MyKuwait.id

Updated: 2026-04-16

Article 22 (Family/Dependent Visa) Guide

Everything you need to know about sponsoring your spouse and children in Kuwait. Requirements, salary caps, and attestation steps explained.

Sponsorship Eligibility

To sponsor your family under Article 22, you must hold a valid Article 18 (Private Sector) or Article 17 (Government) residency. The "Dependent Visa" allows your family to live in Kuwait but does not automatically grant them the right to work. Spouse and children over 18 must apply for a separate work permit if they wish to seek employment.

Application Workflow

  1. Verify Salary Eligibility

    Ensure your work permit (Article 18 or 17) shows a salary of at least 800 KD.

  2. Attest Documents

    Marriage and birth certificates must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in your home country and the Kuwait Embassy, then finally by MOFA Kuwait.

  3. Apply for Entry Visa

    Submit the application at the Jawazat (Immigration Office) in your governorate. Once approved, an entry visa is issued.

  4. Medical & Fingerprinting

    After the family enters Kuwait, they must complete the medical test and fingerprinting within 30 days.

  5. Residency Stamping

    Once cleared, residency is fixed via the MOI portal, and the Civil ID is issued.

Required Documents

Attested Certificates

Marriage/Birth certificates (MOFA attested).

Salary Certificate

Official work permit showing 800 KD+.

Article 22 FAQ

As of 2026, the primary sponsor must have a minimum monthly salary of 800 KD as stated on their work permit. Some professions (doctors, engineers, professors) may have different eligibility rules.
Generally, the father is the primary sponsor. A mother can sponsor her children only in specific cases, such as the father being deceased, divorced, or having a profession that does not allow sponsorship, subject to MOI approval.
Article 22 is primarily for spouse and children. Sponsoring parents falls under a different category (Entry Visa for Visit) or requires special humanitarian approval from the Ministry of Interior, and usually involves higher fees and age restrictions.