All domestic worker recruitment in Kuwait is managed by the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) through its Ashal platform. With a standard work permit fee of KWD 150 since January 2025, this guide covers every step, document, and condition for issuing a domestic worker work permit in Kuwait in 2026.
⚡ Quick Facts
| 🏛️ Authority | PAM — Public Authority for Manpower Kuwait |
| 🌐 Platform | Ashal — e-portal.manpower.gov.kw |
| 💰 Work Permit Fee | KWD 150 (since January 2025) |
| ⏱️ Processing Time | 4–8 weeks |
| 🕐 PAM Working Hours | Sunday–Thursday, 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM |
| 📞 PAM Helpline | 1884880 |
| 📍 PAM HQ | Andalusia Area, Kuwait City |
👷 Eligible Domestic Worker Categories in Kuwait
👩 Female
- Housemaid
- Nursemaid / Nanny
- Cook
- Private Nurse
- Caregiver (Elderly/Disabled)
- House Supervisor
👨 Male
- Private Driver / Chauffeur
- Cook
- Gardener
- General Servant
- Private Security (with permit)
🌍 Approved Source Countries 2026
Kuwait has active bilateral agreements with:
🇵🇭 Philippines | 🇮🇳 India | 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia | 🇰🇪 Kenya | 🇺🇬 Uganda | 🇧🇩 Bangladesh | 🇳🇵 Nepal | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 🇬🇭 Ghana | 🇲🇦 Morocco
⚠️ Always verify current bilateral status with PAM as agreements can be suspended.
✅ Employer Eligibility Requirements
- ✅ Valid Kuwaiti Civil ID or valid residency (Iqama)
- ✅ Minimum monthly salary to sponsor domestic worker
- ✅ No previous PAM violations or bans
- ✅ Active registration on the Ashal platform
- ✅ Valid and current Civil ID (not expired)
💰 Complete Fee Breakdown 2026
| Fee Component | Amount (KWD) |
|---|---|
| Work permit fee (PAM) | KWD 150 |
| Entry visa (single entry) | KWD 3 |
| Residence permit (annual) | KWD 10–20 |
| Medical examination (overseas) | KWD 15–30 equivalent |
| Health insurance (mandatory) | KWD 50–100/year |
| Air ticket (varies) | KWD 50–200 |
| Agency / recruitment fee | KWD 300–700 |
| Estimated Total | KWD 628–1,203 |
💡 January 2025 Update: Kuwait ended fee exemptions for work visa transfers and now charges a standard KWD 150 fee for all domestic worker work permits regardless of type and duration.
📋 Required Documents
- ✅ Employer's valid Civil ID (copy)
- ✅ Domestic worker's valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- ✅ Medical fitness certificate from GCC-approved centre
- ✅ Signed employment contract
- ✅ Employer's income/salary proof
- ✅ Valid residency documents (for expatriate employers)
🔄 Step-by-Step Process via Ashal
Login to e-portal.manpower.gov.kw (Ashal) using your Civil ID and credentials.
Select 'Domestic Worker Work Permit' from the services menu and complete all required fields.
Attach all required documents electronically including worker passport and medical certificate.
Pay the work permit fee electronically through the Ashal platform using KNet or credit card.
PAM processes and verifies the application. Status is trackable via Ashal dashboard.
After permit approval, apply for the domestic worker entry visa through the MOI portal at moi.gov.kw.
Worker arrives in Kuwait on the domestic worker visa.
Register worker with PACI (Public Authority for Civil Information) for Civil ID within 3 months of arrival.
📍 PAM Offices in Kuwait
🏛️ PAM Headquarters — Andalusia
📍 Andalusia Area, Kuwait City
📅 Sunday – Thursday | 🕐 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📞 1884880
🏛️ PAM — Multiple Governorate Offices
Hawalli, Ahmadi, Jahra, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al-Kabeer
📅 Sunday – Thursday | 🕐 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KWD 150 work permit fee for?
The KWD 150 fee is the government work permit fee paid to PAM via the Ashal platform. It covers the cost of issuing and processing the domestic worker work permit in Kuwait.
Can expatriates sponsor domestic workers in Kuwait?
Yes — expatriate residents with valid Kuwaiti residency (Iqama) can sponsor domestic workers, subject to meeting income requirements and PAM eligibility criteria.
How long does the domestic worker work permit process take?
The total process from application to worker arrival typically takes 4–8 weeks depending on source country, medical clearance, and visa processing times.
What is the Ashal platform?
Ashal (As-hal) is PAM's official online platform for all domestic worker and private sector labor services. Employers manage work permits, transfers, and escape reports through Ashal.
Can I hire a domestic worker directly without an agency?
Yes — direct recruitment is possible through PAM/Ashal if you know the specific worker. However, most employers use licensed agencies for the full process.
What happened to work permit fees in January 2025?
Kuwait ended all fee exemptions for work visa transfers in January 2025. The KWD 150 standard fee now applies to all domestic worker work permits regardless of type or duration.
🏠 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