Kuwait is preparing to launch a new freelance residency permit that will allow expatriates to work independently without needing a traditional employer sponsor. The initiative aims to reduce visa trading and strengthen labour market regulations. The scheme is expected to roll out within the next two months, with an annual fee between KD 750 and KD 1,000.
Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, confirmed the plan, describing it as part of broader labour reforms. “Instead of paying visa traders, pay the government directly between KD 800–1,000,” he said, highlighting the government’s goal of eliminating illegal intermediaries and redirecting residency payments to the state. He added that reforming the labour market also involves regulating the corporate sector and closing loopholes that enabled visa trading.
The new freelance residency permit, effectively a Freelancer Visa, allows skilled expats to live and work in Kuwait independently, marking a shift from the traditional kafala system toward more flexible and transparent work residency options. Annual fees will be paid directly to the government rather than to intermediaries or employers.
While full eligibility criteria are yet to be released, the permit is expected to target skilled expatriates such as professionals, consultants, and small-scale entrepreneurs who do not want to be tied to a single sponsor. Specific profession lists, qualification requirements, income thresholds, and rules for family sponsorship are still pending and will be detailed in official regulations.
The application process has not been fully outlined, but applicants will likely need to submit passports, professional credentials, and other documents through official Ministry of Interior channels. The permit will integrate with Kuwait’s digital residency services, and the annual fee will be required upon approval. Residency will then be issued and renewable under the new framework.
Authorities expect the program to launch within approximately two months, after final regulatory approvals. The official rollout will clarify eligibility, documentation requirements, and whether dependents can be included. If implemented as planned, this freelance visa will represent a major residency reform, offering expatriates a legal path to independent work while enhancing government oversight of the labour market. Prospective applicants should monitor official announcements from Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior for confirmed guidelines and procedures.
