Kuwait Freelance Residency Visa 2026: Kuwait is preparing to launch a new freelance residency visa that will allow expatriates to live and work independently without needing a traditional employer sponsor, marking a major change in its labor system.
The upcoming permit, expected to roll out within the next two months, will move away from the long-standing kafala (sponsorship) model, under which foreign workers are tied to a single employer. Authorities say the new system will create a legal pathway for self-employed professionals while helping eliminate illegal visa trading practices.
According to the Ministry of Interior, applicants will pay an annual government fee ranging between KD 750 and KD 1,000, paid directly to the state through official channels rather than intermediaries. Officials have urged expatriates to avoid illegal agents and follow government procedures to ensure transparency in residency processing.
Part of Wider Labour Reforms
The freelance residency permit forms part of broader labor market reforms aimed at regulating employment, modernizing residency laws, and tightening oversight of foreign workers. For years, loopholes in the sponsorship system allowed some individuals to obtain visas through middlemen without legitimate jobs—an issue authorities now intend to curb.
Who Can Apply
While complete eligibility rules will be announced in executive regulations before the launch, the visa is expected to target skilled expatriates, including:
Consultants
IT professionals
Designers and creative workers
Small business operators
Other self-employed specialists
Applications will likely be processed digitally through official government systems, and successful applicants will receive a renewable residency permit after payment of the annual fee.
What It Means for Foreign Workers
If implemented as planned, the freelance residency visa will become one of the most significant residency reforms in recent years, offering greater flexibility to skilled workers while strengthening government control over labor compliance and payments.
Experts believe the move could make Kuwait a more attractive destination for global freelancers and remote professionals seeking legal long-term residence in the Gulf region.
