Working in Kuwait
The ease of finding work in Kuwait will vary greatly depending on your field of interest. The majority of expats entering Kuwait have applied for and accepted a position from their home country. Most companies conduct interviews via Skype or a similar application. In some cases, a company will invite highly qualified candidates to visit Kuwait for additional in-person interviews. Once the company makes you an offer and you accept it, the process of becoming an expat begins.
Job hunting in Kuwait
Finding work in Kuwait can be done in several ways. Like most other countries, many companies advertise their open positions within online job searches. A Google search for your area of expertise should result in many employment websites. Jobs can also be found by word of mouth within social groups or forums. Locals are given priority for any government positions, which is called “job nationalization” or “Kuwaitization”, so if you are interested in working for the government, it is highly recommended that you know someone in your area of expertise who can recommend you for the position. Fluency in Arabic is also required for most work within the public sector, but not the private sector. Before applying for a job, consider getting a free CV review at TopCV.
Another great way to find job listings is through dedicated websites, such as LinkedIn, Bayt or Nakurigulf. If you already have an idea of the company you'd like to work for, reaching out to their HR department with your CV to express your interest is a common way to look for work in Kuwait.
Alternatively, you can always use the help of a recruitment agency. Recruiters can help you find a position that would be the perfect fit based on what you are looking for as well as your qualifications. Some of the most used recruitment agencies in Kuwait are:
Top industries in Kuwait
If you're not sure whether your qualification will be in demand in Kuwait, here's a look at some of the country's top industries.
Oil & gas
When you think of Kuwait, you cannot help but think of its huge oil reserves. Kuwait's crude oil reserves are estimated at nearly 101.5 billion barrels or approximately 7% of the world's reserves. The oil industry accounts for 90% of government export revenues. It comes as no surprise that the majority of jobs in Kuwait are concentrated in this industry. Opportunities are available for petrochemical engineers and in oil refining.
Finance
The finance sector is a booming industry in Kuwait. The country's financial sector plays a key role in regional trade and investment. The Kuwait Stock Exchange, one of the oldest in the Gulf region, serves as a critical hub for capital markets. Professionals in finance usually benefit from high standards of living and a multicultural work environment. Opportunities are available for roles in corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, risk management, financial technology and compliance.
Healthcare
With heavy investments from the government, the healthcare industry in Kuwait is a rapidly evolving sector. Its expanding infrastructure has led to the development of modern hospitals, clinics and specialized medical facilities. The healthcare sector is overseen by the Ministry of Health, ensuring high standards of care across all facilities. There is also a growing emphasis on medical research, preventative care, and advanced medical technologies. Opportunities are available for doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, administrative staff, researchers, and healthcare IT specialists.
Teaching
Teaching is also a lucrative career in Kuwait. The government places a high priority on education, resulting in significant investments in both public and private institutions, from primary schools to universities. The growing number of international schools has increased the demand for qualified teachers, especially English teachers. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) is a good option here, and positions are open for highly qualified teachers, mainly in private language schools. Teaching professionals in Kuwait benefit from competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, not to mention long summer breaks when school is off. The education sector in Kuwait is regulated by the Ministry of Education, ensuring quality and adherence to educational standards.
Construction
The Kuwaiti government's Vision 2035 initiative has led to significant investments in residential, commercial and industrial construction projects, thus bringing construction to the list of top industries in the country. Some of the biggest projects include the development of smart cities, transportation networks, and energy facilities. Opportunities in this industry are available for civil engineers, architects, project managers, skilled laborers and safety inspectors.
Top places to work in Kuwait
If working in the top industry isn't too much of a concern for you, you might be interested in the companies that have been deemed as the best places to work. These are the top 3 companies to work in Kuwait as of 2024:
DHL
Founded in 1969, DHL has grown to become one of the world's leading logistics companies. The company currently employs 600,000 people across over 220 countries and territories. DHL's operations in Kuwait started in 1979, and it is currently the logistics leader in the country. There are plenty of opportunities to work in DHL, with roles ranging from Major Account Executive to Commercial Director and Major Customer Executive.
Hilton
The Hilton Group is a globally known name, so it comes as no surprise that they were ranked among the top 3 places to work in Kuwait. Hilton currently operates 4 hotels in Kuwait, with more in the pipeline. Opportunities available with the Hilton range from General Manager, Government Relations Administrator, and Sales Executive, to Housekeeping / Floor Supervisor, Server and Director of Sales.
IHG
Another hotel chain is at the top of the list of the best places to work in Kuwait. IHG is currently operating 5 different hotels in Kuwait: Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn Al Thuraya City, Holiday Inn Salmiya, Holiday Inn Suites and Arabella Beach Hotel. Opportunities available with IHG range from Sales Manager and Marketing Executive to Front Desk Agent and F&B Attendant.
Wages in Kuwait
Wages in Kuwait can be influenced by various factors, including the sector, the individual's experience and qualifications, and market demands. According to recent data, the average salary in Kuwait for expats and nationals tends to vary considerably. The oil-rich nation boasts one of the highest GDPs per capita in the world, which is reflected in its compensation practices. The Kuwaiti Dinar, being one of the strongest currencies globally, also plays a pivotal role in the high earning potential in the country.
The average monthly salary in Kuwait typically ranges between 1,000 and 3,000 KWD for lower to mid-range positions but can be significantly higher for skilled professionals, especially in the oil, engineering, or medical fields. It's essential to note that wages in Kuwait are tax-free, as the country does not levy personal income taxes on salaries or wages, which increases the net income that employees take home.
Upper management and executive-level roles can command monthly salaries in excess of 4,000 KWD, reflecting the critical nature of these positions and the level of expertise required. Many companies in Kuwait offer comprehensive benefits packages, including housing allowances, transportation allowances, annual air tickets to home countries, and bonuses, which can substantially increase the effective earning potential beyond the average monthly salary figures.
For expat workers, who form a significant part of Kuwait's workforce, the average monthly salary may include additional perks such as international school fees for children, health insurance, and end-of-service benefits, which can be a significant economic boost for those abroad. These factors make Kuwait an attractive destination for expats looking to enhance their careers and save a little extra money.
It's worth mentioning that the private sector often offers more competitive salaries compared to the public sector, though the latter provides more job security and shorter working hours. This is commonly seen in the Gulf region, where public sector employment is highly sought after for its stability and benefits.
Applying for a job in Kuwait
As with most places, applying for a job in Kuwait starts with a very strong CV. Ideally your CV should be no longer than 2 pages (1 page would be even better). Employers in Kuwait are known to not go past the first 2 pages, so be sure to have all your relevant skills and experiences up front.
Along with your professional experience, it's expected to find your educational background, as well as any relevant certifications you may have.
Not everyone will ask for a cover letter, but it might increase your chances as it will help you to stand out. As with any cover letter, you should focus on what makes you the ideal candidate for the position. If you're applying from abroad, mentioning any familiarity you have with the region or culture may also get you ahead.
Signing a work contract in Kuwait
When you are offered a position, you will need to sign a contract with the company. This will vary widely depending on the company and type of position. Please note that a typical work week in Kuwait is five days and 40 hours. If the contract is only provided in Arabic and you are not fluent, you should request an English copy of the contract. If the company is unable to provide one, take the Arabic contract to a reliable translation company before signing it.
It is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the Kuwait labour law ahead of signing a contract to ensure that it is aligned with the local law. Do not hesitate to push back if you see something that isn't right.
Good to know:
Some employers might try to retain your personal documents, such as your passport. This is illegal in Kuwait, and you have every right to ask to keep it in your possession.
Work visa considerations in Kuwait
In the majority of cases, as an expat, it is illegal to work for a company without the company sponsoring your visa. If you are changing jobs from another position in Kuwait, your visa will have to be transferred to your new company. If you entered the country on a family visa (under your spouse, for example), the company should begin the process of transferring your visa to them. Otherwise, in the event of a government inspection, it is possible you could face fines, imprisonment, or deportation if you are found to be working without a proper work visa.
As mentioned above, it is your employer's responsibility to start the process of obtaining your work visa and residency permit. In order to be fully prepared, these are the documents that will be required:
- Passport with a validity of at least 2 years from the date of arrival in Kuwait;
- Valid employment offer;
- Completed visa application issued by the Kuwait Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
- A passport-size photo;
- HIV test (AIDS test) results copy;
- A health certificate from a local doctor showing that the applicant is in good health and does not have a contagious disease. (Tests which need to be made are for hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria, filariasis, and chest X-rays for tuberculosis.);
- Police clearance showing no criminal record.
Setting up your business in Kuwait
If you would like to start a business in Kuwait as an expat, there are many legalities to consider. First, every business must have a local Kuwaiti partner. This partner is not required to participate financially in the business, but they must hold the majority interest and, therefore, control of the company. They are free to shut down the business at any time. New reforms are being considered to allow exceptions to the majority interest holding local requirements. However, there are currently no mainstream exceptions.
Like most business start-ups, regardless of the country, extensive research into the business legalities is required. When considering starting a business in Kuwait, the local culture, market conditions, and competition must be carefully explored. It is also highly favorable to have a substantial amount of money ready for investment from a source outside of a local bank.
Businesses in Kuwait are required to have a physical commercial address and therefore cannot be run from your home or any residential address. It is necessary to work with a lawyer throughout the entire process of opening a business.
Useful links:
Barclay Simpson Recruitment Agency
Michael Page Recruitment Agency
