Moving To Kuwait

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Kuwait is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the north and Iraq to the south. It is known for its rich oil and gas reserves, which have made it one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Kuwait City, the capital of Kuwait, is a modern metropolis with a diverse population of over 4.2 million people.

The country has a history dating back over 13,000 years, and it is home to many cultural and historical landmarks, including the historic Al-Sabah Palace, the Kuwait National Museum, and the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad.

However, when you are moving to Kuwait from the USA there are considerable challenges. Let us help you with this step-by-step guide to make your relocation a successful one.

Moving to Kuwait from USA

The International Sea & Air Shipping Advantages

An international relocation to Kuwait from the USA is a big move. It involves moving between two continents. However, it is not only about a long distance but the differences in culture, climate and lifestyle as well. The first thing you can do to lessen the challenges of your international move to Kuwait from the USA is to hire an international mover with extensive knowledge and experience on global moves.

At International Sea & Air Shipping we are one international mover with extensive experience on relocating our clients globally. Our team of moving specialists can help you in packing your household goods and other belongings. We can also advise you on the legal documents you need to obtain for this move, like getting your visa and residency permits. With us at International Sea & Air Shipping you can avail many other relocation services like moving your pets or cars. Our team is capable of handling A-to-Z of international relocations.

If you need your relocation services to be customised we can help in that too. So, give our team a call today to get your house and belongings inspected. You can take advantage of your free moving quotes and get started with your relocation process. We ensure you can move to Kuwait from the USA without any last minute hazards.

About Kuwait

Kuwait is a small country in the Middle East, in the Northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula. The name Kuwait comes from Arabic word “Akwat,” plural of “Kout” which means “fortress built near water.”

Kuwait has an arid climate with a large temperature difference between the winter and summer. Rainfall varies throughout the country and in the summer, average temperatures range from 107 degrees Fahrenheit to 118 degrees Fahrenheit.

Kuwait is one of smallest countries in the world in terms of land area. Kuwait has nine islands-out of which only Failaka Island is inhabited. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Kuwait is a constitutional emirate with a semi-democratic political system and a high income economy, backed by the sixth largest oil reserves. According to World Bank, Kuwait has the third highest income per capita in the world.

Customs Regulations for Kuwait

  • Passport – two copies of information page, entry stamp page and Residence Permit page
  • Residence Permit (Kiama)
  • Visa – issued by host company
  • Civil ID (Kuwait ID card) – copy of front and back
  • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
  • “No Objection Certificate” – obtained from the Ministry of the Interior
  • Comprehensive Inventory – state make, model and brand of ALL items
  • Inventory – in Arabic, showing gross weight and number of boxes
  • Power of Attorney – in Arabic on A4 paper, giving authority for Destination Agent to arrange customs clearance, signed by client
  • Letter from Employer – on company letterhead; addressed to Customs Authority attesting to sponsorship, purpose of stay and naming Destination Agent responsible for shipment clearance; must be signed by company signatory and stamped
  • Declaration of Employer – on company letterhead confirming employment
  • Electronic items included in shipment will delay Customs and subject to approval by Ministry of Commercial Industry
  • Medication and foodstuff (subject to special approval and inspection by the Ministry of Health), must be packed separately
  • New items
  • Pesticides/insecticides, paints, chemicals subject to approval by Environmental Protection Authority
  • Tobacco – 500 cigarettes or two pounds of loose tobacco

Prohibited goods MUST NOT BE INCLUDED with the goods being shipped. Any prohibited items in shipment will be confiscated and may be destroyed without the customer’s consent.

  • PC’s, radio transmitters, and wireless telephones require a special permit and are subject to approval by the Ministry of Telecommunications
  • Weapons, ammunition and explosives – including antique and ornamental
  • Narcotics and drugs
  • Pork products
  • Alcoholic beverages of any type including beer and wine-making kits
  • Gambling equipment
  • Pornographic or political, military literature or controversial materials
  • Subversive materials of any kind – religious or political
  • ALL PRINTED MATTER, BOOKS, PICTURES RECORDS, FILMS, TAPES, SLIDES, MOVIES, VIDEOS, COMPACT DISCS, COMPUTER SOFTWARE, ETC. ARE SUBJECT TO CENSORSHIP AND CONFISCATION (MUST BE PACKED SEPARATELY FOR EASY ACCESS)
  • OWNER’S PRESENCE REQUIRED AT CUSTOMS CLEARANCE FOR ANY VEHICLE
  • Vehicles are subject to a duty of five percent on value estimated by Kuwait Customs. Vehicles more than five years old are prohibited.
  • Documents required
    • Temporary Import Permit (valid 30 days) issued by Kuwait Ministry of Commerce
    • Residence Permit
    • Certificate of Title and Registration
    • Commercial/Purchase Invoice
  • Pets may be brought into Kuwait either as hold baggage or as cargo
  • Customer must obtain prior approval of General Directorate for Agricultural and Sea Wealth
  • All imported pets are subject to quarantine
  • Required documents:
    • Certificate of Vaccination – including rabies, dated 30 days to 11 months prior to arrival
    • Health Certificate – dated no more than five days prior to arrival
    • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill – stating value of pet
    • Declaration – providing description, name, age, sex, color and markings of pet

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

Moving to Kuwait, information that can help –

Kuwait is a small, oil-rich country located in the Middle East. It has a diverse population of around 4.2 million people and is known for its modern infrastructure, high standard of living, and beautiful beaches. When you are moving to Kuwait from the USA, there are several things you’ll need to know, including the cost of living, the climate, and the cultural differences.

In the next few sections, we will run you through the important information that can help you make your relocation plan properly and handle the challenges in a better way.

Visa & residency permits for moving to Kuwait from the USA

There are different types of visas available to move to Kuwait from the USA. Let us take you through the visa and residency permits for your international relocation to Kuwait.

Work visas and residency permits

When you are moving to Kuwait from the USA for work purposes there are two major terms that you need to get yourself familiarized with – Iqama and bitaqa-almadaniyah. Iqama is the residency permit which you will need to obtain along with a work visa when you want to move to Kuwait from the USA and stay there for a long term. After you have received both the work visa and the residency permit you need to apply for a Kuwaiti Civil ID, which is called bitaqa-almadaniyah. Note that the application for the civil ID has to be submitted within 30 days of receiving the residency permit.

Dependent visas

The major eligibility criteria for the dependent visa is that one has to earn a minimum wage of 650 KWD per month or 450 KWD in case of public sector employees. Once you meet this requirement and you have received your residency permit, then one can apply for dependent visas to bring your family to Kuwait.

Short term visas

Short-term visa or a tourist visa to move to Kuwait from the USA is valid only for 30 days. If anyone exceeds this 30 days period then it will incur a daily fine of 10 KWD. The fine needs to be settled before departing the country. A visitor visa takes two working days to be processed and currently has a fee of 3 KWD.

Note that, residents belonging to 70 countries, including the US, EU member states and excluding Croatia, Australia, and Japan, can obtain entry visas upon arrival in Kuwait.

Cost of living in Kuwait

When you are moving to Kuwait from the USA you need to have an apparent idea of the cost of living in this Middle East country. The cost will vary depending on factors such as housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses. According to Numbeo, a global database of living costs, Kuwait is considered to be an expensive country.

The cost of housing in Kuwait is relatively high due to the limited availability of affordable housing options, with the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment being around KWD 1,200.

Additionally, food and transportation costs are also relatively high, with a weekly grocery basket costing around KWD 20 and a one-way ticket on public transportation costing around KWD 0.75.

Overall, the cost of living in Kuwait is relatively high compared to other countries.

Top advice when you are moving to Kuwait from the USA

Kuwait is a fascinating country with a rich culture and diverse activities to explore. If you’re moving to Kuwait from the USA, here are some top things to do:

Visit the National Museum of Kuwait

Learn about Kuwait’s history and culture by exploring the country’s largest museum.

Explore the Kuwait City Corniche

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, take a stroll, or rent a bike along the waterfront.

Visit the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Seifah Palace

Experience Kuwait’s history and architecture by visiting this impressive palace.