Kuwait’s family visa rules have become stricter in 2025, with a significant increase in salary requirements for sponsors and more limited eligibility for dependents. The minimum monthly salary to sponsor immediate family now stands at KD 800, and only spouses and children under 18 are generally eligible. Exceptions exist for children born in Kuwait and for some professions like medicine and engineering, which may waive the degree or salary requirement for sponsorship.
Key Visa Requirements
• Sponsor must be a legal resident with a valid Kuwaiti residence permit.
• Sponsor must earn at least KD 800 per month. Some professions are exempt, and children under age five may be sponsored without this requirement if both parents reside in Kuwait.
• Sponsor must provide proof of accommodation and financial stability in Kuwait.
• The dependent must be a spouse, child under 18, or a legal partner; other relatives like parents or siblings are generally not eligible.
• Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate) is mandatory.
Procedural Details
• The application process includes filling out a visa application form, supplying passports, relationship proof, residency documents, proof of sponsor’s income, health insurance, and police clearance certificates.
• Processing times for dependent visas typically range from 2-8 weeks, depending on nationality and circumstances.
• Family visit visas are now valid for up to three months, with options to extend for up to one year in certain cases.
Fees and Renewals
• Fees for medical testing, document attestation, insurance, and residency issuance apply, with health insurance also required annually for each dependent.
• Residency renewal fees and visa-related costs have been raised in 2025 for all categories, so budget accordingly.
New Restrictions and Updates
• Recent changes eliminated the requirement for visitors to arrive via Kuwaiti carriers.
• Expanded eligibility now includes relatives up to the fourth degree for visit visas, though not necessarily for dependent long-term residency visas.
• Strict enforcement means families must maintain eligibility or face loss of visa status and risk mandatory return to home countries.