Pharmacist Salary in Kuwait and how to become one: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Kuwait is one of the top salaried GCC countries who attracts pharmacists for better career growth. Pharmacists widely plan to start their career in Kuwait due to a better salary package, tax-free income, and chance to work in a modern healthcare system.

Pharmacy candidates from Arabic and Asian countries prefer to work in Kuwait for several reasons. Becoming a pharmacist in Kuwait can be a great career move.

This blog will guide you through everything you need to know, from eligibility, documents, exams, and licensing procedure, pharmacists salaries in Kuwait.

Why choose Kuwait as an overseas pharmacist?

Pharmacists who are qualified from overseas must know the licensing process of becoming a registered pharmacist in Kuwait. Lets see what are the strong reasons to prefer this country as destination for pharmacists:

• Attractive salaries: significantly higher amount of earning compared to that of other Asian countries according to experience level. Average salary ranges from KWD 800-1,500

• 100% tax-free income: no income tax reduction from the pharmacist salary in kuwait

• High demand for healthcare professionals: pharmacists are always in demand, for an expanding healthcare sector.

• Job security: Government and private healthcare institutions offer long-term contracts and career stability with higher pharmacist salary in kuwait

• Immigrant-friendly lifestyle: A large Indian and international community make it easy to settle

What are the eligibility criteria to work as a pharmacist in Kuwait?

To apply for pharmacists job in Kuwait, you must meet certain conditions:

1. Educational qualification: a Bpharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy)-a bachelor's degree or PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) form a recognized institution.

2. A valid pharmacists registration/license in your home country as a proof of professional pharmacy license

3. Usually 2+ years of work post-licensure in your home country(some employers may accept fresh graduates)

4. Good standing certificate from the home country’s pharmacy council is a must before starting the practice to show there is no legal or disciplinary issues for the candidate

5. Proficiency in Arabic language is an added advantage, but it's not a mandatory requirement

What is the complete licensing process to become a pharmacist in Kuwait?

All internationally qualified pharmacists must obtain a license from the Ministry of Health (MOH) Kuwait, before practicing. The process involves the following steps:

Step 1: collect and verify all the required documents for the application

Candidates can prepare the following documents for submission.

Degree certificate

• Transcripts of records

• Pharmacists licensure from home country

• Internship/experience certificate

• Passport copy

• Curriculum vitae (CV)

• Passport size photograph

• Good standing certificate from your pharmacy council

  Candidates has to attest all the above mentioned documents from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in your home country and Kuwaiti embassy

• Educational documents must be attested by the Government of India.

• Candidates must submit their employment letter and educational documents to the Drug Inspection Authority.

• Candidates must complete training at a specified government hospital before the exam.

• After training, candidates take a test that is sent to the Drug Control Department.

• Candidates can schedule their pharmacy exam after receiving verification results from ISVSC.

• The written exam will be conducted using an OMR sheet and followed by an oral exam if passed.

• A Kuwait Pharmacist Identity Card is issued after paying a membership fee to the Kuwait Pharmacy Association.

• The licensing process can take several months depending on various factors.

Step 2: Submit the application to Kuwait MOH

Candidates must submit all the required documents as an application to the Licensing department of Kuwaiti Ministry of Health. This procedure can be done by the candidates themselves or by an employer who is sponsoring them.

Step 3: attempt the Kuwait MOH Pharmacist Exam

Internationally trained pharmacists must successfully clear the examination before starting their practice. To prove their competency in pharmacy, they must clear the Kuwaiti MOH Licensing exam for pharmacists.

Exam format:

• Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

• Syllabus covers: Pharmacology, Pharmaceutics, Clinical pharmacy, Pharmaceutical calculations, Pharmacotherapy and pharmacy law

• This exam is conducted in English language

• Prepare with updated MOH pharmacist exam MCQs to boost your chances of success

Step 4: get your license and job placement

Once the candidates clear the exam and also fulfill other requirements, they will receive a Kuwait Pharmacist license. After that you can officially work as a pharmacist in government hospitals, clinics, or community pharmacies.

Job advertisements for pharmacists often specify the need for bilingual skills, particularly in English and Arabic.

Pharmacists are encouraged to apply through online job portals, recruitment agencies, or directly to healthcare institutions in Kuwait.

What is the average Pharmacist salary in Kuwait?

Average salary of a pharmacist in Kuwait vary based on experience, qualification, and employer.

This makes Kuwait one of the most financially rewarding destination for pharmacist

• As of 2024, the average salary for a pharmacist in Kuwait ranges between KWD 349 to KWD 2,000 per month.

• Entry-level pharmacists typically start with salaries around 1,070 KWD per month.

• Pharmacists with more experience, such as 3-7 years, earn 50-66% more than entry-level pharmacists.

• Pharmacists with 15+ years of experience see average salaries increase by another 50-67%.

• Pharmacists with MOH licensing and specialized training earn 15-20% more than general pharmacists.

• Pharmacy managers and senior clinical pharmacists in top private hospitals can earn over KWD 3,000 per month.

• Private hospitals and pharmaceutical companies pay 20-30% more than government jobs for senior pharmacists.

• Private sector pharmacists earn 25-50% more than public sector pharmacists on average.

What are the Jobs in Kuwait for pharmacists with higher salaries?

Licensed Pharmacists in Kuwait can work it:

• Government Hospitals: Managed by Ministry of Health offers new opportunities

• Private Hospital & clinics: growing sector in healthcare landscape with high demand

• Retail / community Pharmacies: large pharmacy chains recruits foreign pharmacist with competitive compensation to achieve sales targets

• Pharmaceutical companies: for roles in regulatory affairs, sales, research and business development

• Academic institutions: Teaching position for experienced pharmacists

What are the Challenges to Consider for healthcare professionals?

While the country offers excellent opportunities, they are some challenges which pharmacists may face:

• Licensing exams can be difficult . It may require strong preparation

• Candidates must secure an employment letter before applying for the MOH exam.

• Limited career mobility compared to the western countries

• Arabic language can be a barrier in patient communication

• Candidates are forced to be on contract with the employer as per the country laws which will restrict switching employers

Key takeaways-pharmacy jobs, monthly salary, and more.

• To become a pharmacist in Kuwait, you must have a pharmacy degree, valid license and pass the Kuwait MOH exam.

• Salaries are highly attractive, ranging from KWD 800 - 1,500 average monthly salary, With tax free income.

• Job opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, community pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies with competitive salaries in gulf region.

• Early preparation for the MOH exam and proper document attestation are crucial for success.

Final words:

Working as a licensed pharmacist in Kuwait offers excellent financial stability and professional growth for international pharmacists. With the right preparation and guidance, you can clear the licensing requirements and build a successful pharmacy career in Kuwait.

If you are planning to move, start your preparation for the Kuwait MOH pharmacist exam early and keep all your documents ready. Kuwait continues to welcome skilled healthcare professionals, and this could be your best career move in 2025

About the Author

Krupa Karamchand

Content Writer | Elite Expertise

Krupa Karamchand is a B. Pharm graduate and KAPS-qualified pharmacist with over 7 years of experience in the pharmaceutical field. As an experienced SEO content writer, she combines her in-depth healthcare knowledge with proven digital strategies to create informative, engaging, and search engine–optimized blogs. Krupa is passionate about making complex medical topics easy to understand and accessible to all readers.

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