Kuwait Family Visa: Simple Guide for Expats 2025
Advantages of Kuwait Family Visa
Here are some main advantages of a Kuwait family visa:
- Enables family members to live together in Kuwait.
- Provides access to healthcare and education services.
- Can lead to long-term residency and a chance for citizenship.
- Allows many entries without hassle.
- Offers a chance to work in Kuwait.
Recent Updates and News
Kuwait started giving out family visas again in January 2024. They had paused these visas since August 2022.
- New salary requirement: You must earn at least KWD 800 to sponsor your spouse and children.
- More job categories are now eligible for family visas.
- Special rules apply for children under 5 years old.
Understanding Kuwait Family Visa
A Kuwait family visa allows family members to join and live with a sponsor in Kuwait. The sponsor must have a valid work or residence permit. This visa is for Kuwait’s programme to reunite families. It helps dependants stay with their sponsor.
Processing takes about 4-8 weeks, depending on the applicant’s country. The authorities issue the visa, which is valid for 1-3 years and individuals can renew it as needed. Eligible family members are a spouse, children, or a legal partner. Proof of relationship is required to apply for the visa.
Who Can Apply for a Family Visa in Kuwait
To apply for a family visa in Kuwait, you must meet these requirements:
- Sponsor’s Eligibility
- The sponsor must be a legal resident of Kuwait with a valid visa or house permit.
- They must have a work visa, student visa, or permanent house.
- You need to show proof of suitable accommodation for the dependent.
- Dependent’s Eligibility
- Only close family members can apply, such as a spouse, children under 18, or a legal partner.
- Proof of Relationship
- You need documents like a marriage certificate or a birth certificate to prove the relationship.
- Financial Stability
- The sponsor must provide proof of income or savings to support the dependent in Kuwait.
How to apply for a family visa in Kuwait
Follow these steps to apply for a Kuwait family visa:
- Check Eligibility
- Make sure you meet the requirements.
- The sponsor must have a valid residence permit in Kuwait.
- Only spouses, registered partners, and kids under 18 can apply.
- Gather the required documents.
- Fill out the visa application form.
- Provide a valid passport and passport-sized photographs.
- Please show proof of your relationship. You can use a marriage or birth certificate.
- Provide proof of financial support and the sponsor’s residence permit.
- Submit the application
- Apply at the Kuwait visa embassy in your home country.
- You can submit applications online through the Kuwait e-Government portal.
- Pay Visa Fees
- Visa fees vary by country and visa duration.
- The type of family member being sponsored may also affect the cost.
- Wait for Processing
- Processing usually takes 4-8 weeks.
- Apply early to avoid delays.
Kuwait Family Visa Fees
Here is a simple breakdown of the cost for a family visa in Kuwait.
|
Visa Type |
Cost (KWD) |
Details |
|
Family Visit Visa |
Free |
Issued for relatives like spouse, children, and parents for a short visit (1-3 months). |
|
Dependent Visa (Iqama) |
100 – 150 KWD |
Issued for bringing a spouse or children to reside in Kuwait. |
|
Medical Test Fees |
10 – 20 KWD |
Required for dependent visa applicants for medical fitness clearance. |
|
Residency Issuance |
10 KWD per year |
For each year of residency granted under the dependent visa. |
|
Health Insurance |
30 – 50 KWD |
Mandatory annual insurance fee per dependent. |
|
Document Attestation |
5 – 20 KWD |
Varies depending on the documents that need attestation (e.g., marriage certificate). |
Note: This information is based on our team’s latest research.
Necessary Documents for Kuwait Family Visa
Here are the necessary documents to apply for a Kuwait family visa:
- Visa Application Form – This is a signed and filled-out application form.
- Passport – A valid passport that meets the necessary validity requirements.
- Proof of Relationship – Use a marriage or birth certificate to show family ties.
- Residency Proof – A valid residence permit from the sponsor in Kuwait.
- Financial Proof – This shows the sponsor’s financial stability.
- Accommodation Proof – This includes documents that show the sponsor’s address.
- Income Proof: Provide salary slips or an employment letter from the sponsor.
- Health Insurance – Medical insurance that meets Kuwait’s requirements.
- Police Clearance Certificate – This document shows that you have no criminal record.
Limitations and Restrictions for Kuwait Family Visa Holders
Here are key rules for people on a Kuwait family visa:
- Sponsorship Need
- The sponsor must earn at least KD 800 per month to apply for a family visa.
- Work Restrictions
- Family visa holders cannot work in Kuwait unless they change their visa to a work visa.
- Visa Duration
- You can usually renew the visa, which is valid for one year.
- If the sponsor leaves Kuwait or cancels their residency, the family visa will also be cancelled.
- Travel Limitations
- Family visa holders must not stay outside Kuwait for more than six months. If they do, their visa might become invalid.
- Health Insurance Needs
- All family visa holders in Kuwait need valid health insurance.
Kuwait Family Visa Processing Time
Below is a table showing how long it takes to process a Kuwait family visa.
Kuwait Family Visa Processing Time
|
Visa Type |
Processing Time |
Details |
|---|---|---|
|
Family Visit Visa |
1-5 working days |
For short-term visits of spouse, children, or parents. |
|
Dependent Visa (Iqama) |
2-4 weeks |
For long-term residence permits for spouses or children. |
|
Medical Test |
1-2 weeks |
Needed for a dependent visa, includes medical check-up and fitness results. |
|
Residency Issuance |
1-3 working days |
Issued after dependent visa approval by local authorities. |
|
Document Attestation |
1-2 weeks |
Time depends on the documents that need attestation (e.g., birth certificate). |
Note: This information is based on the latest research by our team.
Recent updates on Kuwait family visa rules
Here are some of the latest changes in Kuwait’s family visa policy:
- Higher Salary Requirement: The minimum salary to sponsor a family visa has gone up from KD 550 to KD 800.
- Parents of children: under five can apply for a visa without the new salary rule. However, both parents need to be residents of Kuwait.
- Education Requirement: Applicants must have a university degree related to their profession in Kuwait. However, doctors, engineers, and teachers are exempt from this rule.
- Limited Eligibility for Other Relatives: This visa is mainly for spouses and children. Parents and siblings are not eligible.
- Nationality restrictions: some nationalities, such as Iraqi, Syrian, and Afghan, may face delays or restrictions in visa processing.
Useful Tips for a Smooth Kuwait Family Visa Application
Simple Tips for a Successful Kuwait Family Visa Application:
- Check documents carefully. Check that all documents are correct and complete. This will help to avoid delays or rejection.
- Get expert help. A visa consultant or legal expert can guide you through the process for a smooth application.
- Renew on Time. Keep track of visa and residency expiration dates to apply for renewal in advance.
- Stay updated: Kuwait’s immigration rules can change. So, check official government websites or talk to your employer often.
- Seek embassy support. If you need help, contact the Kuwaiti embassy or consulate in your country for guidance.
Conclusion
The family visa in Kuwait is a great option for family members of residents in Kuwait. It lets them live together and get healthcare and education. This visa helps bring families together. You can renew it when it expires. In some cases, visa holders can change it to a work or student visa if they meet the requirements.
Moving to Kuwait? If you have a sponsor, this KuwaitTales guide will help you through the process. For expert help, contact TerraTern today. They’ll make your move easier!
