Moving to Kuwait from The United States

Choosing to up sticks and move locally can be a stressful ordeal – but moving to a completely different country introduces new levels of unease.

If you are considering making the move from The United States to Kuwait, this guide will tell you everything you need to know – from visa requirements to cost of living differences; healthcare top-tips to rules about moving country with your pets – helping you to feel empowered when the time comes to make the big move.

Quick Kuwait Facts:

Population: 4.25 million (2021 estimate)
Official Language: Arabic (de facto), as well as English, Hindi, Urdu and Farsi
GDP Per Capita: $24,300 USD (2020 estimate)
Random Fact: The Al Hamra Tower is the fifteenth tallest sculptured tower in the world, standing at 414 metres
Currency: Kuwaiti dinar (KWD). As of late 2023, £1 = 0.39 KWD, €1 = 0.34 KWD, $1 CAD = 0.23 KWD, $1 AUD = 0.20 KWD

Sections

1. Moving Costs to Kuwait from The United States

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the biggest American ports and shipping to Kuwait:

Origin Port	20FT	40FT
Charleston	$2,800 - $3,200	$4,500 - $5,000
Houston	$2,900 - $3,300	$4,600 - $5,100
Long Beach	$3,000 - $3,400	$4,700 - $5,200
Los Angeles	$2,900 - $3,300	$4,600 - $5,100
Miami	$2,700 - $3,100	$4,400 - $4,900
New York	$2,800 - $3,200	$4,500 - $5,000
Oakland	$2,900 - $3,300	$4,600 - $5,100
Savannah	$2,800 - $3,200	$4,500 - $5,000
Seattle	$3,000 - $3,400	$4,700 - $5,200
Virginia	$2,800 - $3,200	$4,500 - $5,000

All figures are in USD;
The rates above are estimates only and may have changed since the time this article was updated (July 2024). They are based on the lowest estimated rate from either Freightos, iContainers, or SeaRates;
To get a more accurate idea of the cost for you, please use the quote form at the top of this page;
Please also see our guide to international container shipping.

2. How Long Does It Take To Move to Kuwait from The United States?

There can be big discrepancies in move time duration when it comes to moving from America due to the vastness of the country.

Let’s take a look at some states from a range of locations in the north, east, south and west of the country to give you an idea of move time when relocating to Kuwait.

New York to Kuwait – 22 hours, 10 minutes – $920
Los Angeles to Kuwait – 33 hours, 56 minutes – $885
Minneapolis to Kuwait – 43 hours, 45 minutes – $1,200
Dallas to Kuwait – 24 hours, 15 minutes – $1,000

This duration covers the flight time only, so additional time will need to be added to get you from the terminal to your final location.

3. Moving Restrictions to Kuwait from The United States

Moving from one country to take up residency in another will incur various restrictions – most notably, this comes in the form of visa requirements, which we will cover in the next section.

You will need a valid passport, visa and any other paperwork as required by the Kuwaiti authorities to gain entry to Kuwait. The nature of these additional checks will be subject to the authorities for your individual circumstances.

For those wishing to work in Kuwait, a work visa will be required. Upon leaving the country, you need to settle any outstanding bills – from traffic fines to utility bills – which is mandatory to leave the country.

A health examination may be required as part of the visa application process, with some results having the potential to lead to the denial of the visa. Similarly, there will be a criminal record check, which, if failed, can also lead to your visa being denied.

There are strict customs regulations in Kuwait, with many items being prohibited – including alcohol. You should check anything you’re planning to bring against the prohibited list as outlined by the Kuwaiti customs authority.

It’s important to note that if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport, you may be denied entry to Kuwait.

There are currently no COVID-19 travel restrictions, but it’s advised that you keep up-to-date on any developments to ensure you are abiding by the most recent information at the time of travel.

4. Visa Requirements to Kuwait from The United States

Alongside a valid US passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into Kuwait. The State of Kuwait will carry the most up-to-date information for you to look at.

You can obtain a single-entry visa that allows you to enter Kuwait for a stay of 90 days or less. The purpose of this trip must be tourism – you cannot work while holding this visa.

It’s important that you carry your paperwork at all times as it may be checked. It is usually the case that you will need to have a criminal record check carried out at the time of your application for a Kuwaiti visa.

If you wish to work in Kuwait, you will need a work permit to do so. You will need to have this in place before you take up employment, and the permit can only be administered if you have a valid job offer for a role in Kuwait – we will cover this in more detail in the working in Kuwait section.

In all cases, you need to speak to a visa specialist to advise you on your individual circumstances and always keep up to date with the latest changes in the rules.

5. Cost of Living Differences in Kuwait

While this article is covering Kuwait as a whole, house prices will obviously vary from area to area but the figures below will give you an indication of what’s available at what price.

As a general note, it is estimated that the cost of living in New York is 54.1% higher than that of Kuwait, with rent being around 75% higher.

Monthly Rental Prices in Kuwait:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: 280+ KWD
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: 200+ KWD
3 bedroomed flat in City Centre: 550+ KWD
3 bedroomed flat outside the City Centre: 420+ KWD

Kuwait Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: 1,900+ KWD
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside the City: 950+ KWD

Source: Numbeo

6. Tax Treaties in Kuwait

Kuwait has no personal taxes – and this is the case for expats working in Kuwait. There is still corporate income tax which is charged at a rate of 15%, but this is only for foreign-owned businesses operating in Kuwait, while Kuwaiti-owned businesses are exempt from this.

There is also no value added tax (VAT) in Kuwait, although it is reported that there are talks underway to potentially start adding this to goods and services.

It is advised if you are to work and reside in Kuwait that you seek out professional tax and legal advice to ensure you are working legally and understand any tax implications.

7. Working Rules in Kuwait

To legally work in Kuwait, you will need a work permit and your employer will need to apply for a work visa for you. Failure to have such documentation can result in imprisonment.

You must have this work visa before you arrive in Kuwait – it cannot be issued at the airport. You will need a letter of employment from your Kuwaiti employer to verify the offer, and you can then apply for the visa from the embassy.

You will, in most cases, need to supply:

Your valid passport with at least 6 months on it, and 2 blank pages
Kuwait work visa permit letter (from your Kuwaiti employer)
A coloured passport photo of yourself
Kuwait visa application form
Medical report (conducted within the last 2 months)
Criminal record check

Whatever your employment circumstances, it’s important to have your visa ironed out before entering the country to ensure a smooth transition. It’s also important to get up to speed with taxes and any beneficial programs, such as healthcare schemes, so that you are completely clued up on your rights.

8. Healthcare in Kuwait

Kuwait has a public healthcare system which can be accessed by expatriates. To access healthcare in Kuwait, you will need your Kuwaiti civil ID (or passport if you’re visiting on a visitor’s visa), and you’ll need to be registered at a primary healthcare center.

There is also private healthcare in Kuwait which can be accessed by residents and expatriates alike and is available through private insurance health plans or transactions as and when the assistance is needed.

It is important to check if your prescription medicine is legal in Kuwait before travelling with it. You may need a doctor’s note to verify it, and permission in writing from the Kuwaiti authorities to bring it into the country.

You will need comprehensive medical insurance before travelling to Kuwait from The United States.

9. Rules Around Moving With Pets in Kuwait

Moving house includes lots of boxes of belongings – but it can also include some particularly important furry friends, too! If you need to move to Kuwait with a pet in tow, here’s what you need to know.

It is essential that your pet:

Has a microchip fitted
Has full vaccinations, including rabies, within the last 12 months
Has an international health certificate
Has an import permit

It may also be necessary for the pet to have undergone blood tests to affirm the vaccination status, as well as some animals needing additional parasite treatments. There may also be a quarantine period for some pets depending on their type and where they have come from.

For the most up-to-date information, make sure you check anything with Kuwaiti authorities to ensure you comply with all the necessary advisories.

10. Similar Cities

Kuwait City is most akin to Miami in Florida, owing to both city’s statuses as economic and cultural hubs. They are both waterfront locations, with scenic beaches lining the area’s perimeter.

There are diverse populations in both locations, mixing cultures and nationalities, and both Kuwait City and Miami draw in thousands of tourists per year owing to the luxurious living and housing developments.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Kuwait from The United States

Perhaps you’re moving for a new job opportunity, or just want to try out a completely different country and climate – whatever your reason for wanting to move from The United States to Kuwait, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from The United States to Kuwait	Disadvantages of Moving from The United States to Kuwait
Kuwait offers a tax-free income environment, providing the potential for higher disposable income.	The climate in Kuwait can be extremely hot, with scorching temperatures during the summer months.
Kuwait has a rich cultural heritage, with historical sites, traditional markets, and a welcoming local population.	The legal and cultural norms in Kuwait, including strict social codes and restrictions on certain behaviors, may require adjustment. Additionally, the country has a conservative societal structure.
Kuwait provides expatriates with the opportunity to experience Middle Eastern culture and explore the region's history.	The cost of living, particularly in terms of housing and education, can be relatively high. Expatriates should be aware of cultural differences and navigate residency regulations and visa requirements carefully.

Whatever you decide, you must understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to speak to The U.S. Embassy and Consulates for all the information you need.