Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior allows the transfer of residency from Visa 18 (work visa) to Visa 22 (family visa), but the process requires careful coordination and completion of multiple official formalities. From document preparation to PACI clearance and final visa issuance, applicants must follow a clearly defined sequence to avoid delays.
Question
Dear Arab Times
Thank you for your legal guidance on various topics, which helps the expat community in Kuwait. I have a question and want to transfer my wife's visa (Article 18) to a Dependent Visa (Article 22). Can you help me how to go about it in detail? Once again, thank you for your excellent work
Name withheld
Answer
The transfer of a dependent from Visa 18 (work visa) to Visa 22 (family visa) in Kuwait involves several official steps and requires coordination with both the employee’s sponsor and the spouse’s company representative (mandoop). Below is a detailed step-by-step guide to the process.
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
All necessary documents must first be prepared through an authorised typing centre. Once completed, you must visit the Jawazat (Immigration Department) that corresponds to your registered residential address.
Wifes Documents
Original passport + copy, Current residency (Article 18) copy, Civil ID copy, Marriage certificate (Attested by Home country authorities, Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Embassy attested) and Passport-size photos
Plus Husbands' Documents (As new Sponsor)
Original Civil ID + copy, Passport copy (first page and residency page), Salary certificate from employer (Arabic, recently issued), Work permit copy (from Ashal or Manpower Authority) and Tenancy contract (if requested, linked to PACI address)
From the Company sponsor
No Objection Certificate (NOC) for visa transfer,
Cancelled work residency (Article 18)
PACI clearance confirming cancellation
Company mandate letter
Company mandoop (mandatory presence)
Important: Your wife’s company mandoop must accompany you throughout the process. The presence of the mandoop is mandatory.
Step 2: Visit the Immigration Department – Initial Verification
Upon arrival at the Immigration Department, take a token from the reception desk. When your turn is called, immigration officials will review the submitted documents.
If the documents are in order, you will be directed to the manager’s office nearby. The documents will be rechecked, stamped, and officially approved. The mandoop will handle all formalities during this stage, and you should remain with them throughout the process.
After this, the mandoop will be asked to go to meet the designated officer, who will collect copies of the required documents.
Step 3: PACI Clearance and NOC
Next, your wife and her company mandoop must visit the Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) on behalf of her employer.
At PACI, the company must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) confirming that all company-related obligations and settlements have been cleared. The company will then issue your wife’s cancelled visa/residence, sealed through the PACI system. This step is handled entirely by the mandoop.
Step 4: Insurance and Dues Payment
Once all documents are collected, medical insurance must be paid, and any outstanding fines or government dues must be settled, if applicable.
Step 5: Final Immigration Department Visit and Visa Issuance
After completing the above steps, return to Jawazat and proceed directly inside the immigration office (not the reception area). Take a token and present all documents, including proof of insurance and confirmation that all dues have been cleared.
Once everything is verified, you will be instructed to pay a fee of KD 20. The visa transfer is usually completed within 10 minutes, depending on the number of applicants.
Step 6: Civil ID Update
After the visa is issued, visit the PACI website and pay the Civil ID card fee. Your wife’s Mobile ID status is typically updated within 30 minutes.
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