Moving to Kuwait? Here’s the Ultimate Expat Checklist You Need Before Relocating!

Coming to Kuwait may be a major exciting step for an expat who wants to pursue their career or to have a new life in the Middle East. But it will be important to get informed about the regulations, culture, and practices of the country to make the transition smooth. There are a number of things to be prepared for, starting with the acquisition of the appropriate visa and the consideration of health insurance, until adapting to the conservative Kuwaiti laws and the high cost of living. Kuwait has a great infrastructure, security, and developed comforts; however, the rigid regulations regarding alcohol, cohabitation, and behavior on the street should be known. This is a checklist of all you need to know before moving to Kuwait, whether it is pre-departure or post-arrival requirements.

1. Research visa and immigration application:

Keep up with the entry and residency regulations in Kuwait. It is important to note that the expatriates in the private sector are now expected to be given an exit permit by the employers, and sponsoring relatives need a minimum salary of KD 800 per month.

2. Engage a relocation service:

This is made easy by employing a good international mover that may do all the shipping, customs clearance, and documentation.

3. Secure health insurance:

Expatriates are required to have health insurance. Select your dependable provider and make sure that you are covered as soon as you arrive.

4. Plan accommodation:

Research the housing options beforehand. Although the apartments and the villas are common, the prices are high, particularly in the central locations.

5. Check pet relocation rules:

In case you are carrying pets, make sure they comply with the requirements of the Kuwaiti import health and vaccination of pets.

6. Declutter before moving:

Sell or give away things that you do not need. Shipment volume can be reduced to a considerable extent in order to reduce the moving cost.

Once You Arrive in Kuwait

1. Obtain your Civil ID:

Every resident should seek a Civil ID upon which he/she should apply at the Public Authority of Civil Information (PACI). It happens to be your main identification document in Kuwait.

2. Carry your ID at all times:

At all times, you are supposed to carry your Civil ID (Iquama).

3. Learn the local culture:

The Kuwaiti society is conservative and firmly based on Islamic practices. Wear simple clothes, do not be affectionate in the streets, and respect the local culture.

4. Be aware of alcohol laws:

Alcohol is highly forbidden. Any possession or consumption may attract heavy fines, imprisonment, or deportation.

5. Budget carefully:

The standard of living is comparatively high, which is fuelled by foreign products, foreign school fees, and expensive housing.

6. Mark the law concerning unmarried couples:

Unmarried couples cannot live together, and violation of the same can result in court action.

7. Acclimatize to labor laws:

The private sector may demand that the employer allow employees to leave with permits and transfer between companies on the basis of sponsorship, but this may not be easy.

8. Learn basic Arabic:

Despite the popularity of English, there are several Arabic concerns that either phrase will simplify daily life and make you a member of it.