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Annual leave in Kuwait: 30 days, eligibility and carry-over

Private-sector employees in Kuwait are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave once they qualify.

Last verified 3 November 2026. Written by the Uniqmont Kuwait editorial team from published sources.

Quick answer: Private-sector employees in Kuwait are entitled to 30 days of paid annual leave per year after a qualifying period of continuous service. Article 70, as amended by Law No. 85 of 2017, allows first-year annual leave after at least six months of service and provides proportional entitlement for fractions of a year.

How much leave you get

30 days of paid annual leave per year.
Leave is generally pro-rated if you worked less than a full year.
Article 72 allows leave to be accumulated up to two years; a longer period may be agreed by both parties.
The employer and employee agree the dates, and leave pay is normally paid before you go.

Before you qualify

Article 70, as amended by Law No. 85 of 2017, allows first-year annual leave after at least six months of service. It also provides proportional leave for a fraction of a year, so check your accrued balance with HR.

Leave at end of service

Under Article 73, accumulated annual leave is payable in cash when the employment contract ends. Keep your leave ledger and compare it with the final settlement.

Not legal advice. This is an unofficial summary. Rules, fees and eligibility can change, and your contract may give you more. Confirm with your employer, the Public Authority for Manpower, PACI or a licensed lawyer.

Official sources to confirm with

Further reading

Change log

3 Nov 2026: corrected first-year annual-leave eligibility to six months under the 2017 amendment and added the amendment reference.

End of service calculator

Estimate your indemnity.

Budget planner

Plan your month.

Frequently asked questions

How many annual leave days in Kuwait?

30 days of paid annual leave per year for private-sector employees.

When can I take annual leave?

After a qualifying period of continuous service. Article 70, as amended by Law No. 85 of 2017, allows a worker to take first-year annual leave after completing at least six months of service. It also recognises proportional leave for fractions of a year.

Can I carry leave over?

Article 72 allows leave to be accumulated up to two years; a longer period may be agreed by both parties.

Official Kuwait reference

The Kuwait National Assembly published the amended wording of Article 70, including the entitlement to annual leave in the first year after at least six months of service. Read the Kuwait National Assembly record and confirm the current rules with the competent authority or a qualified adviser.