🆕 New Rule · August 2026
Visit Visa to Residency Conversion — New KD 150 Fee
Kuwait introduced a KD 150 fee for converting eligible visit visas into residency permits, effective August 2026. Here's exactly who qualifies, who is exempt, and who cannot convert at all.
✓ KD 150 Fee
✓ 5 Eligible Cases
✓ Article 16
✓ Domestic Workers Exempt
Last updated: August 2026·Free to use·No signup required
📢 What Changed
The New KD 150 Conversion Fee
On 2 August 2026, Kuwait's Ministry of Interior — under First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef — issued Decision No. 1091 of 2026, published in the official gazette Kuwait Alyoum. The decision amends Article 39 of Ministerial Decision No. 2249 of 2025 (the executive regulations of Kuwait's Foreigners' Residence Law) by adding a new clause requiring a KD 150 fee for converting an eligible visit visa into a regular residence permit.
KD 150
New conversion fee
Applies to visit visa conversions carried out under Article 16 of the executive regulations — the same five eligible cases explained below. This is a new administrative fee added on top of the existing conversion process; it does not create any new conversion pathways.
💡 Who is exempt: Domestic workers and individuals in equivalent categories are exempt from the KD 150 fee, under Article 20 of the executive regulations.
⚠️ Important — this is NOT a general "visit visa to work visa" rule. A tourist or ordinary visit visa still cannot be converted into standard private-sector work residency. If you enter Kuwait on a visit visa and later receive a job offer, the normal route still requires leaving Kuwait and re-entering on a work entry visa arranged by your employer. In-country conversion under Article 16 is limited strictly to the five specific cases below.
✅ Eligibility
The 5 Eligible Cases for Conversion
Under Article 16 of the executive regulations, only these categories may convert a visit visa to residency without leaving Kuwait.
1
Government Visit Visa Holders
Visitors on a government visit visa to a ministry, public authority, or government institution — provided they hold a university degree or specialized technical qualification, with approval from the Director General of the General Administration of Residence Affairs.
2
Domestic Workers
Domestic workers and individuals in similar employment categories are eligible to convert their visit visas into residency permits.
Fee Exempt
3
Joining an Immediate Family Member
Individuals who entered Kuwait on a family visit visa or tourist visa and later become eligible to join an immediate family member who is already legally residing in Kuwait.
4
Work Entry Visa Holders Who Briefly Left
People who entered Kuwait on a work entry visa, began the residency process, but had to leave the country temporarily (for no more than one month) — they may complete the conversion upon return, entering on a visit visa.
5
Other Exceptional Cases
Additional cases may be approved at the sole discretion of the Director General of the General Administration of Residence Affairs, evaluated individually.
📋 Quick Reference
Fee & Eligibility at a Glance
| Category | Can Convert? | Fee |
|---|
| Government visit visa (qualified role) | ✅ Yes | KD 150 |
| Domestic workers | ✅ Yes | Exempt |
| Family visit visa joining a relative | ✅ Yes | KD 150 |
| Work entry visa, briefly left & returned | ✅ Yes | KD 150 |
| Exceptional cases (Director General approval) | ⚠️ Case-by-case | KD 150 |
| Ordinary tourist visa → private-sector job | ❌ No | — |
📝 Process
How to Apply for Conversion
Eligible applicants can convert their visit visa to a residency permit without leaving Kuwait, subject to approval by the General Directorate of Residency Affairs and compliance with the conditions in the executive regulations. Since approval is discretionary and case-specific, apply directly through the Ministry of Interior's channels rather than assuming eligibility.
⚠️ Requirements, documents, and processing times for each of the 5 cases vary. Contact MOI directly or check
moi.gov.kw /
eservices.moi.gov.kw for the exact document checklist for your specific case before applying.
❓ FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a visit visa be converted to a work visa in Kuwait?▾
Generally, no. An ordinary tourist or visit visa cannot be converted directly into a work residency permit — the standard route for private-sector employment still requires leaving Kuwait and re-entering on a work entry visa arranged by your employer. Conversion without leaving the country is only permitted under Article 16 in five specific cases: government visit visas with an approved role, domestic workers, joining an immediate family member, work-entry visa holders who briefly left and returned, and other exceptional cases approved by the Director General of Residence Affairs.
What is the new KD 150 fee for visit visa conversion?▾
Under Ministry of Interior Decision No. 1091 of 2026, published 2 August 2026, a new KD 150 fee applies to eligible visit visa conversions carried out under Article 16 of the executive regulations. The decision amends Article 39 of Ministerial Decision No. 2249 of 2025. Domestic workers and similar categories are exempt under Article 20.
Who is exempt from the KD 150 conversion fee?▾
Domestic workers and individuals in equivalent categories are exempt from the KD 150 conversion fee, under Article 20 of the executive regulations.
What are the 5 cases for converting a visit visa to residency?▾
(1) Government visit visa holders with a university degree or technical qualification, approved for a role at a ministry or public body. (2) Domestic workers and similar categories. (3) Individuals on a family visit visa or tourist visa who become eligible to join an immediate family member already legally residing in Kuwait. (4) Work-entry visa holders who began the residency process, left Kuwait for under one month, and returned. (5) Other exceptional cases approved at the discretion of the Director General of Residence Affairs.
Can I convert my tourist visa to a work permit without leaving Kuwait?▾
No, not for standard private-sector employment. If you entered Kuwait on a tourist or ordinary visit visa and later receive a job offer, you generally must leave the country and re-enter on a work entry visa arranged by your new employer. Direct in-country conversion under Article 16 only applies to the five specific cases above — it does not cover a general tourist visa converting to employment residency.
🔗 Related Guides
Other Visa & Residency Guides
💡 This page reflects Ministry of Interior Decision No. 1091 of 2026 as reported by Times Kuwait, Gulf News, and Arab Times on 2 August 2026. Requirements can change — always confirm current eligibility and documents directly with MOI before applying.