Kuwait implements monthly entry, visit visa fee

Kuwait has fixed the fee for entry and visit visas at KD10 per month under new executive regulations on the residence of foreigners, which came into force on December 23, according to local media reports, as cited by Gulf News. The updated rules are issued under the executive regulations of the Decree Law on the Residence of Foreigners. The Interior Ministry said the changes are aimed at regulating residency procedures and standardising fees across visa categories. The regulations apply to visitors, residents, investors and employers. Under the new framework, entry and residence visas for foreign investors will be issued on request from the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA). Ordinary residency permits for eligible foreign investors can be granted for periods of up to 15 years, subject to rules set by the Council of Ministers. These permits require an official request from KDIPA confirming that the applicant meets the required conditions. The executive regulations also introduce a four-month grace period for registering the births of foreign nationals. After this period, fines will apply, starting at KD2 per day during the first month and increasing to KD4 per day thereafter. New provisions have been outlined for domestic workers. The regulations state that domestic workers must be at least 21 years old and not older than 60. Entry permits will be issued at the request of the employer, in coordination with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Domestic workers holding residency permits will be allowed to stay outside Kuwait for up to four months. After this period, their residency will lapse unless the sponsor applies for an absence permit. This rule will not apply to domestic workers who left Kuwait before the new regulations took effect. The Interior Ministry said the updated measures aim to regulate residency procedures, clarify obligations and standardise fees, while providing clearer frameworks for investors, residents and employers under Kuwait’s residency system.