Kuwait Sets Six-Month Travel Limit for Expats Under New Residency Rules

Kuwait has announced new residency regulations that change the duration for which foreign residents can stay outside the country without losing their residence permits.

Under the new rule, expats who hold valid residencies can now stay abroad for a maximum of six months. If a foreign resident stays abroad beyond the allowed period, the authorities will cancel their residency automatically.

Kuwait introduced this update to tighten population management, and it is likely to affect thousands of foreign workers and families across the country.

Expats Can No Longer Stay Abroad for More Than Six Months

Under new residency regulations issued in 2025, most foreign residents can now stay outside Kuwait for a maximum of six consecutive months.

If an expat stays away for longer than that, their residency is automatically cancelled, even if their permit is still valid.

This rule applies to most residence types and is part of Kuwait’s broader effort to tighten population management and residency control.

Who Is Exempt From the Six-Month Rule?

Not everyone is affected. The six-month travel limit does not apply to:

• Foreign investors
• Property owners
• Children of Kuwaiti women

These groups can stay abroad for longer periods without risking their residency status.

Longer Residency Options: 10 and 15 Years

While tightening travel rules, Kuwait is also offering more stability to selected groups.

• 15-year residency is available to eligible foreign investors under investment laws.
• 10-year residency is offered to property owners and children of Kuwaiti women.

Both long-term residency options come with more travel freedom and are exempt from the six-month rule.

Stricter Rules for Domestic Workers

Domestic workers face tighter limits. They are allowed to stay outside Kuwait for only four months. If they exceed this period, their residency is cancelled immediately.

To avoid this, sponsors must apply for an official leave extension before the four months end. This can be done through the Sahel app or by visiting a Residency Affairs office.

There is also a new age rule. Domestic workers must now be between 21 and 60 years old.

New Visa Fees and Residency Costs

Alongside the new residency rules, Kuwait has adjusted visa fees to make the system more uniform.

• Visit visas, including family, business, and tourist types, now cost KD 10 per month.
• Residency renewal (iqama) fees are set at KD 20 per year.
• Health insurance is now mandatory.

Residency validity is now directly linked to insurance coverage. If your insurance expires, your residency becomes invalid, too.

Higher Fines for Overstaying

Penalties for overstaying have increased.

• KD 2 per day for the first month
• KD 4 per day after that

Parents must also register a newborn within four months of birth. Missing the deadline leads to a daily fine of KD 2.

Move Toward a Fully Digital Residency System

Kuwait is shifting fast toward online residency services.

Residents can now apply for issuance, renewal, and transfer of private sector residency permits digitally. The aim is to reduce paperwork, speed up approvals, and cut middlemen from the process.

Crackdown on Visa Trading

The government has also taken a hard stance against visa trading.

Selling sponsorships or charging workers for residency renewal is now illegal. Violations can lead to prison time and heavy fines.

The goal is clear: protect workers, clean up the labour market, and make sure every resident’s status is legal and transparent.

What This Really Means for Expats

Kuwait is making residency rules stricter, but also clearer.

For most expats, long stays abroad now come with real risk. For investors and long-term contributors, Kuwait is offering more stability and flexibility.

If you live or work in Kuwait, keeping track of travel dates, insurance validity, and renewal timelines matters more than ever.