Living and working in Kuwait as an expatriate requires a valid residency permit, known as an Iqama. Furthermore, this legal document grants foreign nationals the right to reside in the country for a specified period. Thus, renewing the legal status becomes necessary to maintain legal status as the expiration date approaches.

Therefore, eligible applicants can apply for residency renewal online via the Ministry of Interior website. Moreover, those qualified include foreign nationals employed by a Kuwaiti company or sponsored by an individual with a valid Iqama nearing expiration.

This article provides an overview of Kuwait residency renewals, the complete renewal process, fees required, and answers to your confusion.

New Regulations for Kuwait Residency Renewal

The government has recently implemented new regulations for expatriates renewing their home permits. Here are some of the key updates:

Settling Debts First: Foreign residents must pay the government any outstanding debts before renewing their permits.
Fines for Delays: Late renewals of housing permits will now result in increased fines, so renew your permit promptly.
Online Renewals Encouraged: Residents can renew their licenses online through the Ministry of Interior’s website, reducing office visits.
Renewals for Sponsored Family: Nationals and expatriate residents can renew the res of dependents and family members online.
COVID Vaccination Required: During renewal, full vaccination against COVID-19 as per health ministry guidelines.

Requirements for Renewal of Kuwait Residency

Expatriates must periodically renew their residency documents to maintain legal status. Hence, the process is typically simple – sponsors submit applications online, and applicants provide supporting documentation.

Further, you need a valid passport, a clean record, active employment, and an application before your permit expires.

Documents Required for Residency Renewal in Kuwait

When applying to renew your Kuwait immigration permit, having the right documents is key. Consequently, this ensures quick processing of your application.

The validity of a passport must be at least a year
Completing all sections accurately
Civil ID copies both sides
Copy of driving license
2 passport-size photos
Bank statements, salary certificate, or employment contract
Online health insurance renewal

Renewing for Family

Renewing a Kuwaiti residence certificate for family members requires the following information:

Copies of current residency permits
Copies of passports
2 photos per family member
Marriage/birth certificates

Step To Renew Kuwait Residency Online

When foreigners renew their health insurance, their living permits must be renewed yearly to stay in the country and work. The following steps will guide you through the process:

Step 1: Visit MOI

You can visit the official website of the Ministry of Interior by clicking on the following link: moi.gov.kw

Step 2: Civil ID

In the “Please Sign in” box, type your Civil ID and click Next.

Step 3: Account Registration

Add your valid email and working mobile number on the next page, check the “I declare” option, and then click register.

Step 4: Account Activation

You will receive an activation email to your given email address, and clicking on it will activate your account.

Step 5: Check Expiry and Renew

Select the family member option for the residency expiration date in the next popup window.

Step 6: Residency Renewal

You must scroll down the Family members option, add your mobile number, and then click Renew.

Step 7: Pay Fines if Any

You can also pay any fines associated with your renewal process by selecting the payout method below the renewal option.

Note: You’ll also need to renew your Civil ID to proceed with the renewal procedure. For that, head over to the PACI website.

Kuwait Health Insurance Renewal Online

Kuwaiti emigrants must renew health insurance every year before applying for residency renewal. Fortunately, you can do that online by visiting the Ministry of Health website. Just follow the steps below to get your online health insurance renewal done.

Step 1: Visit MOH

Visit the Ministry of Health Kuwait website.

Step 2: Health Insurance

On the MOH homepage, scroll down and click on the Health Insurance option.

Step 3: Log In or Sign Up

Once you’re in the new popup, click the login button if you have your username and password, or register if it’s your first time.

Step 4: Select the Insurance Category and Residence Type

Choose your insurance category between personal and group insurance. Then, choose the type of residence.

Step 5: Provide Required Information

Now provide the necessary information depending on the type of residence, including:

Name
Gender
Civil ID
Date of birth
Nationality
No of years
Passport expiration date
Personal working Email
Verified Mobile Number

Step 6: Accept Terms and Conditions

To accept the terms and conditions, click the option and check it.

Step 7: Make Payment

Choose the payment method, and then you can see the renewal amount in the total amount box as per the years you selected; then click Pay Online.

Step 8: Submit Bank Details

Enter your bank details in the next window, including your card number and bank name.

Step 9: Get Receipt

After the payment submission, a new window appears, and then click on the Update Receipt option.

Kuwait Residency Renewal Fees

Kuwait’s government charges fees for international residents to renew their living licenses annually. Here are some common costs:

Sponsored employee: KD 10
Spouse: KD 10
First 2 children: KD 10 each
Additional children: KD 100 each
Parents, in-laws: KD 200 each

Note: Contact the General Directorate of Residency for the most up-to-date renewal fees.

How to Check Your Kuwait Residency Renewal Status

Foreigners in Kuwait should keep track of their citizenship renewal status. Here’s how to check:

Online Status Check

You can check the status of a renewal on the Ministry of Interior’s website by providing information such as:

Passport number
Visa number
Civil ID number

In-Person Follow-Up

Alternatively, you can follow up on a renewal application by visiting the appropriate immigration office or sponsor location. Also, bring any supporting documents and ask directly how it’s going. Therefore, they can look up the latest update in their system and inform if more time is needed or if the renewal is ready for collection.

Via Employer

Some employers or sponsors have direct access to view employee residency renewal status. However, instead of contacting immigration directly, contact your HR department or sponsor contact.

Kuwait’s Residency Renewal Guidelines

Renewing one’s living status in Kuwait must be done following strict government policies. Here are some essential renewal rules for ex-pats to be aware of:

Must submit renewal application paperwork to immigration authorities or employer sponsor
Required documents include passport copy, original residency permit, employer/sponsor letters, medical report
The process can take weeks to months, depending on the applicant’s status
Renewal fees range from 300-500 KD
Violations of laws prevent permit renewal
Non-renewal for illegal activities
Income requirement varies by occupation
Security reasons may prevent renewals

To qualify, an applicant must:

Be employed and hold a valid Kuwait visa
Maintain good health
Have a clean criminal record

FAQs

What documents do I need to renew my Kuwait residency permit?

The required documents are a valid passport, original residency permit, letters from your employer/sponsor, medical report, passport photos, civil ID copies, health insurance details, and applicable fees. Family members also need marriage/birth certificates.

What is the best time to start the renewal process?

It’s recommended to begin renewing your Kuwait residency authorization 2 months before expiration since this provides enough processing time and avoids penalties.

Can my residency be renewed if my health insurance expires?

No, your health insurance must be renewed before applying for renewal in Kuwait. Therefore, complete insurance renewal online first.

What are the current residency renewal fees?

Fees range from 10-200 KD per person, depending on status. Moreover, check the Ministry of Interior’s General Directorate of Residency for the latest accurate fee schedule.

Conclusion

Renewing your permit to reside in Kuwait allows you to keep living, working, and enjoying life in this fascinating country. In addition, despite what may seem like a hassle, consider it an opportunity. Thus, completing the Kuwait residency renewal process gives you another year to experience the country’s offers.

Generally, if you have all the necessary documents, give yourself plenty of time, and follow all the steps carefully, your renewal will go smoothly. After you get the approval, you can feel happy and relieved. Furthermore, you can relax and enjoy the next 12 months in the country with an up-to-date residency.