Kuwait to roll out freelance visa costing up to KD 1,000: Here’s how it will work

Kuwait’s freelance visa to curb visa trading

In a major reform push, Kuwait is preparing to roll out a new freelance residency permit that would allow expatriates to live and work independently without a traditional employer sponsor, as authorities move to curb visa trading and tighten labour market controls.

The scheme, expected to be introduced within the next two months, will carry an annual fee ranging between KD 750 and KD 1,000, to be paid directly to the government.

A shift away from the sponsorship system

The announcement was confirmed by Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, Kuwait’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who described the initiative as part of a broader overhaul of labour regulations.

“Instead of paying visa traders, pay the government some KD 800–1,000,” Sheikh Fahad said, signalling the state’s intent to dismantle illegal intermediaries and redirect residency payments into official channels.

He added that meaningful labour reform required tighter regulation of the corporate sector and closing loopholes that had allowed visa trading to flourish.

The proposed freelance residency — effectively a freelancer visa — would mark a significant departure from Kuwait’s long-standing sponsor-based kafala system. Under the new framework, skilled expatriates would be permitted to work independently, without the need for a single employer to sponsor their stay.

Who is likely to qualify?

While detailed eligibility criteria have yet to be published, officials have indicated the permit is intended for professionals, consultants and small-scale entrepreneurs capable of operating on their own.

Authorities have not yet clarified profession lists, qualification requirements, income thresholds or rules governing family sponsorship. More detailed executive regulations are expected before the formal launch.

How will the application process work?

The government has not released a formal step-by-step guide. However, the residency is expected to be integrated into existing digital systems operated by the Ministry of Interior, as Kuwait continues to expand its online services.

Applicants would likely need to submit passport documentation, professional credentials and relevant forms through official channels. The annual government fee would be payable upon approval, with the residency issued under the new framework and subject to renewal.

What happens next?

Authorities have indicated that implementation could take place within approximately two months, pending final regulatory approvals.

If introduced as outlined, the freelance visa would represent one of Kuwait’s most significant residency reforms in recent years, offering expatriates a legal pathway to independent work while strengthening state oversight of the labour market.

For now, prospective applicants are advised to monitor official announcements from Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior for confirmed guidelines and application procedures.