Leaving Kuwait: your checklist

Leaving Kuwait goes smoothly if your dues are clear first. Unpaid fines, bills or loans can stop you at the airport.

Updated 29 October 2026 · 11 items

Work and final settlement

Resign with the notice your contract requires
Check your end-of-service indemnityIt grows with your years of service; resigning early can reduce it. Check your contract and the labour law.
Collect final pay and unused leave

Clear your dues

Pay all traffic finesKuwait checks unpaid fines before departure.
Settle electricity, water and phone billsUnpaid bills can also hold you up.
Clear loans and credit cardsUnpaid debts can lead to a travel ban.

Money, home and car

Move your money, then close the bank accountMoving your money.
End your lease and get your deposit back
Sell the car and transfer ownership

Residence and family

Your employer cancels your residenceMake sure family residencies you sponsor are cancelled too.
Get children's transfer certificates attestedBy the education ministry and the Indian embassy, if the new school asks.

Questions

Can I leave Kuwait with unpaid traffic fines?

No. Kuwait checks unpaid traffic fines before expatriates leave, and other unpaid dues or debts can lead to a travel ban. Clear everything before your flight.

Does Kuwait tax my salary or savings?

No. Kuwait has no personal income tax, so there's nothing to file when you leave. Keep salary and bank records: India may ask how your savings were earned.

Are my ticks saved?

Yes, in this browser on this device. Nothing is sent to us. Clearing your browser data, or opening the page on another device, starts a fresh list.

Will your money last after the move?

The free retirement planner works it out year by year, with Indian inflation, your children's costs and a stress test.

Open the retirement planner

General information for planning, not financial, tax or legal advice. Rules change: check anything important with the official source.