Welder

As per the Public Authority for Manpower, the minimum salary for welder positions (occupation code 7212) to obtain a work permit is 325 KWD per month as of January 2026. This applies to non-Kuwaiti workers and includes basic pay before overtime, which is paid at 1.25 times the hourly rate. Employers must declare this salary during PAM approval.

International welders require a job offer from a Kuwaiti sponsor, who applies for a work permit from PAM costing 10 KWD, valid for 3 years as of 2026. The worker then enters on a 3-month visit visa, completes medical tests (75 KWD fee), fingerprints, and obtains residency stamp from Ministry of Interior. No direct application; sponsor handles all via PAM portal.

PAM requires a minimum of 3 years verifiable experience in welding for work permit approval under occupation 7212, effective 2026. A high school diploma or technical certificate in welding is mandatory, attested by the Kuwait Embassy in the home country. No degree needed, but AWS or equivalent certification strengthens eligibility.

Submit passport copy valid 6+ months, attested experience certificates, medical fitness report, 4 photos, and CV to the sponsor for PAM submission. Sponsor provides commercial license and workforce plan approval. Processing takes 5-10 days at PAM, followed by MOI residency application with 5 KWD stamp fee.