UAE
Kuwait implements KD150 fee for visit visa to residency conversion
The new regulation, effective immediately, primarily affects dependents and those securing work in Kuwait while on a visit visa, including many from the UAE.
Kuwait's Ministry of Interior has introduced a new KD150 fee to convert a valid visit visa into a residency permit. This change impacts expatriates in the UAE who plan to relocate to Kuwait for work or family reasons, adding a new financial consideration to the process.
Kuwait has implemented a new fee of 150 Kuwaiti dinars (approximately AED 1,795) for expatriates seeking to convert a valid visit visa into a residency permit. The change, announced by Kuwait's Ministry of Interior, directly affects UAE residents planning to move to the neighboring GCC state for family or employment purposes. ## What changed Effective immediately, expatriates in Kuwait on specific types of visit visas can no longer convert them to a residency permit without paying the new KD150 fee. Previously, this conversion was possible under certain conditions without this specific charge, although standard residency processing fees applied. The Kuwaiti government has stipulated that this new rule applies to several categories of visit visas, including family, tourist, and commercial visit visas. The conversion is contingent upon the applicant meeting all other requirements set by the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour. ## Who is affected This policy change primarily impacts foreign nationals who enter Kuwait on a visit visa and subsequently secure employment or decide to reside with family members who are already residents. This includes: -…