Working in Kuwait

Expats are drawn to work in Kuwait by the opportunity to earn in the world’s strongest currency – the Kuwaiti dinar. What's more, the country is a tax haven, allowing expats to earn without having to pay personal income tax.

Due to Kuwait's small size and population, the country has largely been reliant on foreign workers to fill key positions within both the skilled and unskilled sectors. This has made Kuwait an attractive expat destination.

With that said, since 2013, the government’s Kuwaitisation programme has been looking to limit the number of foreigners coming in. The aim is for the country to invest in its own nationals. These plans also reduce generous subsidies for expat workers. While highly skilled workers may still be able to find work, their jobs could involve training a Kuwaiti to take their place when they repatriate.

Job market in Kuwait

Commercial opportunities for skilled expats in Kuwait have largely centred on the country’s oil wealth. Other opportunities exist in real estate, construction and engineering. Maintenance, repair and technician jobs are also available.

When it comes to doing business in Kuwait, jobs in finance sectors, including accounting and auditing, are commonly on offer, as well as sales, marketing and PR positions.

Given the demand for international schools, educators from all over the world have found themselves teaching in Kuwait. Doctors and medical professionals can also secure employment in the healthcare sector.

Finding a job in Kuwait

With the expat labour pool expected to decrease substantially, securing employment in Kuwait could be tricky. Still, job seekers can explore various routes to find work. Many expat residents have relocated thanks to an intra-company transfer, while others have gone through a recruitment agency or relocation company that offers services in job seeking.

We also advise prospective expats to start networking. Creating a profile on an online job platform and getting connected with Kuwaiti businesses is a good way to begin. Online job portals, including Bayt.com, Monster and GulfTalent, are highly recommended. It also helps to know someone living in Kuwait and build professional relationships through word-of-mouth.

Work permits

Expats wanting to work in Kuwait are required to have a valid work permit that is issued in conjunction with a formal offer of employment from a company in Kuwait. The work permit is sponsored and organised by the hiring company. Foreigners caught working without the proper paperwork face severe penalties, including deportation.

Employment contracts for skilled foreign workers in Kuwait usually include benefits such as a housing allowance, medical aid and annual air tickets home. Unfortunately, lucrative expat contracts are not what they used to be, as the country continues to implement the Kuwaitisation plan.

Work culture in Kuwait

Arabic is the official language of Kuwait, but English is widely spoken and understood in Kuwaiti business circles. Nevertheless, expats working in Kuwait will find it advantageous to learn at least a few key phrases and greetings in Arabic.

Work culture in Kuwait is formal and largely based on Islamic principles. Appearances are important and business attire should be conservative; women should avoid wearing tight-fitting or revealing clothing. Muslim Kuwaiti associates will pray five times a day; meetings and appointments will therefore need to be arranged around prayer times and expats should show respect and patience for this custom.

The workweek in Kuwait is Sunday to Thursday, with the weekend falling on Friday and Saturday. A standard working week is 40 hours, with companies usually operating between 8.30am and 6pm, sometimes with an extended lunch break. Office hours are reduced during the holy month of Ramadan.