Kuwait has introduced a new KD150 fee for transferring a visit visa into a regular residence permit as part of amendments to the executive regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law.
The amendment was issued through Ministry of Interior Decision No. 1091 of 2026 and published in the official gazette, Kuwait Al-Youm. It modifies certain provisions of Ministerial Decision No. 2249 of 2025.
Under the revised rules, individuals permitted to convert their visit visas into regular residence permits under Article 16 of the executive regulations must pay the KD150 transfer fee.
Domestic workers and other individuals covered by the same residency category are exempt from the charge under Article 20.
The decision directs the relevant government authorities to enforce the amended regulations. The new fee took effect immediately upon publication in the official gazette.
Applicants should note that payment of the KD150 fee does not automatically guarantee approval. Visa transfers remain subject to the eligibility requirements, supporting documents and approval procedures established by Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior.
Source: Arabtimes
