Oman Investor Residency Program offers foreign nationals long-term residency through strategic investments. The scheme is often referred to as Oman’s Golden Visa program.
It grants five or ten-year renewable residence permits based on investment levels.
The investment tiers are OMR 250,000 ($650,000 approx.) for a five-year residency and OMR 500,000 ($1.3 million approx.) for a 10-year residency.
Investment can be made in real estate purchases, for business establishment, for government bond acquisitions, and to create jobs.
This investment initiative attracts global investors seeking Gulf residency without employment sponsorship.
In this guide, we will be talking about some important aspects of the Oman Investor Residency program, such as:
- How many types of Oman visa are there?
- How much does it cost to get residency in Oman?
- How to get permanent residency in Oman?
- How to obtain Omani citizenship?
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
How many types of visas are there in Oman?
Oman offers eight primary visa categories designed for different travel purposes and durations:
- Tourist visas include single-entry permits valid for 30 days and multiple-entry options for 12 months.
- Business visas cater to professionals conducting commercial activities with single or multiple-entry variations.
- Work visas comprise resident work permits valid for two years and temporary work visas lasting four to nine months.
- Student visas serve individuals enrolled in Omani educational institutions for academic program durations.
- Family visas enable expatriates to sponsor their relatives for residency in Oman.
- Investor visas provide five or ten-year residency options based on investment amounts and types.
- Transit visas accommodate travelers passing through Oman for short periods to other destinations.
- Express visas offer urgent processing for various purposes, including business and tourism needs.
Each visa category has specific requirements, processing times, and validity periods.
The Royal Oman Police manages visa applications through digital platforms and embassy services globally.
Sponsored and unsponsored visa options are available depending on the applicant’s circumstances and nationality.
About Oman Residency by Investment
Oman launched its Investor Residency Program in September 2021 to attract foreign capital and expertise.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion administers this golden visa scheme.
The program supports Oman Vision 2040 economic diversification goals by encouraging international investment.
Foreign investors can obtain self-sponsored residency without requiring local employment or business partnerships.
The initiative positions Oman competitively among Gulf Cooperation Council countries, offering investor residency programs.
Two investment tiers offer different residency duration and financial thresholds for qualifying applicants.
- Category One grants ten-year renewable residency for minimum investments of OMR 500,000 ($1.3 million).
- Category Two provides a five-year renewable residency for investments starting at OMR 250,000 ($650,000).
Both categories include family members such as spouses, children, and dependent parents.
Oman Golden Visa Investment Options
Business investments involve establishing companies or purchasing shares, meeting specified capital requirements.
Government bond purchases must equal minimum investment amounts with appropriate maturity periods and terms.
Employment creation options require establishing businesses employing at least 50 Omani citizens for a 10-year residency.
Bank deposit alternatives involve placing funds in approved Omani financial institutions under specific conditions.
Oman Investor Visa Benefits
The Oman Investor Residency Program offers comprehensive benefits for successful applicants and their families:
- Self-sponsorship eliminates dependency on employers or local business partners for residency status.
- Multiple-entry privileges allow unlimited travel in and out of Oman during permit validity.
- Family inclusion covers spouses, unmarried children, dependent parents, and qualifying siblings under specific conditions.
- Male children receive coverage until age 25, while unmarried daughters have no age restrictions.
- Children with special needs and divorced daughters with custody qualify for family coverage.
- Extended absence flexibility permits staying outside Oman for up to 364 days annually without losing residency status.
- Dedicated immigration lanes provide streamlined airport processing for golden visa holders.
- Property ownership rights enable purchasing real estate in designated areas and approved developments.
- Employment authorization allows working in Oman without additional work permit requirements for primary applicants.
- Domestic worker sponsorship permits hiring up to four household staff members and two private drivers.
- Temporary visitor sponsorship enables hosting up to four guests and their families.
- Educational access includes enrollment in local schools and universities for family members.
- Healthcare system access provides medical services through Oman’s public and private healthcare networks.
- Banking privileges facilitate opening local bank accounts and accessing financial services.
Oman Investor Visa Requirements
Eligibility for Oman’s Investor Residency Program requires meeting specific age, financial, and character criteria. Applicants must be at least 21 years old with valid passport.
Clean criminal records from home countries and Oman are mandatory for all participants.
Financial solvency documentation demonstrates ability to support oneself and dependents during residency periods.
Medical examinations confirm good health and freedom from infectious diseases as specified by regulations.
Investment evaluation by the Investment Services Center may be required for certain projects.
Minimum investment thresholds vary by residency category and investment type selected by applicants.
Real estate investments require properties worth OMR 250,000 for five-year residency or OMR 500,000 for ten-year permits.
Oman Resident Card Fees and Costs
The fees to obtain an Oman residence card are OMR 326 for the five-year residency pathway and OMR 551 for the ten-year residency pathway.
Extended Residence Permit Oman
Foreign nationals working in Oman who want to remain in the country after retirement may apply for an Extended Residence permit, provided they can demonstrate a guaranteed monthly income of at least 4,000 Omani Riyals.
Document requirements include passport copies, educational certificates, professional credentials, and financial statements.
Health insurance coverage must be maintained throughout the residency period in Oman.
Investment proof documentation validates compliance with chosen investment pathway and amount requirements.
Application processing typically takes three to six weeks through official government channels and platforms.
Electronic renewal occurs every two years for five-year permits and every three years for ten-year permits.
Investment maintenance is mandatory for permit renewal and continued residency status.
How can I get permanent residency in Oman?
There is no permanent residency in Oman, only long-term residency. It is available through investment, skilled professional, and retiree pathways.
The Investor Residency Program provides the most accessible route for foreign nationals seeking long-term residency.
Investment-based permanent residency requires maintaining qualifying investments throughout the residency period.
Skilled professionals in medicine, engineering, finance, information technology, and research fields qualify for permanent residency.
Senior-level positions in Omani companies with salaries above specified thresholds are eligible.
Professional achievements and extensive work experience strengthen permanent residency applications significantly.
Retirees can obtain permanent residency by demonstrating financial stability through pensions, savings, or passive income sources.
Monthly income requirements typically start at OMR 4,000 for retiree residency categories.
Employment history in Oman for at least two years may be required for certain retiree applications.
Special recognition permanent residency is granted to individuals making exceptional contributions to Oman’s economy, science, culture, or sports.
Government discretion applies to these cases based on significant achievements and national benefit considerations.
Royal decree approval may be required for exceptional permanent residency grants.
Application procedures involve submitting documentation to relevant ministries including Commerce, Labour, or Interior departments.
Required documents include passport copies, investment proof, educational certificates, bank statements, and police clearance certificates.
Health insurance policies covering medical expenses in Oman must be maintained throughout residency.
Processing fees range from OMR 1,500 to OMR 3,000 depending on application category and investment amounts.
Medical examinations and security background checks are mandatory for all permanent residency applications.
Approval timelines vary but typically require several months for complete processing and documentation review.
How to gain citizenship in Oman
Omani citizenship acquisition is highly restrictive and requires extensive residency periods and cultural integration.
The 2025 Nationality Law reduced minimum residency requirements from 20 to 15 years for general applicants.
Foreign men married to Omani women need only 10 years of residency if they have children together.
Arabic language fluency in reading and writing is mandatory for all citizenship applicants.
Good conduct and character documentation must demonstrate clean criminal records throughout residency periods.
Health requirements include freedom from infectious diseases as specified by government medical standards.
Financial stability proof shows legitimate income sources sufficient for personal and family support needs.
Written renunciation of foreign citizenship is required before Omani nationality can be granted.
Dual citizenship is generally prohibited except by special royal decree approval.
Foreign women married to Omani men can apply for citizenship after eight years of marriage with children.
Continuous residence in Oman during marriage periods is mandatory for spousal citizenship applications.
Divorced or widowed foreign women of Omani men have specific pathways under certain conditions.
Ministry of Interior processes all citizenship applications according to established legal procedures and controls.
Electronic applications are now available through government digital platforms using activated resident cards.
Royal decree issuance completes the citizenship-granting process for approved applicants.
Application fees total OMR 600 for citizenship processing and documentation.
Processing includes passport issuance, request submission, review, payment, royal decree, oath-taking, and final approval steps.
Processing timelines vary significantly based on individual circumstances and documentation completeness.
Conclusion
Oman’s Investor Residency Program represents a strategic opportunity for global investors seeking Gulf region access through golden visa pathways.
The program’s two-tier structure accommodates different investment capacities while providing comprehensive benefits for successful applicants and their families.
Key Takeaways
- OMR 250,000 minimum for five-year residency or OMR 500,000 for ten-year permits through real estate, business, or government bonds
- Comprehensive coverage for spouses, children, parents, and qualifying dependents with unlimited travel privileges
- Oman’s position provides access to Asian, African, and European markets through major trade routes
- Vision 2040 creates opportunities in tourism, logistics, renewable energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors
- While challenging, the 2025 law reduced residency requirements from 20 to 15 years for naturalization
- Foreign ownership expanded beyond ITCs to properties above OMR 250,000 in approved areas
- Business Environment: 100% foreign ownership, tax incentives, and streamlined procedures support international investment
- Regional Access: GCC residents benefit from simplified visa procedures and expanded travel privileges throughout the region
FAQs
Can foreigners buy property in Oman?
Yes, foreigners can purchase property in designated Integrated Tourism Complexes and approved developments.
Properties valued above OMR 250,000 outside ITCs are now accessible to foreign buyers.
Real estate ownership in specific governorates remains restricted for non-Omanis.
Investment-linked residency programs encourage property purchases by international investors.
How strong is an Omani passport?
The Omani passport ranks 56th globally according to the 2025 Henley Passport Index. Omani citizens enjoy visa-free access to 88 countries including China and Russia.
Recent agreements expanded travel freedom to additional destinations in 2025.
The passport provides moderate global mobility compared to other Gulf Cooperation Council nations.
Is Oman a good investment country?
Oman ranks 21st globally for investment and business climate according to 2024 reports.
The country offers political stability, strategic location, and 100% foreign ownership opportunities.
Government Vision 2040 promotes economic diversification beyond oil dependency.
Investment incentives include tax benefits, free zones, and streamlined business registration procedures.
Which business is best in Oman?
Tourism, logistics, renewable energy, and manufacturing offer the highest growth potential currently.
Healthcare, information technology, and agriculture sectors show strong investment opportunities.
E-commerce and real estate businesses benefit from expanding consumer markets.
Government priorities include developing green energy, logistics hubs, and technology-driven industries.
What type of visa is required for GCC residents in Oman?
GCC residents can obtain a visa-on-arrival or an electronic visa for Oman visits. Valid GCC residency permits of at least three months are required. Passports must have six months’ validity from entry dates.
Most professions qualify except housekeepers, students, private drivers, and dependent spouses.
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