Working in Kuwait: Visa, Civil ID, Salary and Job Guide
Kuwait recruits overseas workers for oil and gas, construction, healthcare, retail, hospitality and domestic services.
Your employer obtains your work permit through the Public Authority for Manpower and sponsors your residence. After arrival you receive a Civil ID card.
Kuwait at a glance
- Currency
- Kuwaiti dinar (KWD)
- Capital
- Kuwait City
- Language
- Arabic (English is common in business)
- Weekend
- Friday and Saturday
- Income tax on salary
- None
Frequently asked questions
Who issues work permits in Kuwait?
Work permits for the private sector are issued by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) on your employer's application.
Is salary taxed in Kuwait?
Kuwait does not tax individual salaries.
How much annual leave do workers get in Kuwait?
Private sector workers are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave per year.
What is end-of-service indemnity in Kuwait?
The private sector labour law provides 15 days' pay for each of the first five years of service and one month's pay for each year after that, subject to the terms of the law.
Do I have to pay to get a job in Kuwait?
No genuine employer should ask you for money for a job offer or a visa. In the Gulf countries the employer normally pays the recruitment, visa and work permit costs. Be careful of anyone who asks for a "processing fee" or "visa fee" before you have a written offer.
Which documents do I need to work in Kuwait?
Usually a passport valid for at least six months, passport photos, your educational and experience certificates (often attested), a medical fitness test and sometimes a police clearance certificate. Indian passport holders with ECR status also need emigration clearance through the eMigrate portal.
How do I apply for jobs in Kuwait on JobAdsToday?
Create your free profile with your mobile number, upload your CV or build one with our AI profile builder, then open any job and click Apply. You can track every application from your dashboard.
This guide is general information, last reviewed on 17 October 2026. Rules change, so always confirm visa and labour details with the official government websites and your employer before you travel.