Kuwait's New Residency Regulations Set a Six-Month Travel Limit for Foreigners
Kuwait has revised its foreign residents' residency regulations. While some groups are granted longer visas and more flexibility to travel, the majority of expatriates can currently only remain abroad for six months.
The length of time that foreign nationals can remain outside of Kuwait without losing their residency permits has been altered under new residency regulations.
The new regulation allows foreign nationals with legitimate residencies to remain overseas for a maximum of six months. The authorities will automatically terminate a foreign resident's residency if they remain overseas for longer than permitted.
This change, which Kuwait implemented to tighten population control, is probably going to have an impact on thousands of immigrant families and workers around the nation.
Foreign nationals are no longer permitted to remain overseas for longer than six months.
The majority of foreign residents are now permitted to remain outside of Kuwait for a maximum of six consecutive months under new residency restrictions that were implemented in 2025.
Even if their permission is still valid, an expat's residency is immediately revoked if they remain abroad for more than that.
This regulation, which is a part of Kuwait's larger initiative to tighten residency control and population management, applies to the majority of residence types.
Who Is Not Affected by the Six-Month Rule?
Not everyone is impacted. The following are exempt from the six-month travel cap:
Foreign investors and property owners
Kuwaiti women's children
These organizations are able to extend their stays overseas without jeopardizing their resident status.
Options for Extended Residency: 10 and 15 Years
Kuwait is providing more stability to certain groups while simultaneously tightening travel regulations.
Investment regulations grant qualified foreign investors a 15-year residency.
Property owners and children of Kuwaiti women are eligible for ten years of residency.
Both long-term residence alternatives are not subject to the six-month limit and offer greater travel flexibility.
Tighter Guidelines for Domestic Employees
There are stricter restrictions for domestic workers. They are only permitted to spend four months outside of Kuwait. Their residence is automatically revoked if they stay longer than this time.
Sponsors must request an official leave extension before the conclusion of the four months in order to avoid this. You can visit a Residency Affairs office or use the Sahel app to accomplish this.
A new age rule is also in place. The age range for domestic workers is currently 21 to 60.
New Residency and Visa Fees
Kuwait has changed the cost of visas in addition to the new residency regulations in order to standardize the system.
Family, business, and tourist visitation visas now cost KD 10 a month.
The annual price for renewing residency (iqama) is KD 20.
It is now required to have health insurance.
Insurance coverage and residency validity are now directly related. Your residence also becomes void if your insurance expires.
Increased Penalties for Overstaying
Overstaying now carries harsher penalties.
For the first month, KD 2 per day
After that, parents must register a newborn within four months of the baby's birth for KD 4 per day. A daily fine of KD 2 is imposed for missing the deadline.
Transition to a Completely Digital Residency System
Kuwait is rapidly moving toward online residency services.
Private sector residency permits can now be issued, renewed, and transferred digitally by locals. Reducing paperwork, expediting approvals, and eliminating middlemen are the goals.
Enforcement of Visa Trading
Additionally, the government has taken a strong stand against the trading of visas.
It is currently unlawful to sell sponsorships or charge employees to renew their residence. Heavy penalties and jail time are possible consequences of violations.
The objectives are clear: safeguard employees, purify the labor market, and ensure that each resident's status is public and lawful.
What This Actually Means for Foreigners Kuwait is tightening and clarifying its residency regulations.
Long stays overseas now carry significant danger for the majority of expatriates. Kuwait is providing greater stability and flexibility for long-term contributions and investors.
It's more important than ever to keep track of trip dates, insurance validity, and renewal deadlines if you reside or work in Kuwait.
