Before hiring a domestic worker in Kuwait, you want to know the full cost. This guide provides a complete transparent breakdown of all fees in Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) for 2026 — from the PAM work permit to agency fees, insurance to monthly ongoing costs.
💰 Quick Total Cost Summary by Nationality
| 🇵🇭 Filipino Worker | KWD 700–1,200 |
| 🇮🇳 Indian Worker | KWD 580–1,000 |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesian Worker | KWD 575–990 |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lankan Worker | KWD 545–940 |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopian Worker | KWD 535–930 |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladeshi Worker | KWD 515–900 |
| 🇳🇵 Nepali Worker | KWD 505–890 |
📊 Government Fees Breakdown 2026
| Government Fee | Amount (KWD) |
|---|---|
| PAM work permit (Ashal) | KWD 150 |
| Entry visa (single entry) | KWD 3 |
| Residence permit (annual) | KWD 10–20 |
| Civil ID (PACI) | KWD 5–10 |
| Medical examination (overseas) | KWD 15–30 equivalent |
| Total Government Fees | KWD 183–213 |
⚠️ January 2025 Change: Kuwait ended all fee exemptions for work permit transfers. The standard KWD 150 fee now applies to all domestic worker work permits. Transfer KWD 350 additional fee applies for government contract workers transferring to private sector.
📊 Agency & Other Costs by Nationality
| Nationality | Agency Fee (KWD) | Air Ticket (KWD) | Medical+Insurance (KWD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇵🇭 Filipino | 350–700 | 100–200 | 65–130 |
| 🇮🇳 Indian | 230–480 | 80–160 | 65–130 |
| 🇮🇩 Indonesian | 280–550 | 80–160 | 65–130 |
| 🇱🇰 Sri Lankan | 260–520 | 70–140 | 65–130 |
| 🇪🇹 Ethiopian | 250–500 | 70–150 | 65–130 |
| 🇧🇩 Bangladeshi | 230–480 | 70–140 | 65–130 |
| 🇳🇵 Nepali | 220–470 | 70–140 | 65–130 |
💰 Monthly Ongoing Costs After Hiring
| Ongoing Cost | Monthly (KWD) |
|---|---|
| Worker salary | KWD 55–120 |
| Food / meals | KWD 20–40 |
| Health insurance (pro-rated) | KWD 4–10 |
| Mobile allowance (optional) | KWD 3–7 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | KWD 82–177 |
💡 How to Save on Costs in Kuwait
- ✅ Local transfer saves KWD 250–600 vs international recruitment
- ✅ Compare multiple agency packages before committing
- ✅ Nepali and Bangladeshi workers have lower agency fees
- ✅ Indian workers also offer competitive total costs
- ✅ Choose agents who include medical exam in package price
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the KWD 150 fee increase in January 2025?
Kuwait eliminated work permit fee exemptions in January 2025 to standardize fees across all work permit types and durations. The KWD 150 fee is now applied uniformly to all domestic worker work permits.
Is there a cheaper way to hire a domestic worker in Kuwait?
Yes — local transfer is significantly cheaper than international recruitment (KWD 255–360 vs KWD 505–1,200). Find workers already in Kuwait who are eligible for transfer after 1 year of service.
What is the cheapest nationality to hire in Kuwait?
Nepali (KWD 505–890) and Bangladeshi (KWD 515–900) domestic workers typically have the lowest total initial hiring costs in Kuwait.
Is the KWD 150 fee paid every year?
The work permit fee applies at issuance and renewal. The renewal period depends on the permit type — typically 1–2 years. Always check current PAM requirements for renewal timing.
🏠 Looking to Hire a Domestic Worker in Kuwait?
GCC Domestic lists 30 verified domestic worker agencies across Kuwait. Browse profiles, compare packages, and contact directly via WhatsApp — zero commission.
📌 Source: Kuwait PAM — Public Authority for Manpower — Updated 2026. Always verify at manpower.gov.kw