Working in Kuwait
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Average Salary
In Kuwait, average monthly salaries across all sectors typically range from around KWD 1,200 to 3,500 (approximately $3,900 to $11,400), with variations depending on industry, role, and experience. Lower wages are common in retail and entry-level roles, while professional sectors tend to sit toward the higher end of the range.
Salaries are particularly competitive in the engineering and energy sectors, reflecting Kuwait’s oil-driven economy. Engineers working in oil, gas and energy often earn between KWD 2,200 and 3,800+ per month (around $7,100 - $12,300) with senior and specialised roles commanding even higher packages.
General information
Currency
Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
Official language
Arabic
Conversational languages
English Farsi
Time zone
Arabic Standard Time (UTC+03:00)
Common types of Employment or Contracting
Expats can work under a variety of employment or contracting arrangements, each with different benefits and obligations.
Common types of employment
Common types of contracting
Already secured a job overseas?
If you have secured an assignment but are unsure of where to start with setting up as a Freelancer or B2B contractor, please feel free to reach out to our International team for assistance.
Living in Kuwait
Living in Kuwait offers a modern, fast-paced lifestyle with a mix of traditional Arabic culture and international influences. The country is culturally and ethnically diverse, with a large expat population from South Asia, the Philippines, Europe, and other GCC countries. The cost of living can be high, especially in prime city locations and upscale housing, but fuel and utilities are relatively affordable compared to many Western countries.
- A weekly grocery shop for a small family costs around KWD 25 – 40 ($80 - $130)
- Monthly rent for a 1 – 2 bedroom city apartment is KWD 200 – 450 ($650 - $1,450), but higher in Kuwait City and Salmiya
- Monthly childcare fees can range from KWD 150 – 300 ($480 - $970)
- Petrol costs around KWD 0.12 ($0.39) per litre and diesel costs roughly KWD 0.14 ($0.45) per litre
Vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road. Expats can obtain a driver’s licence by either converting a valid foreign licence from eligible countries, or, if they don’t have one, by completing a driving school course, passing a theory and practical test, and undergoing a medical check-up.
Weather in Kuwait
Kuwait has a desert climate, characterised by extremely hot summers and mild winters. During the summer months, temperatures can soar to highs of around 45 - 50°C during the day, while nighttime lows rarely drop below 30°C. Winters are much milder, with daytime highs averaging 18-22°C and nighttime lows sometimes dipping to 8°C. Rainfall is scarce and mostly occurs in the winter, making the climate overall very dry and sunny.
Language and integration support
The official language of Kuwait is Arabic, but English is widely used in business, education, government services, and daily life, making it relatively easy for expats to navigate without Arabic fluency.
Integration support for expats includes language courses at private institutes, cultural centres, and community programmes, as well as expat networks, social clubs, and international associations that offer practical guidance and social connections. Many employers also provide orientation or onboarding support to help new arrivals adapt to local customs and regulations.
For any translation needs - especially those required for work permit or visa applications - our dedicated Languages team is ready to support you. They provide accurate, timely translations and can guide you through the process to ensure all necessary documents meet the required standards.
Our services in Kuwait
Across the globe, we support energy and engineering companies with the international recruitment and global mobilisation solutions they need to extend their capability and grow their businesses.
Find out about our international services
Global mobility
NRL Recruitment simplifies international employee relocation with seamless global mobility services. From visa assistance to cultural onboarding, we ensure your staff transitions smoothly across borders, minimising disruption and maximising productivity.
Payroll solutions
Managing payroll across multiple countries can be complex, but our payroll solutions make it simple. We handle accurate, compliant compensation for your global workforce, ensuring employees are paid correctly and on time, every time.
Global employer of record
With our global employer of record services, you can legally employ staff overseas without establishing local entities. We manage compliance, contracts, and HR administration, giving you the freedom to expand globally with confidence and ease.
International recruitment
Finding the right talent worldwide is effortless with our international recruitment solutions. We connect your business with top-tier professionals, managing the end-to-end hiring process so you can focus on growth and strategic priorities.
