Kuwait continues to attract expatriates, particularly in oil, construction, engineering, and healthcare sectors, thanks to its strong economy and demand for skilled professionals. To legally work there, foreign nationals need an Iqama, which is a residence visa with work authorization, and this is always obtained through employer sponsorship.
The process begins once a Kuwaiti company hires you and applies for a work permit on your behalf through the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour. To support the application, you will be asked to provide a valid passport, recent photographs, attested academic and professional qualifications, a medical fitness certificate from an approved clinic, and a police clearance certificate from your home country. After approval, the government issues an entry visa, allowing you to travel to Kuwait and begin the in-country formalities.
Upon arrival, you are required to undergo medical examinations and fingerprinting. Once this stage is complete, the entry visa is converted into an Iqama, giving you the legal right to reside and work in Kuwait. Typically, this residence permit is valid for one to two years and can be renewed. Because the Iqama is directly linked to the employer who sponsored it, changing jobs in Kuwait is not straightforward. For this reason, it’s important to carefully review your employment contract before committing to a role.
