Our quick reference guides have vital information on pay, benefits, tax and visas - everything you need to work and live in Kuwait:
Since the Iraqi invasion of 1991, Kuwait has undergone an impressive economic recovery. Although it traditionally depended on oil production to fund economic and social development, clever investment of profits has resulted in an impressive diversification of industry, including a deep-water port on Bubiyan Island - a gateway for trade into Iraq and western Iran.
Kuwait aims to become as self sufficient as possible in terms of its work force. For a candidate to be employed from overseas they must have experience and skills that cannot be found locally. For those candidates with skills in demand, a move to Kuwait could be life changing; remuneration and benefits packages are among the best in the world.
A major incentive to move to Kuwait is its status as a free economic zone. You don’t pay income tax here.
To obtain a driving licence, bank account or health insurance, you need a Residence Visa. Your employer will act as your sponsor during your stay and it’s their responsibility to organise this.
As the third largest oil producer in the Middle East, Kuwait is a wealthy and culturally diverse country. Kuwait has a pro-western stance and huge steps have been made to open doors to foreign investors, encouraging international trade. Kuwait was the first Arab country to have an elected parliament and granted full political rights to women in 2005.
Only 40% of the residents are nationals, the remaining population comprising South Asians, East Asians and Westerners. This exciting mix of cultures, languages and religions is complemented by a strong cultural tradition of family, hospitality and courtesy; the ‘old values’ sit comfortably with the ongoing developments.
Regarded as cosmopolitan and Westernised by its Middle Eastern neighbours, this is still an Islamic country - residents and visitors are expected to dress and behave appropriately. The month of Ramadan is a feature of life in the Middle East. During this month, eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in public, from sunrise to sunset.
While drinking might be frowned upon, shopaholics are more than welcome here; it’s a retail paradise with breathtaking malls and department stores, selling everything from Blu-ray players to designer clothes, all tax free.
If you’re more of an outdoors person, you’ll have no trouble finding a local willing to share their love of fishing, horse riding, golf or water sports with you. Desert driving is also popular - what could be more exciting than taking a 4-wheel drive over the sand dunes?
Budding socialites will be at home among the thriving expat community; relax around the pool at one of the social clubs or sample the cuisine at restaurants serving Arabic, European, American and Asian cuisine.
We recommend that you be covered for healthcare at all times. There are a number of international companies that specialise in private health insurance - comprehensive, regional cover costs around £35 per month.
Long waiting lists are almost unheard of, with every city and major town having at least one modern hospital. They are listed in telephone directories, yellow pages and tourist publications. When choosing a hospital, your best bet is to seek advice from colleagues and friends.
The term ‘clinic’ is used to denote a general practitioner’s surgery. There’s a high ratio of doctors to patients and a routine first diagnostic visit costs about £40, with additional costs for any tests.
The majority of dentists are from Scandinavia, Britain and Russia - embassies keep details of nationals practising dentistry here. Dentists and orthodontists also advertise in telephone directories, expatriate magazines and tourist guides.
If you need to get to A&E, the most reliable method is to use your own transport or go by taxi. On arrival in Kuwait take note of the emergency telephone numbers, the location of the major hospitals and the quickest route there.
Kuwait has seven conventional banks:
Setting up an account is easy, as is transferring money home. You’ll be given a cash card to withdraw money from ATM machines and credit cards are widely accepted.
In Kuwait, expats only have the option to rent. A variety of accommodation is available, from unfurnished apartments to fully furnished villas. Executive apartments provide additional amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, gym and sauna.
Flats and houses can be rented for any length of period, from a day to a decade and beyond. The longer the rental period, the better the deal. Prices vary depending on size and location: one-bedroom apartments start around 250 KWD; 2 and 3 bedroom apartments cost upwards of 300 KWD and villas can go for anything up to 2000 KWD per month.
To find accommodation, contact real estate agents, scour the newspapers or ask friends and colleagues. Your Michael Page consultant will also be happy to help.
Kuwait International airport is 10km south of Kuwait City; Gulf Air, British Airways, Emirates, Lufthansa and KLM regularly fly in and out of Kuwait.
You'll need to get an International Driving Permit before entering the country; driving is on the right. Many people purchase cars for the duration of their stay as cars and petrol are so cheap.
Alternative transportation is essentially limited to taxis, which are metered, although you might discover the meter is ‘broken’ and you have to haggle. Bus services are not generally used by expats and as yet there is no rail system.
Kuwait is expensive.
