In a major policy shift, Kuwait has removed salary restrictions for the Kuwait family visit visa, making it accessible to all expatriates. Colonel Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Director of Electronic Services at the Department of Residency Affairs, confirmed the update during a televised interview.
Previously, only high-earning expats could sponsor family visits, but now even low-income workers can apply. The Kuwait family visit visa still lasts only one month, but eligibility now extends to fourth-degree relatives and in-laws.
Thanks to the new Kuwaitvisa platform, applicants can get approval in just five minutes. Colonel Kandari emphasized that the system is fully digital, requiring no in-person visits. Additionally, travelers no longer need to book flights with Kuwaiti airlines, as any carrier is acceptable.
The Kuwaitvisa platform issues four types of visas: tourist, family, business, and governmental. Tourist visas now cover 53 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and most EU nations. GCC residents and Schengen visa holders also qualify under simplified rules. For business visas, any Kuwaiti company can invite foreign partners without restrictions. Meanwhile, event-based visas allow short-term entry for sports and entertainment activities.
Although profession requirements were recently scrapped, Colonel Kandari advised applicants to submit complete documents. These include a passport copy, photo, flight ticket, and hotel booking. Doing so minimizes delays and rejections. Authorities are still evaluating policies for travelers not covered under existing categories. These applicants may need to show proof of financial stability.
With these changes, Kuwait aims to boost tourism and strengthen expat family ties. The Kuwait family visit visa reforms mark a significant step toward a more inclusive residency policy.
