Kuwaiti authorities are preparing to launch a new residency visa for freelancers that will allow foreign specialists to work for themselves without the traditional employer sponsorship system (kafala). The plans were announced by First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahd Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, who noted that the initiative is aimed at combating illegal trade in residence permits and “visa brokers.”
According to media reports, the annual government fee for the new residency category will amount to KD 750–1,000 (in some publications, the equivalent is estimated at about $2.45–3.26 thousand), and the launch is expected within the next two months—roughly in March–April 2026.
As specified, in the first phase, the program may be limited to “simple”/low-risk professions, with preliminary requirements including registration of a confirmed residential address, provision of valid contact details and correct personal information. The full list of areas, application mechanics and final selection criteria are to be announced separately by the competent authorities.
Kuwaiti authorities expect that the new scheme will legalize independent employment, reduce the scale of grey practices in the labor market, and increase budget revenues through direct payment of fees to the state.
