Kuwait Medical License Guide
Your step-by-step roadmap for Pakistani doctors (GPs & Specialists) to successfully obtain a medical license in Kuwait.
Get StartedEligibility Criteria
Understand the requirements for Pakistani doctors seeking a license in Kuwait.
General Requirements (All Applicants)
- Medical Degree: MBBS from a recognized Pakistani college (acceptable to Kuwait MOHE, PMDC/PMC recognized).
- House Job/Internship: Completed one-year post-MBBS internship (certificate required).
- Pakistan License: Valid PMDC/PMC registration. Certificate of Good Standing highly recommended.
- Experience: Internship certificate minimum. Additional experience (MO/GP) letters strengthen the application.
- Language: No specific test, but KMLE is in English. Training in Pakistan is usually English-based.
Additional Criteria for Specialists
- Postgraduate Qualification: Recognized specialist degree (FCPS, MD, MS, MRCP, FRCS etc.). Must be verified/accepted in Kuwait.
- Specialist Registration: Evidence of specialist registration in Pakistan (PMDC/PMC, CPSP).
- Specialty Experience: Detailed experience letters. 2-3+ years post-specialization is advantageous.
- Exam Category: Prepare for the KMLE in your specific specialty.
Required Documents Checklist
Gather these essential documents for your application.
- Application Letter: Formal request to MOH Medical Licensing Dept.
- Passport Copy: Clear ID page copy (+ Civil ID if in Kuwait).
- MBBS Degree Certificate: Attested copy (EPIC verification likely needed).
- Medical School Transcript: Attested if available (may be needed for equivalency).
- House Job Certificate: Proof of one-year internship completion.
- Postgraduate Diploma/Certificate: (Specialists) Attested copies (FCPS, MD, etc.) + translations if needed.
- Pakistan License & Good Standing: PMDC/PMC registration + Certificate of Good Standing.
- Experience Letters: From employers detailing roles and durations.
- Passport-size Photographs: 2-3 recent photos (white/light blue background).
- Kuwait Medical Association (KMA) Membership: Required in final stages (submit certificate/receipt).
- Other Documents: Job offer (if any), optional certificates (ACLS/BLS).
Attestation & Verification
Documents need proper validation:
- Attestation Path: HEC (Pakistan) → MOFA (Pakistan) → Kuwait Embassy (Pakistan) → Kuwait MOHE (Equivalency).
- EPIC Verification Path: Upload credentials to ECFMG EPIC portal for primary source verification direct with your Pakistani institutions.
- Translation: Documents not in English/Arabic need official certified translation.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow this workflow from preparation to final license issuance.
1
Verify Credentials via EPIC
- Create an account on the ECFMG EPIC site.
- Confirm identity (notarized form, passport).
- Upload MBBS & postgraduate certificates; select "Kuwait Ministry of Health".
- Timeline: Few weeks to months (depends on institution response).
- Fees: Approx. $125 (account) + ~$90 per credential.
- Exemption possible if already verified by Kuwait MOHE.
2
Create MOH Portal Account
- Register on the Kuwait MOH website (Medical Licenses section, e.g., medlic.moh.gov.kw).
- Complete profile (personal, education, experience).
- Select "New Personal License" (Physician).
- Fill application form accurately.
- Upload scanned required documents (attach EPIC report/ID if available).
- Submit and await preliminary approval.
3
Pay Exam Fee & Get Authorization
- Exam Fee: Approx. 100 KWD (~$300-330 USD). Pay online via MOH portal or Prometric.
- Receive Eligibility Number / Authorization from MOH after payment.
- Schedule KMLE via Prometric (centers in Kuwait & Pakistan available).
- Choose GP or Specialty exam based on your profile.
4
Pass the KMLE (Prometric Exam)
- Format: Computer-based, 150 MCQs, ~170 mins, English.
- Content: Broad for GPs (Med, Surg, Peds, OBGYN etc.); focused for Specialists. Includes ethics/safety.
- Passing Score: Aim for ~70% (official threshold ~65-70%).
- Attempts: Up to 3 attempts allowed (6-week wait between retakes).
- Preparation: Use reliable resources (e.g., Edubros QBanks/Courses - *promotional hint*).
- Results: Preliminary often immediate; official results in days.
5
Attend MOH Personal Interview (in Kuwait)
- Scheduled after passing KMLE. Must travel to Kuwait.
- Bring all original documents + copies.
- Interview Panel: Medical Licensing Dept. / Committees.
- Purpose: Mainly document verification, maybe brief clinical questions.
- Outcome: Recommendation for license issuance if all clear.
6
Obtain KMA Membership
- Visit KMA office (Jabriya, Kuwait).
- Fill form, pay fee (~KD 20-30/year), show credentials.
- Receive membership certificate/receipt.
- Submit copy to MOH.
- Note: KIMS registration might be needed later for CME (govt. roles).
7
Final Registration & License Issuance
- Submit final documents (KMA proof etc.) to complete MOH file.
- Pay License Issuance Fee: ~KD 20 (govt.) / ~KD 50 (private) - subject to change.
- Receive official medical license document/card.
- Validity: Typically 1-2 years (renewable with CME proof & fee).
Fees & Timeline Overview
Get a quick estimate of costs and duration.
Approximate Fees
- ECFMG EPIC:
- ~$125 (account) + ~$90 per credential
- KMLE Exam (Prometric):
- ~100 KWD (~$300-330 USD) per attempt
- KMA Membership:
- ~20-30 KWD per year
- License Issuance:
- ~20 KWD (Govt.) / ~50 KWD (Private)
- Attestation/Translation:
- Varies (based on Pakistan fees & translator)
- Total Estimate (Excl. Attest/Translate):
- Likely $500 - $800+ USD (depending on credentials & attempts)
Typical Timeline
- Document Prep & EPIC: 4–12 weeks
- MOH Application & Exam Scheduling: 2–4 weeks
- Exam Preparation: 4–8 weeks (can overlap)
- Exam Results: ~1 week
- Interview & Travel: 2–4 weeks
- Post-Interview License Issuance: 1–2 weeks
- Total Estimated Time:
- Roughly 3–6 months (if smooth process & first attempt pass)
Official Resources & Contacts
Use these official channels for accurate information and support.
Kuwait MOH
Kuwait Medical Association (KMA)
ECFMG EPIC
Prometric (KMLE)
Schedule and manage your KMLE exam.
Find Kuwait MOH Exam Other Official References