Many expatriates in Kuwait are bracing for significant changes to visa and residency costs in 2025. The government has overhauled its fee structure for visit visas, residency renewals, and dependent sponsorships – the first major update in years. These changes affect virtually all expat workers and their families, sparking concerns about higher expenses for visiting relatives and renewing iqama (residence permits).

While officials say the reforms will streamline the system and boost state revenue, expats are worried about the immediate impact on their wallets. From a new KD 10 fee on every visit visa to doubled renewal fees for most residencies, the costs of living and bringing family to Kuwait are rising. Below we break down all the updated fees and rules, compare old vs new charges, and explain what they mean for you as an expat in Kuwait.

New Visit Visa Fees in Kuwait (2025)

Kuwait has introduced a flat KD 10 fee for all types of visit visas as part of the 2025 regulations. This applies to every entry visa, whether for tourism, family visits, business, medical treatment, or new employment. Previously, many of these visas were free or charged only a small stamp fee. Now, every visa issuance will cost KD 10.

• Tourist visit visas – KD 10
• Family visit visas – KD 10
• Business/commercial visit visas – KD 10
• Medical treatment visit visas – KD 10
• Work entry visas – KD 10
• Residency entry visas – KD 10

The visit visa can be extended once for another 3 months, and multiple-entry visas valid for 1 year are available (but each stay capped at 30 days).

Updated Residency Renewal Fees

The annual fees for renewing an iqama have increased for most expatriates:

• Government/private sector employees – KD 20/year (was KD 10)
• Students – KD 20/year
• Clergy/religious workers – KD 20/year
• Foreign investors & property owners – KD 50/year (was ~KD 10)
• Self-sponsored expats (Article 24) – KD 500/year (new category)
• Domestic workers – KD 10/year if sponsored by Kuwaitis

This means most working expats now pay KD 20 annually for their own residency. Specialized residencies like investors and self-sponsored pay significantly more.

Family Visa & Dependent Fees – What Expats Must Know

Bringing or keeping your family in Kuwait has become more expensive. Expatriates must earn at least KD 800/month to sponsor a spouse or children on a dependent visa.

Salary Requirement:

• Minimum income: KD 800 per month
• Degree requirement: Removed (salary only matters now)
• Exemptions: Teachers, nurses, imams, government engineers, and similar professions

Annual Residency Fees per Dependent:

• Spouse/children of private or government workers – KD 20/year (was KD 10)
• Spouse/children of investors or clergy – KD 40/year
• Spouse/children of self-sponsored expats – KD 100/year
• Parents or other relatives – KD 300/year (was ~KD 200)

Dependents like elderly parents require special approval, and the fees are significantly higher than for immediate family. Overstaying or falling below salary threshold can trigger cancellation of family visas.

Comparison Table: Old Fees vs New Fees

Category	Old Fee	New Fee (2025)	Notes
Visit Visa (all types)	Free to KD 3	KD 10	Flat fee now for all visit types
Residency Renewal (employees)	KD 10	KD 20	Applies to Article 17, 18, 23
Residency – Investors/Property	KD 10	KD 50	5× increase for Article 19/25
Self-Sponsored Residency	N/A (new)	KD 500	New Article 24 category
Dependent – Spouse/Child	KD 10	KD 20	Standard dependents
Dependent – Parents/Others	KD 200	KD 300	Must meet extra conditions
Work Permit Transfer	Free to varied	KD 150	Now fixed for all sectors

Work Permit Transfer Fee: KD 150 Standard Charge

Starting 2025, all work permit transfers across companies or sectors will require payment of a KD 150 fee. This applies to:

• Private to private company transfers
• Government to private or vice versa
• Local company to free zone or similar

Previously, transfer fees varied widely or were waived in many cases. The KD 150 rule now standardizes the cost for all types of employer transfers.

Other Important Rule Changes for Expats

• Residency stamping for newborns: Must be completed within 60 days of birth in Kuwait
• Health insurance: Mandatory health insurance required at the time of all visa renewals and new entries
• Converting visit visa to residency: Still allowed in some cases (e.g., for spouses/children or new work permit holders), but not for tourists. Official policy has not changed but enforcement varies.

Golden Visa & Long-Term Residency

While there is no confirmed launch of a UAE-style Golden Visa yet, Kuwait’s 2025 regulations introduced a new self-sponsored residency category (Article 24). It costs KD 500/year and is intended for retirees, investors, or those who want to reside in Kuwait independently without a sponsor.

Golden visa legislation has been discussed in Parliament, but no formal announcement or eligibility criteria have been issued as of November 2025.

Who Will Be Most Affected by the New Visa Fees?

The new visa and residency rules in Kuwait will impact:

• Mid-income expats with family: Especially those earning below KD 800, who cannot sponsor spouses or children anymore
• Workers with aging parents: Sponsoring parents now costs KD 300 annually, with stricter approval
• Frequent visitors: KD 10 applies for every short-term visit visa, even for medical or business purposes
• Investors or retirees: Higher fees (KD 50–500) for staying in Kuwait without employment sponsor

Overall, the changes increase costs for most expats – especially those maintaining dependents or switching jobs.

Practical Tips for Expats Planning Travel or Family Visits

• Budget for higher renewal and visit visa costs in 2025
• Confirm your monthly salary is officially recorded over KD 800 before applying for dependent visas
• Speak to your company PRO or mandoub before transferring or sponsoring dependents
• Consider annual health insurance renewal timing – it is now mandatory alongside residency
• Check visa types carefully before travel or conversion requests – visit visas may not convert easily

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When do the new Kuwait visa fees start?The new fee structure came into effect in 2025, after the executive regulations were published and approved by authorities.How much is the visit visa to Kuwait now?All visit visas now cost KD 10 regardless of type (tourist, family, business, medical, work entry, etc.).What is the new minimum salary to bring family to Kuwait?You must earn at least KD 800/month to sponsor a spouse or child on a dependent visa, with limited profession-based exemptions.How much is the fee to sponsor parents or other relatives?The dependent visa fee for parents and extended relatives is now KD 300 per year. Approval is subject to strict requirements.Are there any exemptions from the new fees?Yes – domestic workers employed by Kuwaiti citizens still pay KD 10. Teachers, medical staff, and clergy may have lower salary rules for family sponsorship.Can visit visas still be converted to residency in Kuwait?Yes, but only in limited cases (e.g., family reunification, approved job offer). Tourists and general visitors cannot convert.Will these fees change again soon?There’s no official statement yet. However, future fee adjustments or exceptions may be made based on government directives or economic needs.