Kuwait Removes Salary Rule for Family Visit Visas — What Saudis Need to Know

Kuwait has removed the minimum salary requirement for expatriates who want to invite extended family members on a family visit visa. Announced by senior Interior Ministry officials in August 2025, the move is part of a broader push to digitalise visa services and make entry procedures faster and more visitor-friendly. For Saudi nationals, Saudi residents and the wider Saudi expat community, these changes simplify travel planning and widen options for family reunions in Kuwait.

What changed — at a glance

• Salary requirement abolished: Expat sponsors are no longer required to meet a minimum salary threshold to invite family on a visit visa.
• Broader family eligibility: Invitations can now extend to relatives up to the fourth degree, and to third-degree relatives by marriage (for example, certain cousins and in-laws).
• Visa duration: Family visit visas are valid for one month; extensions are not guaranteed and should be checked on a case-by-case basis.
• Fully digital process: Applications are processed via the Kuwaitvisa platform (website and mobile app). Complete applications can be approved rapidly — in some cases within five minutes — though security checks still apply.
• Carrier restriction removed: Visitors may now arrive by any airline or carrier and by air, land or sea; there is no longer a requirement to travel on Kuwait-based carriers.

Who can invite whom?

The updated rules open family visit invitations to all expatriates in Kuwait, not just those who meet a salary threshold. The key points:

• Eligible relatives include immediate family as before (spouses, children, parents) and now extend up to fourth-degree kinship.
• Third-degree relatives by marriage are also covered, widening the scope to many in-law relationships.
• GCC residents and holders of certain long‑term visas (see Tourist Visa categories below) enjoy additional pathways for short visits.

How to apply — step by step

All family visit visa applications are submitted through the official Kuwaitvisa platform (website and app). The typical process:

1. Create or log into an account on the Kuwaitvisa portal and select the family visit visa option.
2. Upload required documents (passport copy, personal photo, proof of relationship, and any supporting items requested).
3. Pay the applicable fee online and submit the application.
4. If the application is complete and clears security checks, the visa can be issued very quickly — officials have reported approvals in as little as five minutes in straightforward cases.

Note: Security screening remains mandatory; applicants who fail checks will be refused entry.

Documents commonly required

• Passport copy (valid for the required period)
• Recent personal photo
• Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, family registry, etc.)
• Return ticket or confirmed travel itinerary
• Hotel booking or address of stay in Kuwait

Tourist and other visa categories on Kuwaitvisa

The Kuwaitvisa platform now supports several visa types: Tourist, Family Visit, Business, and Governmental (official) visas. Tourist visas are broken into four categories that determine eligibility and entry terms:

• Category 1: Nationals of 53 countries (mainly Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and selected Asian countries) can apply online or obtain visas on arrival. Multiple-entry options are available; stays are generally limited to one month per entry.
• Category 2: Residents of GCC states, and residents or visa-holders of the USA, Canada, the UK or Schengen states. Previously this category required medium-to-high professions; that requirement has been removed. Applicants should submit passport copies, photos, confirmed tickets and hotel bookings. No salary certificate or bank statement is required.
• Category 3: Those who do not fall into Categories 1 or 2. This category currently requires proof of funds (bank statements) and is under continuing review by authorities.
• Category 4: Short-term visitors for sports or entertainment events; applications open around the event dates.

Visa durations vary by category and type: Single-entry visas can be issued for one, two or three months; multiple-entry permits are available for up to one year with a maximum stay of one month per visit in most cases. Always check the exact duration when applying.

Business visas

Kuwaiti-registered companies can invite foreign business partners or visitors through the digital platform. Fees and documentation depend on the visitor’s nationality and the sponsoring company’s submission.

Why this matters to the Saudi expat community

Many Saudis live, work or travel frequently within the Gulf and the wider region. Here’s what the change means specifically for Saudi nationals and Saudi residents:

• More options for Saudi citizens in Kuwait: Saudi expats working in Kuwait can now invite extended family members without meeting prior salary thresholds — this makes family reunions easier and reduces administrative barriers.
• GCC residents benefit: Saudi residents and citizens fall into favourable categories for short visits; GCC residency is recognised under Category 2 rules, simplifying travel between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
• Travel flexibility: With the carrier restriction lifted, Saudis can choose flights or cross-border routes that suit their schedules and budgets.
• Planning for pilgrims and visitors: Saudis coordinating travel around Hajj or Umrah seasons, or family events, should monitor visa timings carefully since family visit visas are short (one month) and extensions are not automatic.

Practical tips for applicants from Saudi Arabia

• Apply online well in advance of planned travel dates and keep digital copies of all documents.
• If you are a Saudi resident (not a citizen) travelling to Kuwait, confirm your category on the Kuwaitvisa portal to avoid unexpected document requests.
• Use reliable carriers and keep proof of onward or return travel handy for immigration checks.
• Keep a clear record of the sponsor’s residency/work status in Kuwait to demonstrate genuine invitations where requested.

Where to check official updates

Visa rules can change. For the most accurate and up‑to‑date information consult official sources before applying:

• Kuwait Ministry of Interior: moi.gov.kw
• Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs (for travel advisories affecting Saudi nationals): mofa.gov.sa
• IATA Travel Centre (passport, visa, and health requirements by nationality): iatatravelcentre.com

Bottom line

Kuwait’s removal of the salary requirement for family visit visas and the expansion of eligible relatives mark a notable liberalisation of Gulf travel rules. For Saudi nationals and the Saudi expat community, the changes offer more flexibility for family visits, easier planning through digital channels, and greater choice in travel arrangements. Always verify requirements on official portals and prepare documentation carefully to benefit from speedy online processing.

Note: This article summarises official guidance and widely reported updates. Rules and implementation details can evolve; always confirm on the Kuwait Ministry of Interior website or the Kuwaitvisa platform before you book travel.