Kuwait sets clear rules for family visit visas

The Kuwaiti government has issued clear guidelines for expatriates wishing to obtain family visit visas for their relatives.

The detailed process, which includes specific financial requirements, documentation, and verification steps, is aimed at ensuring transparency and legal compliance for all applicants.

According to Kuwaiti authorities, individuals can apply for a family visit visa for close relatives, with varying fee structures depending on the relationship.

The fee for sponsoring a spouse, children, or parents is set at 400 Kuwaiti Dinars, while the fee for sponsoring siblings (brothers or sisters) is 800 Dinars.

For other relatives, prior verification and approval must be obtained from the relevant immigration office (jawaazat).

Applicants must possess a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months.

In addition, official proof of relationship is required. This includes a marriage certificate for a spouse, and a Family Registration Certificate (FRC) issued by Pakistan’s NADRA for children and parents.

For other relatives, a relationship certificate is mandatory, along with a marriage certificate (for married individuals), which must be in Arabic and duly attested by both the Pakistan Embassy in Kuwait and the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Additional documentation includes a copy of the sponsor's Civil ID (residency card) and work permit. The sponsor must also book a return flight ticket through either Jazeera Airways or Kuwait Airways and submit a completed visa application form.

To begin the process, applicants must secure an appointment via Kuwait’s designated apps — either ‘Meta’ or ‘Sahel’ — as per the immigration department’s instructions. All required documents must be submitted to the relevant immigration authorities.

Following a nominal visa fee payment of 3 Kuwaiti Dinars, a one-month visit visa is typically issued. It is important to note that the sponsor must sign an affidavit pledging not to convert the visit visa into a permanent residency (Iqama) under any circumstances.