How To Get Kuwait Employment Visa 2026

The burden of acquiring a Kuwait Employment Visa (Article 18) in 2026 is no longer as cumbersome as it used to be. With the so-called Digital Kuwait requirement, the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) have transformed the process of applying and made it quicker, more open, and accessible on your smartphone.

You have the talents of an expert engineer or a professional in the field of healthcare but this guide is the latest roadmap to the use of Sahel and Ashal digital portals to find your dream jobs in Kuwait.

Pre-Arrival Milestone: The Responsibility of the Employer

It starts in Kuwait before you pack your bags. The legal framework should be initiated through the employer (sponsor) using the official government portals.

Job Offer and Ashal Registration- Your employer has to provide registration of your official employment contract on the Ashal Portal. This is an important procedure; it will guarantee that your rights are under Wages Protection System (WPS) that will pay your salary as it is to a Kuwaiti bank account.
Work Permit (PAM Approval): Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) considers the Labor Quota of the company, and the nature of the job to provide the company with a digital work permit.
NOC (No Objection Certificate): After the work permit has been granted, the Ministry of Interior presents an electronic NOC or an Entry Visa. It is your online document that is your legal key to Kuwait.
Credential Attestation: You need to attest your professional certificates (degrees, diplomas) to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country of residence and the Kuwaiti Embassy.

Legal /Health Clearance (Home Country)

In order to be stamped with the visa on your passport you are required to meet the strict health and safety requirements in your home country.

GAMCA / Wafid Medical Check: Have a medical check up in a Wafid-approved clinic (previously GAMCA). Screenings that will be done in 2026 will be TB, HIV, Hepatitis B/C.
PCC (Police Clearance Certificate): This is a clean criminal record that you need to acquire at your local police that has to be confirmed by the Kuwaiti Embassy.
Stamping of Visa: The last process before traveling to Kuwait is to visit theKuwaiti Consulate/Embassy where the visa is finally stamped in your passport.

After Arrival Processes: Obtaining Your Iqama

Upon arriving in Kuwait, the grace period starts. And you have 30 days to do the following or face legal fines.

MOH Medical Examination: You have to get a second and compulsory medical examination at a Ministry of Health center in Kuwait (Shuwaikh or Sabhan center).
Biometric Registration: Book a Biometric Fingerprinting conference either finished the Meta platform or direct the Sahel app.
Stamping of Residence Permit (Iqama): You can now have your residence stamped digitally in MOI. Permission physical implement are no longer all-embracing used, giving way rather to digital records that are accessible through the Kuwait Mobile ID request in 2026.
Civil ID (PACI): Request your physical Civil ID card. Nonetheless, the Kuwait Mobile ID app should be downloaded as soon as possible; it is your legal identity in all transactions and banking inside the country.

FAQs

Is it possible to come to Kuwait on a Tourist Visa and change it to a Work Visa in 2026?

Yes. With the 2026 reforms, conversion of Visit Visa has now been allowed to apply to certain government issued visas, family visit and even domestic workers. Nevertheless, the majority of workers working in the private sector must have a pre-organised visa Article 18.

How long do you want your passport to be valid?

By 2026, MOI has eased these requirements; you are just required to have 6 months of passport validity during your application of the residency.

What is the total duration of the process?

The pre-arrival phase (employer side) is 3-5 weeks and the post-arrival formalities (medical and biometrics) take another 2 weeks.

Am I required to carry around a physical Civil ID card to travel?

No. The Kuwait Mobile ID app is legally accepted in all borders of Kuwaiti in 2026 and in checking-in airport.

What will become of me in case I fail to do my biometrics?

Your residence will not be completed, and your Civil ID will be held in suspension. The Sahel app will be blocked and might be deported in case of non-compliance.

Final Thought

A Kuwaiti employment visa system of 2026 is digital. You can complete the residency process without any office visit by making sure that your employer is using the Ashal portal and you remain active on the Sahel app. Before sending sensitive information to your employer, ensure that you have checked his or her license.

Disclaimer

The article is informational and educational. It is recommended that readers should checks on information that can be trusted before proceeding.