In 2026, Kuwait has introduced significant changes to its residency and visa laws to better regulate the labor market and support the Kuwait Vision 2035. Whether you are a current expat or looking to move to Kuwait, understanding these new rules is crucial.

​Family Visit Visas: The Latest Update

​The Ministry of Interior (MOI) has recently updated the conditions for inviting family members.

  • ​Minimum Salary Requirement: The salary ceiling for bringing family on a visit visa has been adjusted. Currently, expats must earn a minimum of KWD 450 - 800 depending on the specific visa category.
  • ​Mandatory Insurance: All visitors must have a comprehensive health insurance policy valid for the entire duration of their stay.
  • ​Return Ticket: A round-trip ticket from a national carrier (Kuwait Airways or Jazeera Airways) is often mandatory for visit visa approval.

​Residency (Iqama) Renewal and Digital Integration

​Gone are the days of manual paperwork. In 2026, all residency renewals are strictly digital.

  • ​Sahel App: Every expat must use the Sahel App for residency status tracking.
  • ​Fingerprint Requirement: The Biometric Fingerprint is now mandatory for all residents. Failure to complete this can lead to the suspension of your Civil ID and banking services.

​Work Permits and Job Transfers (Article 18)

​The Kuwait Public Authority for Manpower has introduced stricter rules for transferring work permits:

  • ​The 3-Year Rule: New employees may be required to stay with their initial sponsor for at least 3 years before transferring to another company, unless specific conditions are met.

​Health Insurance (Dhaman) Transition

​The transition to the Dhaman Health Centers is now nearly complete. Expats in the private sector (Article 18) are increasingly being shifted to these specialized medical centers, separating them from the government hospitals used by citizens.