Kuwait has issued formal guidance under Article 16 of the residency rules that specifies five situations in which a visit visa may be converted to a residency permit. This clarification outlines when temporary entry may be changed to long-term status, subject to approval by the General Administration of Residence Affairs.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The updated framework provides clear criteria for visitors seeking to extend their stay in Kuwait for work, family, or government-related reasons.
For global mobility stakeholders—including HR leaders, payroll managers, and globally mobile employees—the clarification reduces uncertainty around permitted visa conversions, which can be critical for workforce planning, family reunification, and compliance with immigration regulations.
Key Highlights
- Government visit visa holders can switch to regular residency with a university degree or technical qualification and approval from Residence Affairs.
- Domestic staff and related service categories can convert visit visas to permanent residency under labor-service regulations.
- Family-visit and tourism visa holders can change status to residency when joining an immediate family member legally residing in Kuwait.
- Individuals who entered on a work entry visa, began residency process, but left for less than one month can return on a visit visa and complete conversion.
- Exceptional or humanitarian cases may be approved by the Director General of Residence Affairs.
KPMG INSIGHTS
In light of the change, the organisations, entities and individuals might consider the following:
- Organizations may wish to review mobility policies and inform employees about the defined conversion pathways.
- HR teams may wish to ensure that supporting documentation—such as university degrees or technical qualifications for government-related conversions—is readily available.
- Mobile employees may wish to be aware of the specific conditions and administrative requirements, as unauthorized conversion attempts or non-compliance may result in denial of residency or complications with future entries.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration advisers or with a member of the immigration team with KPMG in Kuwait (see the Contacts section).
FOOTNOTE:
1 “Now Convert Kuwait Visit Visas to Residence Visa,” Arab Times Kuwait, published on November 23, 2025.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Kuwait.
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