How Much Does a Maid Cost in Kuwait? (2026 Official Breakdown)
Hiring a domestic worker in Kuwait involves two primary financial considerations: upfront recruitment & licensing fees and recurring monthly salaries. Both are heavily regulated by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Public Authority for Manpower (PAM) to protect employers and workers alike.
1. Monthly Maid Salaries by Nationality in Kuwait
Monthly wages are influenced by bilateral labor accords between Kuwait and worker origin governments, as well as prior Gulf experience:
| Worker Nationality | First-Time Hire (Fresh) | Experienced (Prior GCC) | Legal Minimum Accord |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philippines (Filipino) | KD 120 – KD 130 / mo | KD 140 – KD 150 / mo | USD 400 (~KD 123) |
| Ethiopia | KD 90 – KD 100 / mo | KD 105 – KD 110 / mo | Standard PAM Accord |
| India | KD 100 – KD 110 / mo | KD 120 – KD 130 / mo | Standard Accord |
| Sri Lanka | KD 100 – KD 110 / mo | KD 120 – KD 130 / mo | SLBFE Benchmark |
2. Official Ministry of Commerce Agency Fee Caps
Under Ministerial Resolution, recruitment agencies in Kuwait are prohibited from charging more than the statutory maximum limits:
- Asian Domestic Workers (Philippines, Sri Lanka, India): Capped at KD 700 to KD 750.
- African Domestic Workers (Ethiopia): Capped at KD 575 to KD 650.
- Direct Passport Sourcing (Employer provides passport copy): Capped at KD 350.
3. Government Residency & Processing Expenses (Article 20)
Beyond agency placement, employers pay official government administrative costs:
| Fee Component | Estimated Cost | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Visa Issuance (Sahel) | KD 3 – KD 5 | One-Time |
| Medical Screening (MOH Ports & Borders) | KD 10 | One-Time |
| Health Insurance Guarantee | KD 10 / year | Annual |
| Residency Permit Stamping (Article 20) | KD 10 / year (First domestic worker for Kuwaiti citizen is nominal; expatriates pay statutory MOI rate) | Annual / Biennial |
| PACI Civil ID Card & Delivery | KD 5 | Bi-Annual |