Pros and Cons of Moving to Kuwait

Known for its rich oil reserves and strong economy, Kuwait boasts a wealth of employment opportunities and is home to a fair few cultural attractions. You’ll likely move to Kuwait for a lucrative job offer, but it’s important to know what life there will be like.

Relocating to any new country has its ups and downs, and Kuwait is no exception. Below are some main pros and cons of moving to Kuwait that you should keep in mind.

Accommodation in Kuwait

+ PRO: Lots of options for accommodation

Thanks to a construction boom in Kuwait, there are many apartments and villas catering to the expat market. Almost all the apartment buildings have a haris or manager on the premises who handles small, everyday tasks for a small fee, like taking out the rubbish and arranging for cars to be washed.

- CON: Limited parking and amenities

Most buildings have limited parking spaces and amenities. Parking spaces are often not included in the blueprints of buildings, so tenants are left trying to find a spot to park far from their homes.

Lifestyle in Kuwait

+ PRO: Lots of things to do

The best time of the year to sightsee Kuwait is between October and April – the winter months. There are many museums to visit and events to attend. Failaka Island, known for its archaeological ruins, is great for a weekend getaway with the family.

+ PRO: Taking advantage of the sunshine

When summer comes to Kuwait, everything tends to slow down as people stay home more frequently. But for those who enjoy the beach, there are jet skis, beach resorts with pools, and fishing excursions that provide plenty of fun in the sun.

- CON: Extremely hot summers

Dry, hot summers with some humid days may keep expats from daring to venture out. Fortunately, every building is air-conditioned, and there are many indoor activities (such as malls and restaurants) to peruse.

- CON: Litter is common

Unfortunately, litter is a big problem in Kuwait. Many people happily throw things out of their windows instead of taking the time to find a bin. Residential areas don’t have enough large dustbins for the number of people living there, so garbage sometimes overflows into the streets.

Safety in Kuwait

+ PRO: Low crime rates

Kuwait has a low level of crime, but everyone should be aware of their surroundings, and it’s advised that women shouldn’t walk alone.

- CON: Police are known to have bad attitudes

In the event of an accident, when a report has to be filed, you may find that the police are in no rush to assist. There have been cases of police officers showing up late to the scene of an accident if it’s just a fender bender. Language is also an issue, as few police officers speak English.

Working and doing business in Kuwait

+ PRO: High salaries and no income tax

Kuwait has the highest-valued currency in the world, which means your tax-free income will go further, especially if you send some of it home.

- CON: Expats must have a Kuwaiti partner

If you’re a foreigner looking to do business in Kuwait, you must usually have a Kuwaiti partner or sponsor who will hold a majority share in the company. You may be able to acquire a licence that allows for complete foreign ownership, depending on the sector you are operating in.

Local culture in Kuwait

+ PRO: A variety of expat social organisations

If you’re an expat woman looking to make new friends, you can join clubs like the American Women’s League (AWL) or the British Ladies Society. These groups have regular meetups and are involved with schools and charity projects, offering a great way to connect with others while giving back to your community.

+ PRO: Younger generation open to expat

Younger Kuwaitis are more open to meeting expats now, making it easier to learn about Kuwaiti culture as a new arrival.

- CON: Segregation rules

As an expat, you might be surprised by the strict gender segregation laws in Kuwait. These rules can make it hard to make friends or start dating. It can also be challenging to blend into the local culture. Approaching or talking to a stranger, especially if you’re a man speaking to a woman, is generally not acceptable here.

Cost of living in Kuwait

+ PRO: Tax-free income

There is no personal income tax in Kuwait, even for expats living and working there. This means that workers in Kuwait can stretch their incomes, and they may even be able to afford luxuries that were off-limits back home.

- CON: High cost of basic goods

Although there is no income tax in Kuwait, most goods are imported, meaning there are higher charges on necessities. As an expat, you’ll also have to pay for international schools and private health insurance, further adding to your cost of living in Kuwait.

Healthcare in Kuwait

Doctor holding a stethoscope

+ PRO: Many private hospitals to choose from

Kuwait has many private hospitals, and more are being built. Medical insurance is also available for everyone but can be costly. That said, as an expat employee, your company will likely provide your insurance.

- CON: Long waits at public hospitals

If you don’t have private health insurance, the wait at government clinics and hospitals can be very long because Kuwaiti citizens are usually given priority. Expect to wait at least two hours for any visit to a public hospital.

Education and schools in Kuwait

+ PRO: Many types of international schools to choose from

There are many private schools in Kuwait. From Indian and Pakistani to American and British schools, you’ll have many options for international schools in the country.

+ PRO: Many options for college

Students can choose from several colleges, which means expat children don’t have to travel abroad for higher education. Additionally, higher education in Kuwait’s public universities is government-funded.

Transport and driving in Kuwait

- CON: Limited public transport

Public transport in Kuwait is largely limited to buses and taxis, which makes life without a car inconvenient. Buses rarely run on a schedule but are affordable, while taxis are pricier but widely available.

- CON: Dangerous driving conditions

Although Kuwait’s road infrastructure is mainly excellent, drives in the country can be aggressive, particularly when there is traffic congestion. We recommend driving defensively or hiring a local driver until you can brave Kuwaiti roads yourself.

+ PRO: Affordable petrol (gas)

Both cars and petrol (gas) are largely affordable in Kuwait. Since the country has oil reserves, petrol prices are low compared to the rest of the world, making driving more affordable here.

What do expats enjoy about living in Kuwait?
"Well, most expats when asked love the fact that the weather is sunny every day, and we live right on the beach with a fantastic view over the Gulf. Living abroad allows you the opportunity to be part of a more international community of people with fascinating tales of their home countries and travels."
Read our interview with Avril Bailey for more on life in Kuwait.
"Not much greenery or outdoor activities to do in Kuwait and it can look quite messy in some areas – rubbish and old, run-down buildings. Also the crazy driving and traffic! I miss family of course and being able to get around via public transport more easily. And grass!"
Gemma shares some downsides to living in Kuwait in this interview.

Are you an expat living in Kuwait?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Kuwait. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.