Kuwait introduces 6 month travel limit for expat residents / Image: File
In a major policy shift affecting thousands of foreign residents, Kuwait has capped the maximum time expats can stay abroad at six months under new residency rules, even as authorities introduce long-term visa options to retain skilled workers and investors. The changes form part of the government’s wider push to reform residency and population management policies.
Kuwait’s new rule for expats staying abroad
Kuwait has rolled out new executive regulations under Ministerial Resolution No. 2249 of 2025 that reshape how expatriates manage their residency status. A core provision now states that expats with valid residence permits cannot remain outside Kuwait for more than six consecutive months, or they risk losing their residency status. This rule applies broadly to most categories of residency unless specific exemptions apply. There are important exceptions to this rule. Foreign investors, property owners and children of Kuwaiti women are exempt from the six-month limit, meaning they can stay abroad longer without affecting their residency. Separate rules apply to domestic workers, who may stay outside Kuwait for up to four months unless an official leave request is submitted through the relevant authorities. However, the law isn’t just about restrictions; it also introduces a tiered system of stability. While standard residency remains at five years, the government has launched “Golden” opportunities for specific groups:
- 15-Year Residency: Reserved for foreign investors who meet the criteria of the Foreign Direct Investment Law.
- 10-Year Residency: Granted to property owners and the children of Kuwaiti women. These long-term categories are notably exempt from the six-month travel limit, allowing high-value contributors and family members more flexibility to travel without losing their status.
Focus on domestic workers
The new regulations place a specific spotlight on domestic workers (Article 20 residency), who face even tighter travel timelines. Unlike other expats, domestic staff are now permitted to stay outside Kuwait for a maximum of only four months. If they exceed this period, their residency will be cancelled immediately.To prevent accidental cancellations, the Ministry of Interior has introduced a digital safety net. Sponsors can request a “leave of absence” to extend this stay beyond four months, provided they apply through the Sahel application or visit a Residency Affairs Department before the deadline. Additionally, the law now mandates that any foreign domestic worker must be between the ages of 21 and 60, ensuring the workforce is fit for the physical demands of the role.
Fees and overstay penalties
Living in Kuwait now comes with a clearer, albeit slightly more expensive, price tag. Most visit visas—including family, tourist, and business—now carry a flat fee of KD 10 per month. For residents, the annual iqama renewal fee has been standardized at KD 20, while health insurance has become a non-negotiable prerequisite. Crucially, your residency permit’s validity is now directly tied to your insurance coverage; if your insurance expires, so does your legal status.The Ministry has also reinforced penalties to discourage overstaying:
- Daily Fines: Those who overstay their residency or visit visas will face fines of KD 2 per day for the first month, increasing to KD 4 per day thereafter.
- Newborn Registration: Parents must now register a newborn’s birth within four months. Failing to do so triggers a daily fine of KD 2, highlighting the government’s push for accurate and timely demographic data.
Kuwait is rapidly moving toward a “paperless” immigration system. The Ministry of Interior, led by Brigadier Mazid Al-Mutairi, has launched several electronic services allowing for the first-time issuance, renewal, and transfer of Article 18 (private sector) residency permits online. This digital leap is intended to slash bureaucracy and make life easier for the hundreds of thousands of workers who form the backbone of the economy.Beyond convenience, the law strikes a hard blow against visa trading. It is now strictly illegal to “sell” sponsorships or charge expatriates for the renewal of their residency. Violators face up to one year in prison and massive fines. By cleaning up the labor market and digitizing the process, Kuwait aims to protect workers’ rights and ensure that every resident is legally documented and fairly treated. Go to Source