Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior has clarified widespread claims about exemptions from residency fees, confirming that the information circulated online was inaccurate and that the prescribed charges remain payable under the applicable laws and regulations.

The clarification was published in an official statement on January 5, 2026, in response to an audio recording shared on social media that claimed certain residency fees had been waived under the country’s residence legislation.

The ministry stated that the circulated claims were not supported by any official decision or announcement and urged the public not to treat unverified recordings or messages as authoritative legal guidance.

According to the statement, residency procedures continue under the applicable rules, and the prescribed residency fees must still be collected in full. The clarification did not announce a general exemption from these charges.

The ministry nevertheless identified a specific exemption relating to health insurance fees, rather than residency fees, under a decision issued by Kuwait’s Ministry of Health.

This health insurance exemption applies exclusively to the first three domestic workers sponsored by Kuwaiti families. It does not automatically extend to all domestic workers or to other categories of expatriate residents.

Consequently, a Kuwaiti family benefiting from the health insurance waiver must still pay the applicable residency issuance or renewal fees for the worker, because the two types of charges are governed by separate rules.

The exemption also does not extend to additional domestic workers beyond the specified number or to unrelated government charges unless another official decision expressly provides otherwise.

Understanding the distinction between residency fees and health insurance charges is particularly important for sponsors and residents preparing to issue or renew permits, as it helps prevent confusion about the amounts payable.

The Ministry of Interior called on the public to verify information before sharing it and to rely on official government communication channels for accurate updates on residency regulations.

The cited statement was issued in January 2026 and should be treated as a previous official clarification, not as a newly announced exemption in October. Applicants should check the latest applicable instructions when completing a transaction.

Source: Kuwait Ministry of Interior