For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Kuwait, bringing a spouse or family member under their sponsorship is an important milestone. If your wife or dependent is already in Kuwait under a Work Visa (Article 18), you may transfer their residency to a Family Visa (Article 22) by following the proper immigration process.
This guide explains the complete step-by-step procedure, required documents, and important reminders to help avoid delays.
Overview of the Process
The transfer requires coordination between:
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The new sponsor (husband)
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The current employer of the wife (company sponsor)
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The company mandoop (representative)
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Kuwait Immigration (Jawazat) and PACI
Proper preparation is critical to ensure smooth approval.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
All documents must be prepared through an authorized typing center. Once completed, visit the Jawazat (Immigration Department) assigned to your residential address.
Wife’s Documents
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Original passport + copy
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Current residency (Article 18) copy
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Civil ID copy
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Marriage certificate
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Attested by home country authorities
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Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
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Embassy attested
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Passport-size photos
Husband’s Documents (New Sponsor)
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Original Civil ID + copy
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Passport copy (first page and residency page)
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Salary certificate from employer (Arabic, recently issued)
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Work permit copy (from Ashal or Manpower Authority)
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Tenancy contract (if requested, linked to PACI address)
From the Company Sponsor
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No Objection Certificate (NOC) for visa transfer
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Cancelled work residency (Article 18)
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PACI clearance confirming cancellation
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Company mandate letter
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Company mandoop (mandatory presence)
Step 2: Visit Immigration – Initial Verification
At the Immigration Department, take a token from the reception desk. When called, immigration officers will review all submitted documents.
If the documents are complete and correct, you will be directed to the manager’s office for rechecking, stamping, and official approval. The mandoop handles all formalities, and you should remain with them throughout the process.
After approval, the mandoop meets the designated officer who collects copies of the required documents.
Step 3: PACI Clearance and NOC
The wife and her company mandoop must visit the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI).
At PACI:
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The company secures a No Objection Certificate (NOC) confirming all company obligations are cleared.
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The wife’s work residency is officially cancelled in the PACI system.
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This step is handled entirely by the mandoop.
Step 4: Insurance and Dues Payment
Once documentation is completed:
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Medical insurance must be paid.
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Any outstanding fines or government dues must be settled (if applicable).
Step 5: Final Immigration Visit and Visa Issuance
Return to Jawazat and proceed directly inside the immigration office (not the reception). Take a token and submit all documents, including:
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Proof of insurance
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Confirmation of cleared dues
Once verified, you will pay a KD 20 fee.
The visa transfer is typically completed within 10 minutes, depending on the number of applicants.
Step 6: Civil ID Update
After visa issuance:
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Visit the PACI website and pay the Civil ID card fee.
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The Mobile ID status is usually updated within 30 minutes.
⚠️ Important Reminders
✔️ Employer cooperation is essential — without NOC, transfer cannot proceed.
✔️ All documents must be properly attested and valid.
✔️ Processing timelines may vary depending on immigration workload.
✔️ Rules can change — always confirm with Jawazat or a trusted PRO.
Final Tip for OFWs
Plan ahead, prepare extra copies of documents, and allow enough time for processing. A smooth transfer ensures your family can legally stay under your sponsorship in Kuwait without complications.
Thanks to Arabtimes
