Your Complete Guide to
Living in Kuwait

1. 1Ensure your Civil ID is valid. If it's expired or about to expire, renew Civil ID first via PACI or Sahel app.
2. 2Check that your health insurance is valid. From Dec 2025, residency cannot be renewed without valid health insurance.
3. 3Ensure no traffic violations or outstanding fines — unpaid violations block your sponsor's transactions including your renewal.
4. 4Your sponsor (employer/kafeel) initiates the renewal via MOI eServices portal or Sahel app under Ministry of Interior → Residency Services.
5. 5Pay the renewal fee: KD 20/year for most private sector employees. Payment via KNET, credit card, or Sahel app.
6. 6If biometric data not updated, book a biometric/Meta appointment via Sahel app before renewal can complete.
7. 7After approval, collect updated sticker in passport from General Directorate of Residency Affairs in your governorate OR download via Sahel app.

1. 1Minimum salary of KD 800/month (based on profession tied to your iqama) required to sponsor wife and children. The Director General may grant exceptions for children under 5 born abroad or born in Kuwait.
2. 2Apply via MOI eServices portal for family visit visa first (cost: KD 10/month, max 1 year), then convert to family residency once in Kuwait.
3. 3Provide marriage certificate attested from Indian Embassy + MEA + Kuwait Embassy. For children: attested birth certificate.
4. 4Each family member needs health insurance before iqama can be processed.
5. 5Annual fee per family member: KD 20/year (spouse & children of private employees).

Nine professional categories are exempt from the KD 800 salary requirement — check with your sponsor/PRO for your specific category.

To check if your Civil ID is ready for collection:

1. 1Visit paci.gov.kw → Civil ID Status Check
2. 2Enter your Civil ID number (12-digit number from your old card or application)
3. 3Or use Sahel app → Data section → PACI card status
4. 4If status shows "Ready for Collection", go to your designated PACI office with your passport

1. 1Open Sahel app → tap Appointments from the bottom bar
2. 2Tap Book an Appointment
3. 3Select Ministry of Interior from the list of government agencies
4. 4Select General Department of Criminal Evidence
5. 5Tap Biometric
6. 6Select the nearest branch from the available list, choose date & time, tap Book
7. 7You'll receive a confirmation SMS. Arrive 10 minutes early with Civil ID and passport.

1. 1Apply via MOI eServices portal or visit your governorate Traffic Department. Select "Issuing a Private Driving License".
2. 2Submit documents and pay application fee. You'll receive a driving education permit to begin lessons.
3. 3Pass a medical fitness test (vision + physical exam) at a licensed medical center.
4. 4Complete theory training at an approved driving school and pass the QMC computer test (Kuwait traffic rules, 40 questions).
5. 5Book and pass the practical driving test via MOI eServices portal.
6. 6Pay the license issuance fee + KD 10 printing fee (for expats).
7. 7Collect your license from the Traffic Department or designated kiosk.

Online Renewal (Recommended) — 24/7, no queue:

1. 1Visit moi.gov.kw → E-Services → Traffic → Driving License Services → Renew/Replace Driving License
2. 2Log in with Civil ID + password (or create account). Enter license details.
3. 3Upload: Civil ID copy, passport copy (expats), blue background photo, renewal request signed by employer.
4. 4Pay renewal fee via KNET or credit card.
5. 5Collect new license from designated kiosk/office within 3–5 working days.

1. 1Register at embassy.passportindia.gov.in — create a User ID and fill in the online application form.
2. 2After submitting online, print the application and fix photo as per ICAO standards: 51×51mm, white background, face 80–85% of frame.
3. 3Visit nearest BLS International Centre in person with printed application + original documents + fee payment.
4. 4For Tatkal (urgent): Pay additional KD 45 in cash at Embassy (not at BLS). Tatkal passports dispatched within 3 working days after approval.
5. 5Collect passport from BLS centre or await courier (if opted for delivery service).

OCI Card is a lifelong visa for persons of Indian origin who are citizens of another country. Apply/renew at BLS centers.

1. 1Apply online at ociservices.gov.in
2. 2Fill the form, upload documents, pay fee online.
3. 3Print application & submit at BLS center with originals for physical verification.
4. 4OCI must be re-issued when you get a new passport (if issued after age 20) or for minors at ages 20 and 50.

1. 1Apply online at embassy.passportindia.gov.in — select PCC option.
2. 2Print the form, visit BLS center in person with original passport + Civil ID. Physical presence mandatory.
3. 3For a 3rd-country PCC (e.g., going to USA/UK): must have been in Kuwait minimum 3 years. Provide contract letter attested from Kuwait Chamber of Commerce + Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
4. 4PCC is usually processed in 5–7 working days. Tatkal PCC available for urgent cases.

The Embassy attests documents executed by Indian citizens and OCI holders. Submit via BLS centers.