Kuwait Imposes KD150 Fee for Converting Visit Visas to Residency Permits
- Editorial Team
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
KUWAIT CITY, August 2, 2026 — Kuwait has introduced a KD150 fee (approximately $490) for converting a visit entry visa into a regular residency permit, under new amendments to the executive regulations of the Foreigners Residence Law.
The modifications were announced in the Sunday issue of the official gazette, Kuwait Alyoum, via Ministry of Interior Decision No. 1091 of 2026, which revises sections of Ministerial Decision No. 2249 of 2025 concerning the law's executive regulations.
Published: August 2, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team
What the New Rule Says
The amendment adds a new Clause (4) to Paragraph Nine of Article 39, requiring applicants to pay KD150 when converting a visit entry visa into a regular residence permit, in accordance with Article 16 of the executive regulations.
Aspect | Details |
Fee Amount | KD150 (approx. $490) |
Legal Basis | Ministry of Interior Decision No. 1091 of 2026 |
Official Gazette | Kuwait Alyoum (Sunday, August 2, 2026) |
Effective Date | Immediately upon publication |
Authority | First Deputy PM and Interior Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef |
Who Is Eligible to Convert?
Under the revised regulations, five categories of expatriates are permitted to transfer their entry visa into a regular residency permit after paying the KD150 fee:
Category | Details |
1. Government Visit Visa Holders | Visitors holding a government visit visa to a ministry, public authority, or government institution — provided they hold a university degree or possess specialized technical qualifications and receive approval from the Director General of the General Administration of Residency Affairs |
2. Domestic Workers | Domestic workers and similar categories — exempt from the KD150 fee |
3. Family/Tourist Visa Holders | Individuals who entered Kuwait on a family visit visa or tourist visa and later become eligible to join a family member under a residency permit |
4. Work Visa Holders (Emergency Departure) | Persons who entered on a work entry visa, began residency procedures, but had to leave Kuwait due to unavoidable circumstances for a period not exceeding one month before returning to complete the process |
5. Exceptional Cases | Other exceptional cases approved by the Director General of the General Directorate of Residency Affairs |
Key Benefit: Eligible applicants can now convert their visit visas to residency permits without leaving Kuwait, subject to approval by the General Directorate of Residency Affairs.
Important Exemptions
Domestic workers and those in similar categories are exempt from paying the KD150 fee, in line with the provisions of Article 20 of the executive regulations.
Official Confirmation
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the relevant authorities have been instructed to implement the amendments within their respective jurisdictions.
The decision was published in Official Gazette Issue No. 1659 on August 2, 2026.
Quick Reference
Aspect | Details |
New Fee | KD150 (approx. $490) |
Decision | Ministry of Interior No. 1091 of 2026 |
Official Gazette | Kuwait Alyoum, Issue No. 1659 |
Effective Date | August 2, 2026 |
Eligible Categories | 5 categories (government visa holders, domestic workers, family/tourist visa holders, work visa holders with emergency departure, exceptional cases) |
Exemptions | Domestic workers and similar categories |
Conversion | Can be done without leaving Kuwait |
Official Sources
Resource | Link |
Official Gazette – Kuwait Alyoum | Published August 2, 2026 (Issue No. 1659) |
Ministry of Interior – Kuwait |
Related Reading: Latest Gulf Immigration Updates
Oman Launches Free 14-Day Tourist Visa Under New Entry Rules
Oman has introduced a free 14-day tourist visa under Royal Oman Police Decision No. 109/2026, effective August 2, 2026. The visa is available to nationals of designated countries and can be converted into other tourist visa types before expiry.
Read full article: Oman Free 14-Day Tourist Visa 2026
Saudi Arabia Halts Visas for Nepali Workers in Five Job Categories
🇦🇪 UAE Residents Gain Visa-Free Access to Montenegro Under New Rules
Quick Reference: Gulf Visa Updates (August 2026)
Update | Status | Effective |
Kuwait KD150 Visit Visa Conversion Fee | Active | August 2, 2026 |
Oman Free 14-Day Tourist Visa | Active | August 2, 2026 |
Montenegro Visa-Free for UAE Residents | Active | Until October 1, 2026 |
For the latest Gulf visa updates, immigration policy changes, and 2026 developments worldwide, visit: visasupdate.com/news
VisasUpdate.com – The world's most trusted visa intelligence hub.Unlock 2026 immigration breakthroughs, digital nomad policies, and real-time fee alerts—all in one place.
Bookmark us now: visasupdate.com/news – Stay ahead.
Comments