How to Transfer From a Work Visa to a Family Visa in Kuwait – A Complete Practical Guide
How to Transfer From a Work Visa to a Family Visa in Kuwait – A Complete Practical Guide
Living and working in Kuwait often comes with a common goal for many expatriates — bringing their family to live with them. If you are currently in Kuwait on a work visa (Article 18) and wondering how to convert it into a family residency visa (Article 22), the process may seem confusing at first. However, once you understand the steps and requirements, it becomes much more manageable.
This guide explains the entire transfer process in clear, simple terms, including required documents, salary conditions, official procedures, and practical tips to avoid delays.
Understanding the Family Visa in Kuwait
A family visa (Article 22) allows expatriates legally working in Kuwait to sponsor their immediate family members, such as their spouse and children. While a work visa permits employment, a family visa enables dependents to stay in Kuwait long-term, access local services, and live together as a household.
For many expats, this transfer marks an important step toward stability and a better quality of life in Kuwait.
Step-by-Step Process to Transfer From Work Visa to Family Visa
-
Get Your Documents Ready
The first step is gathering all the required documents. This is crucial, as missing or incorrectly attested papers are the most common reason for delays.
You will usually need:
- Original passports and photocopies of dependents
- Your valid work visa (Article 18) copy
- Civil ID copies of both sponsor and dependent
- An attested marriage certificate (attested by your home country and Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- A salary certificate from your employer
- Work permit and, in some cases, a rental agreement
Most people visit an authorised typing centre to prepare and organise these documents correctly before submission.
Kuwait Raises Health Insurance Fees for Residency and Family Visas to 100 KD per year | iiQ8 News
-
Visit the Immigration Department (Jawazat)
Once your paperwork is ready, you must visit the General Department of Immigration that covers your residential area. A visa agent (mandoub) usually submits the application on your behalf.
After document verification, you will receive instructions for the next stage. It’s best to arrive early, as immigration offices can be busy.
-
Obtain PACI Clearance
This step involves the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI). If your spouse or dependent is currently working in Kuwait, their existing sponsor must issue a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
Once PACI clears the cancellation of the previous work residency, the immigration system is updated, allowing the transfer to proceed.
-
Pay Health Insurance and Any Outstanding Fees
Medical insurance is mandatory for all family visa applicants. You must pay the required health insurance fees before final approval.
If there are any outstanding fines or administrative charges, they must also be cleared at this stage.
-
Final Approval and Visa Issuance
After completing all formalities, return to the immigration office with your receipts and approved documents. Upon payment of the official KD 20 visa fee, the family visa is issued.
In many cases, once everything is in order, the final approval happens quickly — sometimes on the same day.
-
Update the Civil ID
The last step is updating the dependent’s Civil ID through PACI. After paying the required fees online, the Mobile ID status is typically updated within a short time.
Salary Requirements and Key Rules to Know
Minimum Salary Requirement
As per current regulations, most expatriates must earn at least KD 800 per month to sponsor family members under Article 22. This rule is strictly enforced in most cases.
PACI Launches Resident Removal Service via Sahel App for Property Owners in Kuwait | iiQ8
Educational Qualification Rules
Previously, a university degree was mandatory for family visa sponsorship. This requirement has been relaxed for many professions, although eligibility still depends on your job category.
In some cases, if the dependent is already inside Kuwait, authorities may apply the rules more flexibly — but this depends entirely on immigration approval.
Helpful Tips to Avoid Common Problems
- Double-check all attestations before submission
- Always carry original documents along with copies
- Use an experienced mandoub familiar with PACI and Jawazat procedures
- Pay health insurance early to prevent last-minute delays
- Stay updated, as immigration rules can change without much notice
Being prepared can save you multiple trips and unnecessary stress.
How to Transfer From a Work Visa to a Family Visa in Kuwait – A Complete Practical Guide
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I transfer my spouse’s work visa to a family visa in Kuwait?
Yes, a work visa (Article 18) can be converted to a family visa (Article 22) after completing all required procedures.
- What is the minimum salary needed to sponsor a family visa?
Generally, a minimum monthly salary of KD 800 is required, though exceptions may apply in specific situations.
- How long does the transfer process take?
If documents are complete, the final visa issuance often takes very little time once you reach the immigration stage.
- Is medical insurance compulsory?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all family visa applicants before approval.
- Will my family member receive a Civil ID after the transfer?
Yes, once the family visa is issued, a Civil ID must be applied for through PACI.
work visa to family visa Kuwait, Article 18 to Article 22 Kuwait, Kuwait family visa process, Kuwait dependent visa salary, PACI family visa Kuwait
#KuwaitVisa #FamilyVisaKuwait #Article18to22 #ExpatLifeKuwait #KuwaitImmigration #Indianinq8