If you’re working in Kuwait and thinking about changing employers, the rules for transferring your work visa have changed since 2024.
This guide breaks down what the Kuwait work visa transfer process looks like in 2026, what it costs, and what you need to prepare.
What is Kuwait work visa transfer?
According to the Kuwait Government Online portal, foreign nationals working in the civil sector can change their visa sponsor (employer) without leaving Kuwait, provided they follow Article 18 of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law.
Government employees are generally restricted from moving directly to the private sector. Confirmed exceptions include healthcare professionals, holders of Palestinian travel documents, and spouses of Kuwaiti women.
Kuwait work visa transfer rules in 2026
| Transfer scenario | Employer NOC | Total fee |
|---|---|---|
| Article 18 transfer after 3 years | Not required | KWD 150 |
| Article 18 transfer before 3 years | Required | KWD 450 (KWD 300 early transfer fee + KWD 150 work permit) |
| Project visa to private sector | Project completion required | KWD 500 (KWD 350 transfer fee + KWD 150 work permit) |
| Dependent (Article 22) to work visa | Not applicable | KWD 150 |
Other notable changes have made Kuwait’s work visa transfer system more flexible:
- Project visa transfers — Workers on government project visas can now transfer to private-sector employers once the project is officially completed and PAM receives a confirmation letter from the relevant government entity.
- Dependent-to-work conversion — Holders of an Article 22 dependent visa can convert to an Article 18 work visa after at least one year of residency in Kuwait, subject to a valid job offer and medical clearance.
- Domestic worker transfers — Since July 2024, domestic workers can move to private-sector roles under PAM oversight, provided eligibility and medical conditions are met.
Required documents for visa transfer
Per the Ministry of Interior, the documents required for an Article 18 residence transfer are:
- Original Civil ID of the previous sponsor (and a copy)
- Original Civil ID of the new sponsor (and a copy)
- Original Civil ID of the sponsored employee (and a copy)
- Passport of the sponsored employee
- Two (2) personal photos
- Signature authorisation (and a copy)
- Health insurance certificate
If you’re transferring before three years, you’ll also need an NOC from your current employer.
Application procedure
The general steps for an Article 18 work visa transfer in 2026 are:
- Get a job offer from your new employer.
- Obtain an NOC from your current employer (only if you’re transferring before three years).
- Have your new employer apply through PAM’s Ashal portal.
- Submit the required documents to the General Department of Immigration in your governorate.
- Complete the residence transfer application form.
- Pay the applicable fees.
- Wait for PAM approval — typically two to four weeks.
- Complete medical tests, then have your residency reissued under your new employer.
Useful contacts
- Public Authority for Manpower (PAM): manpower.gov.kw — toll-free 103
- Ministry of Interior: moi.gov.kw
- Sahel government services app: sahel.gov.kw
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my employer’s NOC to transfer my work visa in Kuwait?
Only if you’re transferring before three years. Under PAM’s current rules, Article 18 employees who have completed three years with the same employer can transfer without an NOC. Before three years, an NOC and a KWD 300 early transfer fee apply.
How much does a Kuwait work visa transfer cost in 2026?
KWD 150 if you’ve completed three years; KWD 450 if you haven’t. Project visa transfers cost a total of KWD 500. Confirm current fees with PAM before applying, as government rates can change.
How long does a Kuwait visa transfer take?
Typically two to four weeks once documents are complete. Project visa transfers can take up to three to four weeks because of the additional verification.
Can a domestic worker transfer to a private-sector job?
Yes, since July 2024. The transfer must be processed through PAM and the new employer must be PAM-registered, with a valid job offer and medical clearance.
Can a government employee transfer to the private sector?
Generally no, but limited exceptions apply. Confirmed exceptions include healthcare professionals, holders of Palestinian travel documents, and spouses of Kuwaiti women — eligibility should be confirmed directly with PAM.
Sources
- Kuwait Government Online — Residence Transfer (Article 18)
- Kuwait Ministry of Interior — Residence Transfer Application Form
- Fragomen — Kuwait: Work Permit Rules Revised, Application Fees Increased, Changed Employer Transfer Rules
- IndiansinQ8 — Kuwait Work Visa Transfer Rules 2026: Fees, Process & Exit Permits Explained
- Middle East Briefing — Kuwait Introduces New Residency Rules, Iqama and Visa Changes
- Migrant-Rights.org — Kuwait Waives Permit Fees for Migrants Over 60 and Eases Job Transfers
- Arab Times — All You Need To Know About Kuwait’s Private Sector Article 18 Visa
- Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) — Reminder on domestic worker transfers
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
