Your Expat Community in Kuwait

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Living in Kuwait: Your Questions, Answered

If you're a new or soon-to-be expat in Kuwait, you might have some questions about what life is like in this Middle Eastern country. To help you get started, we've compiled answers to seven common questions about living in Kuwait. For more specific questions or to share your own experiences, consider joining InterNations, a community of expats who enjoy helping one another.

1. Is it necessary to speak the local language?
While Arabic is the official language in Kuwait, English is widely spoken, especially in business and among the expat community. Learning some Arabic can help you better connect with locals and understand the country's culture, but you should be able to get by with English in most situations.

2. What are the average rent prices in popular expat locations?

Kuwait City:

• Single-room flat: 250–400 KWD (830–1,325 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 600–1,000 KWD (1,990–3,315 USD) per month

Salwa:

• Single-room flat: 200–350 KWD (665–1,160 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 550–900 KWD (1,825–2,985 USD) per month

Mahboula:

• Single-room flat: 150–300 KWD (498–995 USD) per month
• Three-bedroom flat: 450–750 KWD (1,495–2,485 USD) per month

3. How safe is Kuwait for expats?
Kuwait is generally a safe country for expats. However, it's important to exercise common-sense precautions, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, securing your belongings, and staying informed about local security updates.

4. How does the healthcare system work in Kuwait?
Kuwait has a public healthcare system that provides healthcare services to citizens and expats who hold valid residency permits. Expats may be required to pay a nominal fee for some medical services. Many expats also choose to have private health insurance for additional coverage or to access private healthcare facilities.

5. How can I open a bank account in Kuwait?
To open a bank account in Kuwait, you'll typically need to provide your passport, a valid residence permit, a letter of employment, and a no-objection certificate (NOC) from your employer. Some banks may require additional documentation or an appointment, so it's a good idea to check with the specific bank you plan to use.

6. What is the cost of living in Kuwait?
The cost of living in Kuwait can vary depending on the location and your lifestyle. Housing, transportation, and utilities can be more expensive compared to some other countries. However, food, fuel, and some consumer goods can be relatively affordable. As an expat, you can expect to live comfortably on a moderate budget.

7. Can I drive with my foreign driver's license in Kuwait?
Foreigners can drive in Kuwait using an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their valid foreign driver's license. However, once you obtain a Kuwaiti residency permit, you'll need to apply for a Kuwaiti driver's license. This process may require taking a driving test, depending on your nationality and the type of license you hold.

Learn More about Being an Expat in Kuwait

The capital of Kuwait is Kuwait City, and many expats are based there, often working in the oil industry. Beyond the city is desert, which explains why virtually everyone lives there or in another city. The amazingly tall skyscrapers and array of colored lights reflecting on the sea at night can’t fail to make an impression on even the most seasoned traveler. During your time in the country, you’ll see stunning feats of architecture, experience exotic new foods and discover a totally different culture, with its own festivals, such as the National Day (on 25 February) and Ramadan celebrations. If you haven’t already been, you’ll want to experience a souq (market) and if you like museums, the Tareq Majab ethnographic museum and the Scientific Center are just two of many. Expats in Kuwait usually enjoy a very high living standard, with a good salary, little or no tax to pay, and access to excellent healthcare and other public facilities. That said, expats in our community enjoy the reassurance that comes with the support of a large group of fellow expats who can offer advice on any topic relating to life overseas, including how to access healthcare, where to find an international school, how to get a good cleaner, and how to help a spouse join you in the country, and find work there.

InterNations is the largest global network for expatriates, with communities in 420 cities around the world. Meet fellow global minds in your city of residence or get to know local expatriates before you're moving or traveling abroad and never feel like a stranger. InterNations makes it easy for you to stay in touch with your expat friends, both online and offline, so you can grow your network of friends and contacts from all over the world. Whether they live in Qatar or Bahrain, InterNations allows you to be close to them even if they are miles away.

The Place to Meet Friendly Expatriates in Kuwait

Kuwait is very much a country of expats, as about 69% of the population come from abroad. This makes it a great place to make friends from around the world, as well as, most likely, some from your home country, for those moments when you want to feel the ease and predictability of back home. InterNations regularly organizes prestigious large social events for expat networking, and also facilitates smaller local interest-based groups. Bit of a bookworm? The InterNations Kuwait City Book Club Group could be just the ticket. More of a sporty type? Why not try the City Sports and Adventures Group? Or are you something of a culture-vulture? The Kuwait City Arts & Culture Group could be an ideal way to visit some fantastic places and meet some lovely people all at once. Fancy speeding up your acquisition of Arabic, the mother tongue of most Kuwaitis, and getting to know some welcoming locals? The Kuwait City Culture Exchange Group is for you. Living in a new country almost always throws up some challenges. If you're concerned about dealing with the extremely hot summers, unsure how to find accommodation, or confused by common Arabic expressions, there’s no need to keep your worries and questions to yourself. InterNations monitors its forums and communities and ensures that everyone is polite and helpful. There’s a great sense of solidarity and a problem shared is a problem halved! So why not start exploring the Kuwait Community straight away? You’ll be amazed at how much there is to discover.