Moving Regulations – Kuwait

If you have accepted an offer of employment, you may obtain residence or a work visa.

The Embassy of the State of Kuwait advises that the following formalities have to be completed and submitted to the Embassy to obtain a visa:
• A complete physical examination for the applicant and his dependent family members for contagious or disabling diseases including HIV, Viral Hepatitis B and Viral  Hepatitis C.  For women applying for a visa to Kuwait a pregnancy test is obligatory.
• A police clearance certificate, obtainable through your local police station.
• Copies of your passports .
• Original Visa Document (Arabic copy ).
• Self Addressed Pre-paid Envelope .
• Money Order addressed to the Embassy.
• 2 passport size photos.

To stay in Kuwait for permanent living you should apply for an iqama (residence). It can be made at the Immigration and Passport Department of the Ministry of the Interior in Shuwaikh (passport office). First time applicants for residence must bring along the following documents in the form of both originals and photocopies:
• passport;
• work permit;
• declaration on the prescribed form completed and signed;
• security clearance (fingerprint) certificate;
• NOC;
• medical certificate;
• 4 passport size photographs.

A maximum of 5 years residence can be granted. After the initial residence has expired it can be renewed. Renewal is a fairly simple matter. Applications are made at the jawazaat in Shuwaikh and the process should be started a month before the expiry of the current residence.