Moving to Kuwait from The UK

Kuwait is a small emirate situated between Iraq and Saudi Arabia – and is said to have the most valuable currency in the world.

If you are considering making the move from the United Kingdom 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 UK

The table below shows the estimated cost of hiring a 20- or 40-foot container from some of the largest UK cities and shipping to Kuwait:

Origin City	20FT	40FT
Birmingham	£2,200 - £2,500	£3,500 - £3,900
Glasgow	£2,300 - £2,600	£3,600 - £4,000
Liverpool	£2,100 - £2,400	£3,400 - £3,800
London	£2,400 - £2,700	£3,700 - £4,100
Manchester	£2,200 - £2,500	£3,500 - £3,900

All figures are in GBP;
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 Kingdom?

It’s a fair journey to Kuwait from the United Kingdom – it’s worth bearing in mind that some flight paths will require you to take connecting flights to get to your final destination, so if you can organise your journey from a direct route that will shave a few hours off your travel time – and reduce some airport stress!

London Heathrow to Kuwait – 6 hours, 10 minutes – £430
London Gatwick to Kuwait – 8 hours, 35 minutes (connecting flight) – £380
Luton to Kuwait – 6 hours, 10 minutes – £150
Edinburgh to Kuwait – 9 hours, 5 minutes (connecting flight) – £450

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 UK

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.

Gov.uk advises that your passport must have at least 6 months left on it in terms of validity from your date of entry into Kuwait. Residency visas require at least 2 years on your passport.

British Nationals can either apply in advance for their visa, or obtain one on arrival in Kuwait – we will cover this in more detail in the next section, but more information can be found at the Gov.kw website.

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

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 are mandatory to leave the country.

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 UK

Alongside a valid UK passport, you will need a visa to grant you entry into Kuwait.

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 UK criminal record check carried out at the time of your application for a Kuwait visa – known as a DBS check.

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 Kuwait is 44% lower than that of the United Kingdom, with rent being around 64.8% lower.

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)
Police certificate from the UK (DBS 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

While the United Kingdom benefits from the NHS, offering free healthcare to those who need it, as well as elective private healthcare for a fee, there is no reciprocal agreement between the UK and Kuwait which means you need comprehensive medical insurance before travelling.

Gov.uk advises that if you need the assistance of a private Kuwaiti hospital, you need to make sure you have the right insurance in place to do so. To access healthcare in Kuwait, you will need your Kuwaiti civil ID (or passport if you’re visiting on a visitor’s visa).

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.

For more information on this, take a look at this page from Gov.uk.

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

There may be additional details needed, which can be requested on a case-by-case basis. It’s important to note that there are several banned breeds in Kuwait, which according to Pet Relocation, include:

American Bulldog
Bull Terrier and all mixes
Dogue de Bordeaux
Great Dane
Japanese Tosa
Mastiffs and their mixes
Pitbull Terrier
Rottweiler
Shar Pei
Staffordshire Terriers and their mixes
Wolf Hybrids

It’s important to understand all restrictions and rules to minimise the stress on both yourself and your pet when looking to move to Kuwait.

10. Similar Cities

Qatar is said to be most similar to Kuwait, according to the Country Similarity Index. This is due to their location and geography, with the same desert climate owing to their position on the Arabian peninsula.

Both countries rely on oil and natural gas exports, and both are highly developed with modern infrastructure which supports their economic growth. They both share similar family values and principles of respect.

11. Pros and Cons of Moving to Kuwait from the UK

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 UK to Kuwait, let’s take a look at some of the main pros and cons associated with moving.

Advantages of Moving from the UK to Kuwait	Disadvantages of Moving from the UK to Kuwait
Tax-Free Income: Kuwait is known for its tax-free income policy, providing potential financial benefits	Climate: Kuwait experiences extremely hot summers, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), which may be challenging
High Standard of Living: Kuwait offers a high standard of living, with modern infrastructure, shopping malls, and various amenities	Cultural Differences: Adapting to cultural differences may require time for adjustment
Career Opportunities: Expatriates may find career opportunities in sectors like oil and gas, finance and construction	Limited Citizenship Rights: As an expatriate, obtaining Kuwaiti citizenship is generally not possible, and there may be limitations on certain rights
Safety: Kuwait is considered a safe country with a relatively low crime rate	Limited Public Spaces: Public spaces and entertainment options may be limited compared to some Western countries

Whatever you decide, it’s important that you understand the legal factors affecting your move – be sure to check Gov.uk for all the information you need.