Buying real estate in Oman?

How to get investor visa in Oman?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Oman Property Pack

buying property foreigner Oman

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Oman Property Pack

Oman's Golden Visa program offers long-term residency permits for global investors seeking stability in the Middle East. The program provides 5-year and 10-year renewable residency permits through real estate investment, business investment, or government bonds, with full family inclusion and no local sponsorship requirements.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Oman, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At Sands of Wealth, we explore the Omani real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

What types of investor visas and residency permits are available in Oman?

Oman offers a comprehensive Golden Visa program that provides long-term residency permits to qualifying investors and their families.

As of September 2025, the program includes two main tiers: 5-year renewable permits requiring a minimum investment of OMR 250,000 ($650,000), and 10-year renewable permits requiring OMR 500,000 ($1.3 million). Both permits can be renewed indefinitely as long as the investment requirements are maintained.

The Golden Visa program eliminates the need for local sponsorship, which was previously required for long-term residency in Oman. Investors can choose from multiple qualifying investment routes including real estate, business investment, government bonds, or job creation for Omani nationals.

The permits grant full residency rights, including the ability to enter and exit Oman freely, work, establish businesses, and sponsor family members. However, holders must maintain physical presence in Oman for at least 180 days per year to keep their residency status active.

Does Oman offer a Golden Visa or Citizenship by Investment program?

Oman launched its Golden Visa program on August 31, 2025, but does not offer direct citizenship by investment.

The Golden Visa program grants long-term residency permits that are renewable every 2-3 years depending on the tier selected. While the program provides extensive residency rights and benefits, it does not automatically lead to Omani citizenship or nationality.

Applicants seeking eventual citizenship must follow separate naturalization procedures that typically require long-term residency, cultural integration, and compliance with additional legal requirements. The specific timeline and requirements for transitioning from Golden Visa residency to citizenship are not clearly defined in current regulations.

The program aligns with Oman's Vision 2040 economic diversification strategy and positions the country as a stable, business-friendly destination for international investors in the Middle East region.

What are the basic requirements for obtaining residency through investment in Oman?

The fundamental requirements for Oman's investor residency program include minimum age, investment thresholds, and compliance obligations.

Applicants must be at least 21 years old and demonstrate financial solvency to support their chosen investment route. A clean criminal background check from the applicant's home country is mandatory, along with a medical certificate confirming good health status.

The primary requirement involves maintaining the minimum investment amount throughout the residency period. For real estate routes, properties must be purchased in government-approved developments, typically Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITC). Business investments require establishing or investing in a company registered in Oman with proper documentation and business plans.

Physical presence requirements mandate spending at least 180 days per year in Oman to maintain residency status. Starting April 2026, business investment routes will also require employing at least one Omani citizen to support local employment goals.

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Is there a real estate investment route for securing an investor visa?

Yes, real estate investment is one of the primary routes for obtaining Oman's Golden Visa, with specific requirements and approved development types.

Permit Duration Minimum Investment Property Requirements Rental Rights
5 years OMR 250,000 ($650,000) Government-approved developments Full rental income rights
10 years OMR 500,000 ($1.3 million) Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITC) Full rental income rights
Both tiers Maintained throughout permit Clear title ownership Resale rights included
Family inclusion No additional investment Single property sufficient Spouse and dependents covered
Renewal process Investment must remain active Property cannot be sold Online renewal available

What are the requirements for the business investment route?

The business investment route requires establishing or investing in a company registered in Oman, with the same financial thresholds as real estate investments.

Investors must provide a comprehensive business plan demonstrating the viability and economic contribution of their venture. The business must be legally registered in Oman with proper licensing and regulatory compliance. Capital requirements are identical to real estate: OMR 250,000 for 5-year permits and OMR 500,000 for 10-year permits.

Starting April 2026, businesses funded through the Golden Visa program must employ at least one Omani citizen to support national employment objectives. This requirement applies to both new business establishments and existing company investments.

Business owners enjoy full foreign ownership rights without requiring local partners, which represents a significant advantage over traditional business setup requirements in Oman. The investment must be maintained throughout the residency period, and businesses must remain operational and compliant with local regulations.

Documentation requirements include business registration certificates, financial statements, employment contracts for Omani staff, and ongoing compliance reports to maintain visa status.

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What is the minimum investment threshold to qualify?

The minimum investment thresholds are clearly defined for each permit duration and investment route in Oman's Golden Visa program.

For 5-year renewable permits, the minimum investment is OMR 250,000 (approximately $650,000) across all qualifying routes including real estate, business investment, or government bonds. This investment must be maintained throughout the entire 5-year period and beyond if renewal is desired.

For 10-year renewable permits, the minimum investment increases to OMR 500,000 (approximately $1.3 million). This higher threshold provides longer validity periods and reduced renewal frequency, with renewals required every 3 years instead of every 2 years for the 5-year permits.

An alternative pathway for 10-year permits involves creating at least 50 jobs specifically for Omani citizens, though this route still requires substantial business investment to generate employment opportunities. Government bonds and bank deposits must be maintained for a minimum of 2 years to qualify for either permit tier.

Application fees range from OMR 326 to OMR 551 for the main applicant, with discounted fees for family members included in the application.

How long is the permit duration once granted?

Oman's Golden Visa permits are issued for either 5 or 10 years and are renewable indefinitely with proper investment maintenance.

The 5-year permits require renewal every 2 years through digital platforms, while 10-year permits require renewal every 3 years. Renewal processes have been streamlined for electronic submission, reducing administrative burden for permit holders.

Permit validity is directly tied to maintaining the qualifying investment throughout the residency period. Selling real estate investments or closing businesses that qualified for the visa will result in permit cancellation. Physical presence requirements of 180 days per year must also be maintained to keep permits active.

The renewable nature means there is no maximum limit on residency duration, provided investors continue meeting all program requirements. However, permit holders must demonstrate ongoing compliance during each renewal cycle, including updated financial documentation and proof of maintained investments.

Can the investor visa include family members as dependents?

Yes, Oman's Golden Visa program includes comprehensive family sponsorship rights without additional investment requirements.

Qualifying family members include the investor's spouse, children under 25 years of age, and dependent parents. All family members receive the same permit duration as the primary applicant and enjoy identical residency rights including freedom of movement, work authorization, and access to local services.

Family members are not required to maintain separate investments or meet individual financial thresholds. The primary applicant's investment covers the entire family unit, making the program cost-effective for families seeking Middle East residency.

Application fees for family members are discounted compared to the main applicant's fees. Each family member must provide individual documentation including passports, birth certificates or marriage certificates proving relationships, and medical certificates confirming good health.

Family members can be added to existing permits through amendment procedures, and they maintain their residency status as long as the primary applicant's permit remains valid and investment requirements are met.

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We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Oman versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you're planning to invest there.

What is the step-by-step application process?

The application process for Oman's Golden Visa involves digital submission through official government platforms with clearly defined steps.

  1. Select your preferred investment route (real estate, business, bonds, or job creation) and secure the required minimum investment amount
  2. Prepare all qualifying documents including investment proof, financial statements, criminal background checks, and medical certificates
  3. Create an account on the Oman Business platform or visit the Oman Investment Services Center for application submission
  4. Complete the digital application form with personal information, investment details, and family member information if applicable
  5. Upload all required documentation with certified translations where necessary and pay applicable fees
  6. Submit the application for government review, which typically takes 1-2 months for processing
  7. Receive approval notification and instructions for residency card collection or delivery
  8. Complete biometric registration and receive physical residency cards for all approved applicants

The streamlined digital process eliminates the need for multiple government office visits and reduces processing times compared to traditional residency applications. Applicants can track application status online throughout the review period.

What documents and conditions are needed to apply successfully?

Successful applications require comprehensive documentation proving investment capacity, personal background, and family relationships.

Essential personal documents include a passport valid for at least 6 months, clean criminal background check from the home country, medical certificate confirming good health, and proof of income or financial solvency. Marriage certificates and birth certificates are required for family member inclusion.

Investment-specific documentation varies by route: real estate investments require property titles and purchase agreements from approved developments, business investments need company registration documents and business plans, while bond investments require bank statements and deposit confirmations. All foreign documents must include certified translations into Arabic or English.

Applicants must demonstrate they meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years and provide evidence of their ability to maintain the investment throughout the permit period. Passport-style photographs and completed application forms with accurate information are also mandatory.

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Is there a path from investor residency to Omani citizenship?

Oman's Golden Visa program does not provide a direct pathway to citizenship, and naturalization procedures remain separate from investor residency.

The Golden Visa grants long-term residency rights that are renewable indefinitely but do not automatically convert to citizenship regardless of duration held. Investors seeking Omani nationality must follow traditional naturalization processes that typically require extended residency periods, cultural integration, and additional legal procedures.

Current naturalization laws do not specify minimum residency periods for Golden Visa holders or guarantee citizenship eligibility based on investment levels. The process involves separate applications to immigration authorities with different criteria and timelines from the investor residency program.

While Golden Visa residency may contribute positively to citizenship applications by demonstrating long-term commitment and economic contribution to Oman, it does not bypass standard naturalization requirements including language proficiency, cultural knowledge, and integration assessments.

What feedback exists from real people who have tried the investor visa route?

Early feedback from Golden Visa applicants highlights both positive experiences and practical considerations for prospective investors.

Successful applicants consistently praise the speed of digital processing, with most applications completed within 1-2 months compared to traditional residency procedures that could take 6-12 months. The comprehensive family inclusion and absence of local sponsorship requirements receive positive feedback from investors with families.

Real estate investors appreciate full rental income rights and resale flexibility, while business investors value complete foreign ownership without local partnership requirements. The streamlined renewal process through digital platforms is viewed favorably compared to manual renewal procedures in other countries.

Challenges identified include maintaining investment levels throughout economic fluctuations and adapting to the new employment requirements for Omani citizens starting in 2026. Some investors report concerns about the 180-day annual presence requirement conflicting with global business travel needs.

No widespread reports exist of application failures where investment and documentation requirements were properly met, though ongoing compliance monitoring is mandatory for permit retention.

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Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

  1. Times of India - Oman Golden Visa Launch
  2. Mirabello Consultancy - Oman Investor Residency Guide
  3. Bayat Group - Oman Residency Investment
  4. IMI Daily - Oman Investor Residency
  5. Invest Oman - Investor Residency
  6. Business Today - Golden Visa Rollout Oman
  7. Times of India - Live in Oman for 10 Years
  8. Oman Property Investment - Visa Residency Guide