In Kuwait, hiring a domestic worker is regulated by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) under Law No. 68 of 2015, with a minimum wage of KWD 75. You have three main routes: a licensed recruitment office, the government domestic-labour company (Al-Durra), or transferring a worker already in Kuwait. Here is an honest comparison for 2026.
The three ways to hire a maid in Kuwait
1. A licensed recruitment office (compare them on GCC Domestic)
The most common route. Licensed offices recruit domestic workers under PAM, and prices vary by office and nationality. GCC Domestic lists Kuwait’s licensed offices so you can compare and confirm licensing before paying. The office handles the visa, the contract and the medical. Budget roughly KWD 350–700 in recruitment costs depending on nationality, plus a monthly salary of about KWD 90–140.
2. Al-Durra (the government domestic-labour company)
Al-Durra is Kuwait’s official, government-backed company for recruiting domestic workers, set up to offer regulated, transparent pricing. It is a trustworthy route, though availability and waiting times can be a limitation depending on demand and nationality.
3. Transferring a worker already in Kuwait
Instead of recruiting from abroad, you can take over the sponsorship of a worker already in Kuwait (a transfer). It is usually the fastest and cheapest route — no overseas processing — provided you find a suitable worker who is free to move.
Kuwait hiring routes — at a glance
| Licensed office (via GCC Domestic) | Al-Durra (govt company) | Transfer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regulator | PAM | PAM (government-backed) | PAM |
| Typical cost | KWD 350–700 + salary | Regulated pricing | Lowest (no overseas recruitment) |
| Speed | Weeks (overseas recruitment) | Can involve waiting lists | Fastest |
| Choice | Many offices to compare | One official provider | Whoever is free to transfer |
| Who handles visa/contract | The office | Al-Durra | You + the system |
Which should you choose?
- Compare licensed offices (GCC Domestic) for the best balance of price, choice and verified licensing on a standard full-time hire.
- Al-Durra if you prefer the government channel with regulated pricing and don’t mind a possible wait.
- Transfer if you want the fastest, cheapest option and can find a worker already in Kuwait who is free to move.
Verify the licence first
Whatever route you choose, confirm the office is licensed by PAM before paying — unlicensed brokers are the source of most scams and overcharging. GCC Domestic lists Kuwait’s licensed offices so you can compare and verify in one place.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to hire a maid in Kuwait?
For most families, comparing licensed recruitment offices (on a directory like GCC Domestic) gives the best mix of price, choice and verified licensing. Al-Durra is a solid government alternative, and a transfer is fastest and cheapest if a worker is already in Kuwait.
How much does it cost to hire a maid in Kuwait in 2026?
Through a licensed office, budget roughly KWD 350–700 in recruitment costs depending on nationality, plus a monthly salary of about KWD 90–140 (the minimum wage is KWD 75). A transfer is usually cheaper as it avoids overseas recruitment.
What is Al-Durra?
Al-Durra is Kuwait’s official, government-backed domestic-labour recruitment company, created to provide regulated and transparent pricing. It’s a trustworthy route, though waiting times can apply.
How do I check a recruitment office is licensed in Kuwait?
Confirm it is licensed by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM). GCC Domestic lists Kuwait’s licensed offices so you can compare and verify before paying.
Related guides
- How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Maid in Kuwait? (2026)
- Browse verified recruitment offices in Kuwait
- Compare verified agencies across the GCC
- Hiring in the UAE instead? GCC Domestic vs Maids.cc vs HelperPlace
Last updated: June 2026. Costs are indicative and vary by nationality and office — always confirm current fees and licensing with PAM before paying.
