to travel.

Nationals from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states do not require a visa to enter Kuwait to conduct business activities.

Nationals from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Palestine, Syria, and Yemen are banned from entering Kuwait. Additionally, foreign nationals who have entered Israel and possess an Israeli entry stamp may be denied entry to Kuwait.

Working in Kuwait

What sorts of activities require a work visa?

Most professional activities, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Kuwaiti law, if performed for more than 60 days.

If I am traveling to Kuwait for work, what type of work permit do I need?

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Kuwait, and the nature of your work. The most common Kuwaiti work permit is the Work Visa (direct hire work permit).

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

Nationals from the GCC member states do not require a work permit to work in Kuwait. Registrations or other formalities may be required for these nationals to work and or reside in Kuwait.

According to Article 17 of Kuwaiti labor law, foreigners working in a government-sector entity may be exempt from work permit requirements.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

News and Events

24 Nov 20

Work permit and residency renewal will not be...

Kuwait

29 Jun 20

COVID-19: Lockdown, travel restrictions updated

COVID-19 Kuwait

25 Jun 20

COVID-19: Lockdown, travel restrictions updated

COVID-19 Kuwait

27 Apr 20

COVID-19: Government institutions to close temporarily

COVID-19 Kuwait

22 Jan 20

New requirements for commercial visa applications

Kuwait

8 Nov 19

Authorities increase salary required to sponsor family and...

Kuwait

21 May 19

Penalty for non-compliance with “Kuwaitization” set to increase

Kuwait

3 Apr 19

Authorities replace residency sticker with Civil ID Card

Kuwait

5 Feb 19

Immigration update: changes impact dependents, Moroccan and Tunisian...

Kuwait

26 Mar 18

Under stiff new criteria, foreign engineers face obstacles...

Kuwait

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At a Glance

Capital Kuwait City
Language Arabic
Population 2,788,534 (July 2015 est.)
GDP Total $288.4 billion (2015 est.)
GDP Per Capita $70,200 (2015 est.)

Immigration Links

  • Country Specific Travel information
  • Directory of Embassies/Consulates
  • Overseas Security Advisory Council

Related News

  • Work permit and residency renewal will not be...

    KUWAIT   24 Nov 20

  • COVID-19: Lockdown, travel restrictions updated

    KUWAIT   29 Jun 20

  • COVID-19: Lockdown, travel restrictions updated

    KUWAIT   25 Jun 20

  • COVID-19: Government institutions to close temporarily

    KUWAIT   27 Apr 20

  • New requirements for commercial visa applications

    KUWAIT   22 Jan 20

  • Authorities increase salary required to sponsor family and...

    KUWAIT   8 Nov 19

  • Penalty for non-compliance with “Kuwaitization” set to increase

    KUWAIT   21 May 19

  • Authorities replace residency sticker with Civil ID Card

    KUWAIT   3 Apr 19

  • Immigration update: changes impact dependents, Moroccan and Tunisian...

    KUWAIT   5 Feb 19

  • Under stiff new criteria, foreign engineers face obstacles...

    KUWAIT   26 Mar 18

  • Amnesty period offered for foreign nationals who are...

    KUWAIT   13 Feb 18

  • Authorities plan halt to recruitment of foreign workers...

    KUWAIT   27 Dec 17

  • Authorities now requiring original diploma in residence applications

    KUWAIT   21 Dec 17

  • Expatriate workers must meet higher minimum salary to...

    KUWAIT   27 Oct 16

  • Employers must register with wage protection program

    KUWAIT   15 Jan 16

  • Kuwait shortens visa validity period to 30 days

    KUWAIT   29 Jul 15

  • KD 250 deposits now required for work permit...

    KUWAIT   11 May 15

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