The Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI) maintains Kuwait's national civil register and is the authority responsible for issuing and renewing the Civil ID (Bitaqa Madaniya) for Kuwaiti citizens and resident expatriates. Every person legally present in Kuwait receives a unique 12-digit civil number that serves as the primary identifier across virtually all government and many private-sector transactions.
The Civil ID and Civil Number
The Civil ID card carries the holder's civil number, biometric data, and - for expatriates - the expiry date of their current residence permit. The civil number acts as a universal identifier: banks, employers, medical facilities, government authorities, and many private-sector organisations require it before processing any transaction. Keeping the Civil ID current is essential for daily life in Kuwait.
How Civil ID Is Issued for Expatriates
For new arrivals, the process is linked directly to immigration:
- The employer obtains PAM approval for the work permit
- The Ministry of Interior (MOI) stamps the residence permit in the passport
- PACI then issues the Civil ID, which reflects the residence-permit expiry
Fingerprint registration is required for new residents and for certain renewals. This is done at a PACI service centre.
Status Tracking and Collection
Civil ID status can be tracked in real time through the Sahel app or on paci.gov.kw. Push notifications via Sahel alert cardholders when their Civil ID is ready for collection. Cards are collected from the designated service centre indicated in the collection notice.
Data Accuracy and Corrections
Government authorities including the MOI, PAM, and Ministry of Health cross-reference the civil number with PACI records. If there is an inaccuracy in your PACI record - such as a name spelling difference or incorrect date - it can block transactions with other agencies until corrected. Corrections require supporting documentation and, depending on the type of change, may need input from your sponsor or the MOI.
When Residency Is Cancelled
When an expatriate's residence permit is cancelled, their civil number is deactivated in the PACI system. It is reactivated when a new residence permit is granted, at which point a new or updated Civil ID is issued. Workers between residency periods should be aware that their civil number may not be functional during the gap.
Practical Importance of the Civil ID
The Civil ID is required for an extraordinarily wide range of daily activities in Kuwait. Opening a bank account, registering a vehicle, renewing a driving licence, accessing public health facilities, subscribing to a mobile phone plan, enrolling children in school, and completing most employer-initiated transactions all require a valid Civil ID or a current civil number. Workers arriving in Kuwait should prioritise completing the fingerprint registration and Civil ID collection steps as soon as their residence permit is stamped, to avoid disruption to these essential services.
PACI Service Centres
PACI operates multiple service centres across Kuwait where residents can complete fingerprint registration, submit data corrections, and collect their Civil IDs. Appointments may be required for certain services - check the PACI website or Sahel app for the current appointment booking process and centre locations before visiting.
Civil ID fees, appointment procedures, and collection timelines are reviewed periodically. Confirm requirements on the PACI portal or through the Sahel app before visiting.