Home Services Guide Residency Renewal Kuwait 2025: A Complete Guide

Residency Renewal Kuwait 2025: A Complete Guide

ByIgwe IfeanyiUpdated10 May 2025 - 8:29pm

Has your residency in Kuwait expired? Then this article is for you. A residency visa, also known as Iqama, validates the residence of an expatriate and enables them to work in Kuwait. Upon expiration of their residency visa, an expatriate is required to either leave the country or initiate a residency renewal to continue their stay. If you choose the latter, follow our guide to learn everything you need to know about renewing Kuwait residency, using the outlined steps to extend your residence in the country.

1 How to Renew Kuwait Residency Online
2 How to Renew Kuwait Residency via Sahel App
3 General Requirements for Kuwait Residency Renewal
4 Required Documents Based on Residency Visa
5 Kuwait Iqama Renewal Fees 2025
6 Questions & Answers
7 References

How to Renew Kuwait Residency Online

To renew your Kuwait residency visa online, take the following actions: ^[1]

Visit the official Ministry of Interior’s website “from here”.
Click “E-services” from the top menu.
Select the “Gen. Dept. of Residency” from the presented e-services.

Click on “Individual” from the side menu.
Choose “Individual Services Platform” from the resulting options.

Enter your Civil ID number to fully sign in.

Complete the identity verification process as per instructions.
Go to the “Residency” section.
Through the civil ID number, navigate to the individual whose Kuwait residence you want to renew.

Click the “Renew” tab.
Review the residence records and check for any violations. You must settle any outstanding fines before you can renew your Kuwait residency.
If there are no existing violations, click the “Continue” button.

Choose a duration.

Enter your mobile number.
Check the box to confirm that you agree to the terms and conditions.
Click “Continue”.
Review your data to ensure accuracy.
Click “Pay and Renew”.

Enter your payment details.
Click “Submit”.

You can save and print the payment receipt for future reference.

How to Renew Kuwait Residency via Sahel App

You can also renew your Kuwait residency or Iqama through the Sahel app. To get started, follow these steps: ^[2] ^[3]

Get the Sahel app on any app store.
- Download the Sahel app on Google Play Store “from here”.
- Download the Sahel app on Apple App Store “from here”.
Install and open the app.
Enter your login credentials or create an account.
Accept the terms and conditions.
Log in to your Sahel account.
Navigate to the services area where you will find access to several government services.
Scroll till you find “Ministry of Interior”, then click on it.

Choose “”Residency Services” among the MOI service categories.

Select your residency type from the options in the drop-down menu.
Follow the further on-screen instructions to begin the residency renewal process.
Input all required data and submit the necessary documents.
Proceed to the payment area and enter your payment details.
Pay the residency renewal fees and finish the process.

General Requirements for Kuwait Residency Renewal

There are essential requirements and conditions for renewing your Kuwait residency. These factors enable one to successfully apply for a residency renewal in Kuwait, and they are:

Valid Passport: Applicants must possess a valid passport to apply for a Kuwait residency.
Copy of Civil ID: Expatriates renewing their residence must possess a copy of a valid Civil ID.
Personal Photographs: Applicants must provide two recent passport-sized photos (4×6 cm) with a blue background.
Medical Fitness Certificate: Expatriates renewing their residency are to undergo a medical examination to ensure they are free from certain infectious diseases.
Health Insurance: A valid health insurance is required for a Kuwait residency renewal.
Clearance of Fines: In order to successfully renew Kuwait residency, the resident’s record must be clear of any outstanding violations or fines.
Fingerprinting: Applicants may be required to register their fingerprints with the Ministry of Interior.
Residency Renewal Fees: Applicable residency renewal fees must be paid by the applicant.

Required Documents Based on Residency Visa

To renew a Kuwait residency visa, also known as Iqama, expatriates must provide the following documents according to their residency visa type:

Residency Visa Type	Required Documents
Work Visa (Article 18)	Work permit issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor. Salary certificate or proof of income. Copy of the sponsor’s (employer’s) Civil ID and signature authorization. No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer (may be required).
Government Employee (Article 17)	Letter from the government authority specifying the required residency period.
Family Visa (Article 22)	Sponsor’s Civil ID copy. Proof of relationship (e.g., attested marriage certificate for spouse, attested birth certificates for children). Sponsor’s salary certificate (note the increased minimum salary requirement of KD 800 per month for sponsors effective in 2025, with some exemptions). Sponsor’s university degree (required for certain professions sponsoring family members under the 2025 updates, with exemptions for specific professions and for sponsoring children under 5 years old). School certificates for dependent children enrolled in educational institutions in Kuwait.
Widows or Divorced Women with Custody of Children (Article 24)	Declaration of child custody. Certificate of continuity of marital status from the Ministry of Justice. Custody ruling for the divorced wife of the citizen.
Student Visa (Article 23)	Residency application form signed by the educational authority. Letter from the government educational authority stating the required length of residence
Domestic Workers (Article 20)	Copy of the sponsor’s Civil ID. Work contract details.
Investors (Article 19)	Work permit from the Public Authority for Manpower. Copy of the company’s Articles of Association issued by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Residency application form signed by the sponsor or authorized signatory

Kuwait Iqama Renewal Fees 2025

The following table highlights the Kuwait Iqama renewal fees 2025 for each residency type:

Residency Category	Iqama Renewal Fees
Sponsored Employee (Article 18, 17, etc.)	10 KWD
Spouse (Article 22)	10 KWD
First 2 Children (Article 22)	10 KWD (per child)
Additional Children Beyond First Two (Article 22)	100 KWD (per child)
Parents / In-laws Under	200 KWD (per person)
Domestic Worker (Article 20)	10 KWD
Temporary Residency Extension	1 KWD (per month)

Conclusion

Renewing Kuwait residency, or Iqama, is a process that requires careful planning, crucial documents, and the mutual cooperation of your residence stakeholders. You can renew your Kuwait residence via the MOI website or Sahel app, following the detailed steps outlined in the article.

Questions & Answers

How can I renew my residency in Kuwait?

You can renew your residency online via the Ministry of Interior portal or through the Sahel App.

When should I start my residency renewal process in Kuwait?

It's advisable to begin the renewal process at least two months before your residency expires.

What documents are required for residency renewal?

Generally, you'll need a valid passport, recent passport-sized photos, health insurance certificate, and any additional documents specific to your residency category.

What are the fees for residency renewal?

The residency renewal fee in Kuwait can vary from 10 KD to 200 KD depending on the residency category.

Can I renew my residency after it has expired?

Yes, but a fine of 2 KWD per day is imposed for each day past the expiration date

Is health insurance mandatory for Kuwait residency renewal?

Yes, valid health insurance covering the duration of the renewed residency is required.

Can I renew residency for my dependents online?

Yes, dependent residencies can be renewed online through the Ministry of Interior portal or the Sahel App.

Are there additional requirements for residents over 60 years old?

Yes, residents over 60 must have a non-cancellable health insurance policy and pay an additional annual fee of 250 KWD.

What happens if I have unpaid residency fines?

All outstanding fines must be settled before your residency can be renewed.