What is the Sahel App? — Kuwait's Government Super-App
Sahel (سهل — meaning "easy" in Arabic) is Kuwait's official government mobile application, launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Interior. It is a single platform giving access to 40+ government services from MOI, PACI, MEW and other ministries — all in English and Arabic, on your phone.
📱 Before you start: You must install Kuwait Mobile ID app first — it is a mandatory companion app required for Sahel authentication. Sahel will not work without it.
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Download & Update Guide
Android, iPhone, latest version 2026
Sahel App in English
Switch language, login, register
Download Sahel App — Android & iPhone
Install both apps in order — Kuwait Mobile ID first, then Sahel.
Step 1 — Download Kuwait Mobile ID (Required First)
Step 2 — Download Sahel App
How to Set Up Sahel in English — Video Tutorial
Watch this short video showing exactly how to switch the Sahel app to English and log in step by step.
🎥 Video Tutorial — Most Watched
Kuwait Sahel App in English — Full Setup Guide
Video: How to switch Sahel app to English and log in. Published February 2024.
📋 Written Step-by-Step — Switch Sahel to English & Login
- 1Open Sahel app. Before doing anything, look for the language/globe icon on the home screen and tap it. Select English. Do this before logging in.
- 2Enter your 12-digit Civil ID number in the field provided. Accept the terms and conditions. Tap Submit.
- 3A notification will appear in your Kuwait Mobile ID app. Open Kuwait Mobile ID.
- 4In Kuwait Mobile ID, tap Authentication. Enter your PIN or use fingerprint. Tap Approve.
- 5Return to Sahel app. Tap OK. You are now logged in with the app fully in English.
- 6Always tap Log Out after each session for security. Your session does not auto-save.
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If you log in before selecting English, the app will be in Arabic. Log out, then tap the language icon on the home screen to switch before logging in again.
How to Book a Biometric Appointment — Video Tutorial
Biometric appointments are required for iqama (residency) applications and renewals. Book via Sahel in minutes — no queue at the traffic department.
🎥 Video Tutorial — Biometric Booking
How to Convert Sahel App to English & Book Services
Video: Sahel app English conversion and service navigation guide. Published March 2024.
📅 Book a Biometric Appointment — Step by Step
- 1Log into Sahel app in English (see steps above).
- 2Tap Appointments from the bottom navigation bar.
- 3Tap Book an Appointment.
- 4Select Ministry of Interior from the list of government agencies.
- 5Select General Department of Criminal Evidence.
- 6Tap Biometric Fingerprint.
- 7Select your nearest branch from the available locations.
- 8Choose your preferred date and time slot.
- 9Tap Book to confirm. You will receive an SMS confirmation.
- 10Arrive 10 minutes early with your original passport and Civil ID.
💡 Biometric appointments at shopping malls (Avenues, 360 Mall) are often faster to book than government office appointments. Check all branch options when selecting your location.
All Services Available on Sahel — 40+ in One App
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Civil ID Status
Check PACI card status & expiry
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License Renewal
Renew driving license via MOI
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Biometric Appt
Book fingerprint appointment
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MEW Bills
Electricity & water payments
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Traffic Fines
View & pay violations online
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Residency Status
View iqama details & expiry
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Istimara Renewal
Vehicle registration renewal
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SIM Services
Suspend or activate SIM card
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My Documents
View all official documents
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Notifications
Alerts from all ministries
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MOI Services
All Interior Ministry services
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Education
Ministry of Education services
Update Civil ID Address on Sahel — Step by Step
Moved to a new home in Kuwait? You are legally required to update your Civil ID address within 30 days of moving. Failure to do so carries a fine of up to KD 100. The entire process is now done online via Sahel — no PACI office visit needed.
🎥 Video Tutorial — Address Update via Sahel
How to Update Civil ID Address on Sahel App Kuwait
Video: Step-by-step Civil ID address update via Sahel app Kuwait.
🏠 Update Civil ID Address via Sahel App
- 1Open Sahel app. Tap the globe icon to switch to English. Log in with your Civil ID and authenticate via Kuwait Mobile ID.
- 2Tap Services from the bottom navigation bar.
- 3Select Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI).
- 4Tap Civil ID Services.
- 5Select Address Update (تحديث العنوان).
- 6Enter your new address details: governorate, area, block number, street, building number, flat number. These must match exactly what is written on your building's address plate near the entrance or elevator.
- 7Upload a photo of your building address plate (the official address sign near the entrance or elevator). This is mandatory for verification.
- 8Review all details carefully and tap Submit. You will receive an SMS confirmation that your request has been submitted.
- 9Your updated Civil ID with the new address will be processed by PACI. Collect from a PACI branch, automated kiosk, or request home delivery once you receive an SMS that it is ready.
💡 The address plate photo is the most common reason for rejection — make sure it is clear, readable, and matches the address you entered exactly. Take the photo in good lighting before starting the application.
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Update within 30 days of moving. Late updates carry fines up to KD 100. Your new address must also match your iqama records — if your sponsor's address has changed, inform your HR to update the work permit file with PAM separately.
Renew Istimara (Vehicle Registration) on Sahel — Step by Step
Kuwait vehicle registration (Istimara / دفتر السيارة) must be renewed annually. You can now renew online via Sahel without visiting Maroor — provided your vehicle has no outstanding fines and is not due for technical inspection (Fahs).
🚘 Renew Vehicle Registration (Istimara) via Sahel App
- 1Open Sahel app. Switch to English via the globe icon. Log in with your Civil ID and authenticate via Kuwait Mobile ID.
- 2Tap Services from the bottom navigation bar.
- 3Select Ministry of Interior (MOI).
- 4Tap Traffic Services.
- 5Select Vehicle License Renewal (تجديد رخصة المركبة).
- 6Your registered vehicles appear automatically. Select the vehicle you want to renew.
- 7Confirm your valid vehicle insurance is active. If not, renew insurance first at beema.iru.gov.kw before proceeding — this is a mandatory prerequisite.
- 8Review the renewal details and fee. Pay using KNET, Visa, or Mastercard.
- 9Download and save your payment receipt. Your updated Istimara is processed and can be collected from a Maroor office or authorized kiosk. You will receive an SMS when it is ready.
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Online renewal is blocked if: your vehicle has outstanding traffic fines, your vehicle insurance has expired, or your vehicle is due for Fahs Al-Fanni (technical inspection). Clear all fines first via Sahel → MOI → Traffic → My Traffic Violations, then renew insurance, then proceed.
💡 Driving with an expired Istimara carries an immediate fine in Kuwait. Set a reminder 1 month before expiry — the renewal date is printed on your current registration card.
Check & Pay Electricity Bill (MEW) on Sahel — Step by Step
Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) bills can be checked via Sahel. Note: Sahel shows your outstanding balance — full payment is completed via the MEW-PAY app or MEW website. Unpaid bills can block your exit clearance when leaving Kuwait.
⚡ Check MEW Electricity Bill via Sahel App
- 1Open Sahel app. Switch to English and log in with your Civil ID via Kuwait Mobile ID.
- 2Tap Services from the bottom navigation bar.
- 3Select Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW).
- 4Tap Bill Inquiry or Outstanding Bills.
- 5Your outstanding MEW balance linked to your Civil ID appears. Note the amount and reference number.
- 6To pay, use the MEW-PAY app (available on Google Play and App Store) or visit mew.gov.kw. Log in with your Civil ID and pay via KNET or card.
💡 Tenants: The bill is registered under the property owner's Civil ID, not yours. Ask your landlord for the account number to check the bill directly on the MEW website or MEW-PAY app using that account number.
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Unpaid MEW bills are linked to your Civil ID and can block exit clearance when leaving Kuwait permanently. Pay all outstanding balances before your final departure.
Renew Civil ID on Sahel — Step by Step
Your Kuwait Civil ID (Bataka Madaniya) must be renewed before it expires. Expats must renew their iqama first — Civil ID renewal follows automatically. The process is now fully online via Sahel for most cases.
🪪 Renew Civil ID via Sahel App
- 1Open Sahel app. Switch to English and log in with your Civil ID via Kuwait Mobile ID.
- 2Tap Services from the bottom navigation bar.
- 3Select Public Authority for Civil Information (PACI).
- 4Tap Card Services.
- 5Select Card Renewal (تجديد البطاقة).
- 6Your details appear automatically. Verify your name, Civil ID number, and address are correct before proceeding.
- 7Pay the renewal fee via KNET or card. Save the payment receipt and reference number.
- 8Choose your collection method: PACI branch, automated kiosk (available at malls, co-ops, banks, airport), or home delivery (paid service, ~3 working days). You will receive an SMS when the card is ready.
- 9When collecting, bring your old Civil ID card — it must be surrendered or inserted at the kiosk for verification. If lost, bring your passport and proof of loss.
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Expats — renew iqama first. Your Civil ID validity is tied to your residency permit. Renew your iqama through your employer before attempting Civil ID renewal. Attempting to renew on an expired iqama will be rejected.
💡 Civil ID kiosks at shopping malls (The Avenues, 360 Mall, Marina Mall) often have shorter queues than PACI branches and operate extended hours including evenings and weekends.
Download Salary Certificate on Sahel — Step by Step
Kuwait's Sahel app lets you download an official salary certificate (شهادة راتب) directly from the Public Authority of Manpower — no employer signature needed. Accepted for bank loans, visa applications, driving license, and tenancy contracts.
🎥 Video Tutorial — Salary Certificate
How to Download Salary Certificate via Sahel App
Video: How to download your official salary certificate via Sahel app Kuwait.
📄 Download Salary Certificate via Sahel App
- 1Open Sahel app. Tap the globe icon to switch to English. Log in with your Civil ID and authenticate via Kuwait Mobile ID.
- 2Tap Services from the bottom navigation bar.
- 3Select Public Authority of Manpower (PAM) from the ministry list.
- 4Tap Expatriate Labour Service.
- 5Select Salary Certificate (شهادة راتب).
- 6Your details are pulled automatically from your work permit file — name, Civil ID, employer, and registered salary. Review them carefully.
- 7Tap Issue Certificate. The certificate is generated instantly as a PDF with an official PAM stamp and QR code.
- 8Download and save the PDF. Share directly from the app — it is digitally signed and verifiable by any bank or authority.
💡 The salary shown is your PAM-registered salary — the amount your employer officially declared to the government. If this differs from your actual salary, contact your HR to update the work permit file with PAM first.
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The certificate is only valid if your iqama is active and your work permit is current. An expired residency will block issuance.
Pay Traffic Fines on Sahel — Step by Step
🚦 Pay Fines via Sahel App
- 1Log into Sahel app.
- 2Tap MOI Services from the bottom navigation.
- 3Tap Traffic → then My Traffic Violations.
- 4All outstanding fines linked to your Civil ID appear. Select which fines to pay.
- 5Tap Pay → choose KNET, Visa or Mastercard.
- 6Download and save your payment receipt.
Check Travel Ban on Sahel — Step by Step
Before travelling, always check if you have an active travel ban. A ban prevents exit at the airport — the system flags your Civil ID at immigration. Check in advance via Sahel.
🚫 Check Travel Ban via Sahel App
- 1Open Sahel app and tap the globe icon to switch to English (top of home screen). Log in with your Civil ID and authenticate via Kuwait Mobile ID.
- 2Tap Services from the bottom navigation bar.
- 3Scroll and select Ministry of Justice.
- 4Tap Inquiry Services.
- 5Tap Inquiry about Travel Ban Orders (also shown as "Check Travel Ban").
- 6The result appears instantly. If a ban exists, it shows the case number, reason, issuing authority, and amount due.
- 7To pay and clear the ban, tap the case → select Pay → use KNET or card. Save the receipt. Re-check status after 1–2 business days to confirm removal.
💡 Sahel also sends a push notification automatically when a travel ban is issued or cancelled on your file. Enable notifications in your phone settings to stay informed instantly.
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Always verify the ban is cleared in Sahel before heading to the airport. System updates can take 1–3 business days after settlement.
Apply for Exit Permit on Sahel — Step by Step
Since 1 July 2025, all private sector expats (Article 18) must get employer approval via Sahel before leaving Kuwait. This applies to every trip — holidays, emergency, or final departure.
🛫 Request Exit Permit via Sahel App
- 1Log into Sahel app in English.
- 2Tap Services from the bottom bar.
- 3Select Public Authority of Manpower.
- 4Tap Expatriate Labour Service.
- 5Tap Issuing Exit Permit.
- 6Select your departure date and expected return date from the calendar. Double-check these — errors cause complications.
- 7Tap Submit Application. The request is sent automatically to your employer.
- 8Monitor status inside Sahel. Once your employer approves, the permit is issued instantly. Take a screenshot.
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Apply at least 2–3 days before travel. The permit requires your employer to approve — submission alone is not enough.
Check Iqama (Residency) Status on Sahel — Step by Step
Check your residency validity, expiry date, and any pending fines without visiting a government office. Essential before booking flights or renewing other services.
🪪 Check Iqama Status via Sahel App
- 1Log into Sahel app.
- 2Tap My Data from the home screen or bottom navigation.
- 3Select MOI (Ministry of Interior).
- 4Tap Residency Information or Residence Permit Details.
- 5Your iqama details appear: Article type, expiry date, sponsor name, and status.
- 6If fines are showing, tap to view the amount and reason. Pay directly through Sahel using KNET or card.
💡 Set a reminder 2 months before your iqama expiry to allow time for employer renewal. Late renewal incurs daily fines. See our full Iqama Renewal Guide.
Renew Driving License on Sahel — Step by Step
🚗 Driving License Renewal via Sahel App
- 1Log into Sahel app. Ensure your iqama is valid — you cannot renew a license on an expired residency.
- 2Tap Services → Ministry of Interior.
- 3Select Traffic Services.
- 4Tap Renew Driving License.
- 5Confirm your details. Pay the renewal fee (KD 10) via KNET or card.
- 6Collect your physical license card from the Traffic Department or an authorized kiosk. You will receive an SMS when it is ready.
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Clear all outstanding traffic fines first — renewal is blocked if you have unpaid violations. Check fines in Sahel under MOI → Traffic → My Traffic Violations.
Apply for Sick Leave on Sahel — Video Tutorial
Watch how to submit a sick leave application directly through the Sahel app — no paperwork, no office visit needed.
Sahel App Not Working? — Troubleshooting Guide
❌ Cannot log in
Ensure Kuwait Mobile ID is installed and active. Update both apps. Try clearing cache in phone settings.
❌ App stuck in Arabic
Log out completely. On the home screen, tap the language/globe icon before logging in again. Select English.
❌ Authentication notification not appearing
Check Kuwait Mobile ID notifications are enabled in your phone settings. Open Kuwait Mobile ID manually and tap Authentication.
❌ App crashes on opening
Update Sahel app to the latest version from Play Store or App Store. Uninstall and reinstall if update does not help.
❌ Services not loading
Check your internet connection. Government servers can be slow during peak hours (8–10am, 12–2pm). Try again later.
❌ Still not working
Call Wasil Government Help Center: 101 (within Kuwait). Available Sunday–Thursday, 7am–3pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my travel ban on the Sahel app?▾
Log in → Services → Ministry of Justice → Inquiry Services → Inquiry about Travel Ban Orders. Results appear instantly showing any active ban, the reason, and amount due. You can pay directly through Sahel to clear the ban. Always re-check status 1–2 business days after payment to confirm removal before travelling.
How do I apply for an exit permit on the Sahel app?▾
Log in → Services → Public Authority of Manpower → Expatriate Labour Service → Issuing Exit Permit. Enter your departure and return dates, then submit. Your employer receives the request automatically and must approve it. The permit is issued instantly once approved. Apply at least 2–3 days before travel. See our full Exit Permit Guide for more detail.
How do I check my iqama (residency) validity on Sahel?▾
Log in → My Data → MOI → Residency Information. Your iqama expiry date, Article type, sponsor details, and any pending fines are displayed. No government office visit needed.
How do I update my Civil ID address on the Sahel app?▾
Log in → Services → PACI → Civil ID Services → Address Update. Enter your new address details (governorate, area, block, street, building, flat number) and upload a clear photo of your building's address plate near the entrance or elevator. Submit the request. Collect your updated Civil ID from a PACI branch, kiosk, or via home delivery once ready. Update within 30 days of moving to avoid fines up to KD 100.
How do I renew my Istimara (vehicle registration) on the Sahel app?▾
Log in → Services → Ministry of Interior → Traffic Services → Vehicle License Renewal. Select your vehicle, confirm insurance is valid, pay the renewal fee via KNET or card. Collect the updated Istimara from a Maroor office or kiosk. Online renewal is blocked if you have outstanding traffic fines or expired insurance — clear these first.
Can I pay my electricity (MEW) bill through the Sahel app?▾
Sahel shows your outstanding MEW balance under Services → Ministry of Electricity and Water → Bill Inquiry. For payment, use the MEW-PAY app or mew.gov.kw — both accept KNET and card. Unpaid MEW bills can block exit clearance when leaving Kuwait permanently.
How do I renew my Civil ID on the Sahel app?▾
Log in → Services → PACI → Card Services → Card Renewal. Verify your details, pay the fee via KNET or card, then choose collection by PACI branch, kiosk, or home delivery. Expats must renew their iqama first — Civil ID renewal on an expired residency will be rejected. Bring your old Civil ID card when collecting.
How do I set up the Sahel app in English?▾
Download Kuwait Mobile ID first, then Sahel. Open Sahel and tap the language icon on the home screen — select English before logging in. Enter your Civil ID, tap Submit, then approve the notification in Kuwait Mobile ID. Return to Sahel and tap OK. You are now logged in with the full app in English.
Do I need Kuwait Mobile ID to use Sahel?▾
Yes — Kuwait Mobile ID is mandatory. It handles all authentication for Sahel. Every login requires you to approve a notification in Kuwait Mobile ID using your fingerprint or PIN. Without it installed and active, Sahel cannot work at all.
How do I book a biometric appointment on Sahel?▾
Log in → Appointments → Book an Appointment → Ministry of Interior → General Department of Criminal Evidence → Biometric Fingerprint → Select branch → Choose date and time → Book. You receive an SMS confirmation. Arrive 10 minutes early with passport and Civil ID.
Why is the Sahel app not working?▾
Most common fixes: (1) Update both Sahel and Kuwait Mobile ID to the latest version. (2) Check Kuwait Mobile ID notifications are enabled in your phone settings. (3) Clear Sahel app cache. (4) Uninstall and reinstall Sahel. (5) Call Wasil on 101 for government technical support — available Sunday to Thursday, 7am to 3pm.
How do I pay traffic fines on Sahel app?▾
Log in → MOI Services → Traffic → My Traffic Violations. All fines linked to your Civil ID appear. Select fines to pay → Pay → choose KNET, Visa or Mastercard. A digital receipt is generated immediately. Save it as proof of payment.
How do I check my Civil ID status on Sahel?▾
Log in → My Data → PACI. Your Civil ID status, expiry date and current status are displayed. If it shows Ready for Collection, visit your PACI office with your original passport to collect the card.
Can I renew my driving license on Sahel?▾
Yes. Log in → MOI Services → Traffic → Renew Driving License. Ensure your iqama is valid before attempting renewal. Pay the KD 10 renewal fee online via KNET or card. Collect the new license from the Traffic Department or authorized kiosk.
What is the Wasil help number for Sahel?▾
Call 101 within Kuwait — this is the Wasil Government Help Center. Available Sunday to Thursday, 7am to 3pm. They assist with Sahel app issues, Kuwait Mobile ID problems and other government digital service support.