Key Highlights
The sweeping policy change that has occurred in Kuwait involves the citizens making it easier than ever before to invite family members to visit them. The small country has already scrapped the minimum wage requirement for the family visit visa. The decision is included in the broader initiative to ensure that Kuwait becomes more accommodating of the foreign labourers and their families, encourages tourism, and bolsters interpersonal relationships. These new visa policies, launched on August 13, 2025, increase the number of relatives that can be invited and make the process of acquiring visas easier due to the development of new digital platforms, as well as eliminate some outdated policies that complicated the choice of entering the country. Adversely, here is what you should know as a foreigner living in Kuwait or visiting your family.
What Has Changed in Kuwait’s Family Visit Visa Policy?
In the past, the foreign residents in Kuwait were required to obtain a minimum fixed salary in order to sponsor family visit visas for their family members. This regulation was seen to be a bother to those who want to bring close but travelling families, as well as those with low income below the income threshold. There is no longer a minimum salary prerequisite, which has given an opportunity to get a visa irrespective of the profits that the sponsor makes. Here are the top changes:
-
Family Visits: Family visits on visas are not subject to any minimum salaries.
-
Eligibility was Extended: It now covers relatives on the basis of the first four degrees of blood relations (e.g. siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces) and adoption of the third degree in-law (e.g. parents-in-law, sons/daughters-in-law, etc.).
-
Full Online Programs: The new Kuwait visa platform or mobile app can be used to apply for all types of visas.
-
No Limitation on National Carriers: Tourists may not use only the national carriers of Kuwait.
-
Fast Processing: Full Web-based applications can be handled within five minutes, all other things being equal.
-
Various Options of Entry: People can enter Kuwait through air, land or sea.
Also Read: Kuwait Family Visa News: Latest Updates and Changes
Family Visit Visa Rules: Validity and Relatives List
Under the revised regulations, family visit visas offer flexible stay durations:
-
Single Entry: 1, 2, or 3 months
-
Multiple Entry: Up to one year, but each visit cannot exceed one month at a time
Relation |
Degree of Kinship |
Included in New Rules? |
Spouse/Children |
1st |
Yes |
Parents/Parents-in-law |
1st (by marriage) |
Yes |
Siblings |
2nd |
Yes |
Siblings-in-law |
2nd (by marriage) |
Yes |
Grandparents |
2nd |
Yes |
Grandchildren |
2nd |
Yes |
Aunts/Uncles/Nephews/Nieces |
3rd/4th |
Yes |
Kuwait’s Digital Visa Platform: Easy and Fast
Now all applicants can apply via the official Kuwait Visa digital platform or app to obtain one of four main types of visas: tourist, family, business and governmental. It is fast and does not require individuals to visit the visa offices to do the processing. Here is the application process:
-
Fill in the web form on the main Kuwait Visa site.
-
Put in the necessary data (the page of the passport, photograph, and the residence evidence, if necessary).
-
Pay the fee which applies online.
-
Get approved for your visa application online or over the app.
-
Carry your digital visa to enter Kuwait.
Visa Type |
Who Can Apply |
Typical Validity |
Application Method |
Family Visit |
Residents sponsoring relatives |
1 month–1 year |
Online/digital |
Tourist |
Listed nationalities or GCC expats |
30–90 days |
Online/on arrival |
Business |
Business travelers |
30 days |
Online |
Governmental |
Officials/delegates |
30 days |
Online |
Also Read: Nursing Job Vacancy in Kuwait: Expert's Job Guide
GCC Expat Residents: Instant Tourist Visas on Arrival
An express second facility is for expats located within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states. Now, visitors can enter Kuwait through a tourist visa on arrival, provided they meet certain conditions. People of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain now receive a tourist visa upon meeting the immigration authorities in Kuwait on arrival, as long as they have a valid residence permit in their home countries of at least six months. It significantly eases short visits and family reunions of millions of people within the Gulf region.
Policy Area |
Previous Rule |
New Rule |
Effective Date |
Salary Requirement |
Minimum salary needed |
No salary barrier |
13 August 2025 |
Eligible Relatives |
Only close family |
Up to 4th degree kin |
13 August 2025 |
Entry Carrier |
National airlines only |
Any carrier |
13 August 2025 |
Application Process |
In-person, paperwork |
Online/mobile, instant |
July-Aug 2025 |
GCC Expats Tourist Visa |
By profession, limited |
Open to all, on arrival |
13 August 2025 |
Why Has Kuwait Made These Changes?
It is one of the significant policy changes in the governmental plan, called Vision 2035. With these new policies that liberalise the conditions, Kuwait is striving to accommodate expat families, develop its tourism and enhance its reputation as a friendlier country in the Gulf.
The officials also mention the necessity to accommodate the changing Kuwait demographics and labour market; expatriates form a high portion of the country's population. The country wishes to preserve the close relations within the family, which is a significant aspect of its social life, by removing restrictions and opening borders.
Also Read: Kuwait Visa Check Online: Experts' Step-by-Step Guide
Additional Updates and Entry Rules
Here are the additional updates regarding the Kuwait salary requirement:
-
Security Considerations: The visitors are still subjected to a mandatory security check on arrival.
-
No Nation-based Entry Prohibitions: There is no provision of a categorical prohibition depending on nationality, so long as requirements are met.
-
Periodic Reviews: The Ministry periodically checks countries, as well as visa professions that have been approved.
Conclusion
Removal of minimum salary requirements when applying for a family visit visa is a change that makes it easier and quicker than ever before to invite loved ones to Kuwait for expats. Due to the more recent regulations introduced in August 2025, the procedure is now much more flexible, less hostile to digital applications, and cohesive to families in the global Kuwaiti society. For updated lists, official guidance, or to begin your application, use Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior e-Visa portal. To learn more about Kuwait's latest policy changes, visit TerraTern now!