Effective January 28, 2024, the government of Kuwait has resumed the issuance of family residence visas.
Eligibility has also been expanded to include the dependent spouse and children of foreign national residents who have a minimum salary of KD 800 (up from KD 550 before these visas were suspended in 2022). The minimum salary requirement may be waived for applications for children aged up to five years whose parents are both resident in Kuwait.
Other family members of the principal applicant are not currently eligible for family residence visas.
More Information About Family Visa Eligibility
The principal applicant must also have a university degree corresponding to their field of work in Kuwait. Certain professions are exempt from this requirement:
- Advisors, judges, prosecutors, experts, and legal researchers in the government sector;
- Medical professionals, including doctors and pharmacists;
- University, college, and higher institute professors;
- School administrators, vice principals, education mentors, teachers, social workers, and laboratory attendants in the government sector;
- Financial and economic advisors in universities;
- Engineers;
- Imams, preachers, and muezzins in mosques;
- Librarians in government agencies and private universities;
- Ministry of Health staff, including nurses, paramedics, medical technicians, and social service workers;
- Social workers and psychologists in the government sector;
- Journalism, media professionals, and correspondents;
- Sports coaches and athletes in federations and clubs;
- Pilots and flight attendants;
- Professionals overseeing burial preparations and services.
Family residence visa applications must be submitted within Kuwait after arrival on an entry visa, and the process must be completed within two months of entry. This visa does not permit employment.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.