Converting Parents' Visit Visa to Dependent Visa in Kuwait - Here is What You Need To Know

15/02/2026

Under Kuwait’s updated residency regulations, sponsoring parents remain one of the most sensitive and closely reviewed aspects of family reunification. For expatriates working under Article 18 (private sector), the process of converting a parent’s visit visa into a dependent residency (Article 29) is not automatic and is often assessed on humanitarian grounds by the relevant authorities under the Ministry of Interior. Applicants must meet financial eligibility criteria and provide compelling justification demonstrating dependency and the absence of alternative care arrangements abroad.

Question

Dear Arab Times,

I am writing to seek your guidance regarding the latest residency regulations and the procedure for sponsoring a parent.

My Current Status:

• Residency: Article 18 (Private Sector)

• Monthly Salary: I meet the minimum requirement for family reunification as per the new regulations.

• Family Situation: I am a single child since birth. My mother (separated) is 55 years old and lives alone, as my, my wife works in Kuwait. We also have a 9-month-old kid staying with us.

My Query: My mother is on a visit visa (1st time) and is staying with me currently. My goal is to convert this Visit Visa into a Dependent Residency (Article 22) so she can live with me permanently.

Based on the recent legal updates, I would like to clarify the following:

1. Eligibility for Conversion: Under the new Executive Regulations, does my situation as an "only child" with a salary qualify as a humanitarian case for the Director General of Residency Affairs to approve a transfer from a Visit Visa to a Dependent Residency?

2. Required Documentation: Whom, where and how should I approach the concerned authority and with which documents?

I would appreciate your expert advice on the correct procedural steps to ensure I comply with the Ministry of Interior's new requirements.

Thank you for your guidance.

Sincerely,
Name withheld

Answer

Yes, under Kuwait's new residency regulations (Amiri Decree 114/2024 and executive rules), sponsoring a parent as an Article 18 (private sector) is possible but limited to exceptional humanitarian cases reviewed by the Director General of Residency Affairs. Your status as the sole child with a qualifying salary strengthens eligibility, though not guaranteed.

Article 22 covers standard dependents (spouse/children), but parents fall under Article 29, requiring a 300 KWD fee and humanitarian approval for expats. KD 800 per month is the minimum salary required for Article 18 (private sector) expats to sponsor dependents under Kuwait's new residency law executive regulations.

Being an only child with a separated 55-year-old mother living alone qualifies as humanitarian (similar to widowed parent cases), especially if you prove sole responsibility via attested documents; visit-to-residency conversion isn't automatic but has been approved selectively since the 2025 visa rule updates.

KD 800 threshold covers family reunification (Articles 22-29), including parents under Article 29, with exceptions possible via Director General approval for humanitarian cases like sole children. Also note nine professions are exempted, such as professors, engineers, doctors, journalists, and religious workers, regardless of salary

Required Documents

Gather these for submission:

Formal request letter detailing your sole child status, mother's situation, and humanitarian need.
Mother's passport copy (valid), visit visa, birth certificate (proving relation), and health certificate/insurance.
Father's separation/divorce proof or death certificate (any applicable), plus affidavit she's alone (attested by home country authorities and Kuwait embassy).
Your Civil ID, salary certificate (≥800-1000 KWD), tenancy contract/electricity bill (adequate housing), work permit.

Procedure Steps

Prepare docs at a typing center for the residency transfer form (Article 18 sponsor to Article 22/29 dependent).
Submit in-person to your local Residency Affairs Department (governorate-specific, e.g., Farwaniyah for you).
Director/Assistant Director reviews; pay 300 KWD fee if approved—initial visit required, renewals online

Important Note:

Approval depends on individual review amid stricter 2026 enforcement; if denied, extend her visit visa temporarily while reapplying with more proof. Check MOI site or Sahel app for updates, and consult a typing center/legal advisor first.

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