🇰🇼 Kuwait · Employment & Labor
Hiring rules, employment contracts, payroll, social insurance, and EOR options.
Quick answer
Kuwaiti private-sector employment under the Labour Law (overseen by PAM) has no income tax, a minimum wage set by decree, 30 days' paid annual leave, and an end-of-service indemnity based on your wage and years of service. Disputes go through the labour department and the courts.
Private-sector employment is governed by the Kuwait Labour Law, administered through the Public Authority of Manpower.
- Written contracts are required and registered with the Public Authority of Manpower.
- End-of-service indemnity is payable to employees on termination.
- Kuwaitization targets apply to hiring in parts of the private sector.
Step-by-step
- 1
Get a written contract
You should have a written contract registered with PAM; expatriate work is tied to a residency/work permit.
- 2
Know your pay and hours rights
A minimum wage applies by decree; standard hours are 8/day, 48/week (reduced in Ramadan), with overtime.
- 3
Understand leave
You get 30 days' paid annual leave a year (after qualifying service), plus sick leave and public holidays.
- 4
Register with PAM and social insurance
Employment is registered with the Public Authority for Manpower; Kuwaiti nationals have PIFSS social insurance.
- 5
Know the end-of-service indemnity
On leaving you receive an end-of-service indemnity based on your final wage and years of service.
- 6
Resolve disputes
Raise issues with the labour department (PAM) and, if unresolved, the courts.
Checklist
- Written contract registered with PAM
- Work/residency permit (expats)
- Minimum wage (by decree) + 8h/48h + overtime
- 30 days' annual leave + sick leave
- No income tax
- End-of-service indemnity
- Anti-discrimination protections
- Dispute route (PAM labour dept / courts)
Official authorities
- Public Authority of Manpower
Labour relations and standards.
Frequently asked questions
Is there income tax on salaries in Kuwait?
No — Kuwait does not levy personal income tax on wages.
What is the end-of-service indemnity?
A lump sum on termination, broadly 15 days' pay per year for the first five years and a month per year after, based on your wage.
How much annual leave do I get?
30 days' paid annual leave a year once you meet the qualifying service period.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.