Kuwait permits foreign residents to sponsor their close relatives for residency through a Family Visa. This article explains the eligibility requirements, documentation needed, and recent changes implemented in January 2024.

With Effect from January 28, 2024, the government of Kuwait has resumed the issuance of family visas.

Who Qualifies for a Family Visa?

The following family members are eligible for a Dependent Visa, provided they meet specific criteria:

Spouse: Legally married to the sponsor and the valid marriage certificate must be provided by the applicant as proof.
Children: Kids under twenty-one (21) years of age must provide their birth certificate.
Parents: If the sponsor is applying for his parent’s visa, the proof of relationship must be provided by the sponsor. 

Changes Made and Eligibility Criteria

The Kuwaiti government has resumed issuing family residence visas and expanded eligibility to include:

Spouses and children of foreign residents:

These dependents must be sponsored by the individuals who are making at least 800 Kuwaiti dinars (KD) each month. 
If both parents are residents, the upper condition will not be applied to them if the children are under 5.

Exempt professions: 

There are certain professions which are exempted from the requirement of a university degree related to their field of work:

• University, college, and higher institute professors.
• Financial and economic advisors in universities;
• Engineers.
• Imams, preachers, and muezzins in mosques.
• Librarians in government agencies and private universities;
• Social workers and psychologists in the government sector.
• Sports coaches and athletes in federations and clubs.
• Pilots and flight attendants;
• Professionals overseeing burial preparations and services.
• School administrators, vice principals, education mentors, teachers, social workers, and laboratory attendants in the government sector.
• Medical professionals, including doctors and pharmacists;
• Advisors, judges, prosecutors, experts, and legal researchers in the government sector.
• Journalism, media professionals, and correspondents;
• Ministry of Health staff, including nurses, paramedics, medical technicians, and social service workers.

Things to Note

Currently, other family members are not eligible for this visa type, such as cousins, siblings, or adult children.
The principal applicant must have a university degree related to their work type in Kuwait unless their profession falls under the list of exempted professions mentioned above.
The family visa can only be submitted within Kuwait after arriving through an entry visa, the process must be completed within two months after entry.

Documents Required for a Dependent Visa

• Marriage certificate (for spouses)
• Birth certificates (for children), under the age of 21.
• Proof of relationship to the sponsor (for parents).
• Proof of the sponsor’s employment and income that must be equal to or more than 800 Kuwaiti Dinar per month (paystubs, employment contract)
• Proof of the sponsor’s residency status in Kuwait. Proof of residency is a must. 
• Any additional documents requested by the authorities should be submitted in time so the process does not take longer. 

Read More… Kuwait Business Visa 2024

Additional Information

The dependent visa has a one-year expiration date and can also be extended if the sponsor, who is the primary visa holder, continues to be a lawful resident of the country (Kuwait). 
The dependent is not allowed to work in Kuwait with this visa. For now, there is no such kind of eligibility for a dependent to work in Kuwait no matter what job it is. 

Conclusion

The dependent or family visa allows the residents of the nation of Kuwait to reunite and live with their families in Kuwait. Make sure you understand the eligibility criteria and the requirements needed by the authorities/accredited office. Documentation is important for the successful application process. The information must be correct, and the documents original. It is better to contact Kuwaiti authorities or visa specialists for the latest and most accurate information for the application process, guidance will save you time and the hustle of the application process.

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