In Kuwait, a domestic-labour recruitment office can only be owned by a Kuwaiti citizen. This is the full 2026 guide to opening and licensing a domestic-labour office in Kuwait — eligibility, the bank guarantee, the process and the rules that make the licence personal.
Part of our GCC licensing series. Educational only — confirm current fees with the authority.
The Authority & Legal Basis
Domestic-labour recruitment is governed by Law No. 68 of 2015 on Domestic Workers, amended by Law No. 86 of 2022, with implementing regulations under Ministerial Decisions 2194/2016 and 2302/2016. The competent bodies are the Ministry of Interior’s Domestic Labour Department together with the Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) (manpower.gov.kw).
Who Can Own It
The licensee must be a Kuwaiti citizen, of good conduct, aged 30–70, holding at least a secondary-school certificate, and medically fit. Foreign nationals cannot own a Kuwaiti domestic-labour office. The licence is personal and non-transferable — it ends on the licensee’s death and cannot be delegated; a manager may be appointed only if a relative of the licensee.
Financial Guarantee
| Entity | Bank guarantee (local Kuwaiti bank) | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Recruitment office | KD 40,000 | 2 years |
| Recruitment company | KD 100,000 + KD 40,000 per branch | 2 years |
The guarantee runs in renewable two-year cycles. Permit-fee schedules are set by ministerial resolution — confirm the current figures with the Domestic Labour Department.
Step-by-Step: How to Open It
- Confirm personal eligibility — Kuwaiti citizenship, age 30–70, good conduct, secondary certificate, medical fitness.
- Obtain commercial registration for the office or company.
- Secure the bank guarantee (KD 40,000 office / KD 100,000 company + KD 40,000 per branch) from a local Kuwaiti bank.
- Apply to the Domestic Workers Directorate on the prescribed form with eligibility documents, the commercial registration and the guarantee.
- Receive the licence by decision of the Ministry of Interior Undersecretary, then operate within the regulated framework.
The Role of Al Durra
The state-linked Al Durra national company recruits domestic workers directly at capped fees. It complements — it does not replace — licensed private offices, which remain the main channel for families.
Key Obligations
- Operate strictly within the personal, non-transferable licence.
- Maintain the two-year bank guarantee without lapse.
- Use the regulated contracts and fee framework under Law 68/2015.
- Appoint only a relative as manager if the licensee does not personally run the office.
Once You Are Licensed
Reach Kuwaiti families: see the Kuwait agency directory, read how families choose a verified agency, and the AI tooling agencies use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreigner own a domestic-labour office in Kuwait?
No. The licensee must be a Kuwaiti citizen aged 30–70 with good conduct and a secondary certificate. Only the UAE (and Saudi Arabia for companies) allows foreign ownership in the GCC.
How big is the bank guarantee?
KD 40,000 for an office, or KD 100,000 for a company plus KD 40,000 per branch, valid two years and renewable.
Is the licence transferable?
No. It is personal and non-transferable and ends on the licensee’s death; a manager must be a relative.
Does Al Durra replace private offices?
No — it recruits directly at capped fees but complements licensed private offices.
Where do I apply?
The Ministry of Interior Domestic Labour Department, alongside PAM (manpower.gov.kw).
Conclusion
Kuwait keeps domestic-labour licensing firmly in citizens’ hands and tied to the individual licensee. If you qualify, the path is straightforward: prove eligibility, post the two-year guarantee, and apply to the Domestic Labour Department. Compare all six markets in our GCC licensing overview, or list in the Kuwait directory once licensed.
