An Article 18 visa is the residence category in Kuwait for foreign workers employed in the private sector, named after the relevant article of the residency law. The worker's residence is tied to a private-sector sponsor (the employer), who is responsible for issuing and renewing the permit.
Holders can generally transfer to a new private-sector employer subject to conditions, which have historically included rules around how long the worker has been with the current sponsor and the employer's agreement or applicable waivers. Transfer rules, required service periods, and any associated fees have been adjusted by the authorities over time.
Because the conditions for transfer and renewal change, workers should confirm the current Article 18 transfer rules, waiting periods, and costs with Kuwait's manpower authority (PAM) before acting.