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Oman offers several attractive investor visa pathways that provide long-term residency for foreign investors willing to commit significant capital to the country's economy.
As of June 2025, the Sultanate operates both a standard investor visa program and a Golden Visa scheme, with investment thresholds starting at OMR 250,000 (approximately $650,000) for real estate or business investments. These programs grant 5-year or 10-year renewable residency permits but do not lead directly to citizenship.
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Oman's investor visa programs offer 5-year or 10-year renewable residency for qualified foreign investors with minimum investments of OMR 250,000 or OMR 500,000 respectively.
Real estate investment is a valid pathway, with family sponsorship included and application processing typically taking 1-2 months through government portals.
| Visa Type | Minimum Investment | Validity Period | Investment Options | Family Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Year Investor Visa | OMR 250,000 ($650,000) | 5 years (renewable) | Real estate, business, government bonds | Yes (spouse, children under 25) |
| 10-Year Golden Visa | OMR 500,000 ($1.3M) | 10 years (renewable) | Real estate, business, job creation | Yes (spouse, children under 25) |
| Retiree Golden Visa | OMR 4,000/month income | 5 years (renewable) | Proof of steady income | Yes (spouse, children under 25) |
| Employment Generation | No minimum capital | 10 years (renewable) | Employ 50+ Omani nationals | Yes (spouse, children under 25) |
| Processing Time | 1-2 months | Varies by program | Online application portal | Same application process |
| Citizenship Path | No direct path | Residency only | Separate permanent residency available | Family members eligible |
| Renewal Requirements | Maintain investment | Every 2-10 years | Meet ongoing criteria | Included in renewal |
What types of investor visa programs does Oman offer?
Oman operates two primary investor visa programs designed to attract foreign capital and expertise to the sultanate.
The standard Investor Visa provides residency rights for those establishing businesses or purchasing qualifying real estate in Oman. This program has been operating for several years and forms the foundation of Oman's foreign investment attraction strategy.
The Golden Visa (officially called the Investor Residency Program) was introduced in 2021 as an enhanced long-term residency scheme. This program offers either 5-year or 10-year renewable visas for qualifying investors, depending on their investment amount and type.
Both programs focus on business investment, real estate acquisition, or government bond purchases as primary qualification routes. The Golden Visa also includes special provisions for retirees with steady income streams and entrepreneurs who create substantial employment for Omani nationals.
These programs provide residency status only and do not offer a direct pathway to Omani citizenship.
Does Oman have a Golden Visa or Citizenship by Investment program?
Oman offers a Golden Visa program but does not provide citizenship by investment.
The Omani Golden Visa, launched in 2021, grants long-term residency of either 5 or 10 years to eligible foreign investors and their immediate family members. This program is specifically designed to attract high-net-worth individuals and experienced business professionals to contribute to Oman's economic diversification goals.
However, Oman explicitly does not offer any citizenship-by-investment program. The investor visa and Golden Visa schemes provide residency rights exclusively, not citizenship or passport privileges. Omani citizenship is generally available only through birth, descent, or marriage to an Omani national.
Investors seeking citizenship through investment would need to look at other countries, as Oman's programs focus solely on providing long-term residency benefits.
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What are the eligibility requirements for an investor visa in Oman?
Oman's investor visa programs have specific eligibility criteria that all applicants must meet before approval.
Age requirements mandate that all primary applicants must be at least 21 years old. This applies to both the standard investor visa and Golden Visa programs, with no upper age limit specified in the regulations.
Criminal background checks are mandatory, requiring applicants to provide police clearance certificates from their country of residence and any country where they have lived for more than six months in the past five years. These documents must be apostilled and translated into Arabic.
Health clearance involves comprehensive medical examinations conducted by approved medical centers in Oman or recognized international facilities. These tests screen for communicable diseases and ensure applicants meet Oman's public health standards.
Financial solvency documentation requires proof of legitimate income sources, business activity records, and bank statements covering at least the past 12 months. This demonstrates the applicant's ability to maintain their investment and support themselves in Oman.
What are the minimum investment amounts required?
Oman's investor visa programs have clearly defined minimum investment thresholds that vary based on the visa duration and investment type.
| Investment Type | 5-Year Visa Minimum | 10-Year Visa Minimum | Qualifying Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Investment | OMR 250,000 ($650,000) | OMR 500,000 ($1.3M) | LLC, joint stock company, free zone |
| Real Estate Investment | OMR 250,000 ($650,000) | OMR 500,000 ($1.3M) | ITCs, approved developments |
| Government Bonds | OMR 250,000 ($650,000) | OMR 500,000 ($1.3M) | Omani sovereign bonds |
| Employment Generation | Not applicable | No minimum capital | Must employ 50+ Omani nationals |
| Retiree Income | OMR 4,000/month ($10,400) | Not applicable | Steady pension or investment income |
| Bank Deposit | OMR 250,000 ($650,000) | OMR 500,000 ($1.3M) | Fixed deposit in Omani banks |
| Multiple Investments | Combined OMR 250,000 | Combined OMR 500,000 | Mixed portfolio allowed |
Can I invest in real estate to get residency in Oman?
Real estate investment is a fully recognized pathway to obtaining residency in Oman through both the investor visa and Golden Visa programs.
Property purchases worth at least OMR 250,000 (approximately $650,000) qualify investors for a 5-year renewable residency visa. This investment threshold applies to residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties in designated areas.
Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) represent the primary qualifying real estate investment zones for foreign investors. These developments include luxury resorts, residential communities, and commercial projects specifically approved by the Omani government for foreign ownership.
Investors spending OMR 500,000 or more on qualifying real estate become eligible for the 10-year Golden Visa, providing longer-term residency security. The property must be held throughout the visa validity period to maintain residency status.
Real estate investments can be combined with other qualifying investments to meet the minimum thresholds, offering flexibility for investors with diversified portfolios.
Can family members be included in the investor visa?
Omani investor visa programs include comprehensive family sponsorship provisions that cover immediate family members under a single application.
Eligible family members include the investor's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 25. This age limit for children is higher than many other countries' investor visa programs, providing extended family coverage.
Family members receive the same residency duration as the primary applicant, whether on a 5-year or 10-year visa. They do not need to apply for separate permits or meet individual investment requirements.
The family sponsorship is included in the primary application process and does not require additional investment beyond the minimum threshold. However, each family member must undergo the same medical and security clearance procedures as the main applicant.
Family members can work, study, and conduct business in Oman under their sponsored residency status, subject to obtaining appropriate work permits where required.
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What is the validity period and renewal process?
Oman's investor visas have clearly defined validity periods with renewable options based on the investment level and program type.
The 5-year investor visa requires renewal every 2-5 years, depending on the specific investment category and compliance with program requirements. Real estate investors typically renew every 5 years, while business investors may have shorter renewal cycles.
The 10-year Golden Visa offers longer renewal periods ranging from 3-10 years, providing greater stability for substantial investors. The exact renewal frequency depends on maintaining the qualifying investment and meeting ongoing program criteria.
Renewal requirements include maintaining the original investment amount, providing updated financial documentation, and passing current medical and security clearances. Investors cannot reduce their investment below the minimum threshold during the visa validity period.
The renewal process involves submitting updated documentation through the same government portals used for initial applications, with processing times typically shorter than first-time applications.
Is there a path to permanent residency or citizenship?
Oman offers separate permanent residency options for qualifying investors, but investor visas do not automatically lead to citizenship.
Permanent residency in Oman is available through a distinct program with its own eligibility criteria, including property ownership, business establishment, or professional achievements. This requires a separate application process beyond the investor visa program.
The investor visa and Golden Visa programs provide renewable long-term residency but do not create an automatic pathway to permanent residency. Investors must apply separately and meet additional requirements for permanent residency consideration.
Omani citizenship remains restricted to birth, descent, or marriage to Omani nationals. There is no naturalization pathway through investment or long-term residency, regardless of the duration or amount of investment made.
Investors seeking citizenship rights should consider this limitation when evaluating Oman's programs compared to countries offering citizenship-by-investment options.
What documents and steps are required for application?
The Omani investor visa application process involves multiple steps and comprehensive documentation requirements.
1. **Business Structure Selection**: Choose between mainland company registration or free zone establishment based on investment goals and sector requirements.2. **Company Registration**: Register your business with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) if pursuing business investment route.3. **Business License Acquisition**: Obtain relevant business licenses and permits for your specific industry sector from applicable government agencies.4. **Banking Setup**: Open corporate bank accounts and deposit the required investment capital with certified bank statements.5. **Documentation Preparation**: Compile all required documents including passport copies, business certificates, investment proofs, medical clearances, and police clearance certificates.6. **Application Submission**: Submit complete applications through Royal Oman Police (ROP) or MOCIIP online portals depending on visa type.7. **Security and Medical Screening**: Undergo comprehensive background checks and medical examinations at approved facilities.8. **Visa Issuance**: Receive investor visa and residency permit upon successful completion of all requirements and approvals.
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How long does the application process take?
Omani investor visa applications typically require 1-2 months for complete processing from submission to approval.
Processing times can vary based on application completeness, government workload, and the complexity of the investment structure. Business investment applications involving new company formation may take slightly longer than real estate investment applications.
Applications are submitted through official government portals, primarily the Royal Oman Police (ROP) e-services platform for visa processing and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) portal for business-related applications.
Expedited processing may be available for complete applications with all required documentation properly prepared and submitted. Incomplete applications or missing documentation can significantly extend processing times.
Applicants should plan for additional time if business setup is required, as company registration and licensing can add several weeks to the overall timeline before visa application submission.
What are the business setup requirements for foreign investors?
Foreign investors must establish proper business structures in Oman to qualify for investor visas through the business investment route.
Company registration requires forming either a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for mainland operations or a free zone company for specific economic sectors. Both structures have distinct advantages and regulatory requirements.
Foreign ownership of up to 100% is permitted in free zones and, with government approval, in certain mainland sectors prioritized for foreign investment. Traditional sectors may require Omani partnership or local sponsor arrangements.
Minimum capital requirements must be deposited in local Omani banks and certified by the financial institution. The capital must remain accessible for business operations and cannot be withdrawn below minimum thresholds during the visa validity period.
Business plans are required for most 100% foreign-owned companies, demonstrating the venture's economic contribution to Oman and compliance with national development priorities.
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Are there success stories or failure cases from real applicants?
While detailed personal testimonials are not widely publicized due to privacy considerations, industry reports indicate growing success rates for Omani investor visa applications.
Success factors commonly include thorough preparation of documentation, working with experienced local legal counsel, and ensuring investments meet all regulatory requirements before application submission. Many successful applicants report positive experiences with government efficiency and clear communication throughout the process.
Common failure reasons include incomplete documentation, insufficient financial proof, medical examination failures, or criminal background issues. However, most applicants facing initial rejections can address deficiencies and successfully reapply.
Industry professionals report increasing interest from global investors, particularly those focused on real estate investment in Integrated Tourism Complexes and business expansion into the Gulf Cooperation Council market through Oman's strategic location.
Challenges mentioned by applicants include navigating cultural business practices, understanding local regulatory requirements, and adapting to government processing timelines, though these issues are typically resolved with proper professional guidance.
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.
Oman's investor visa programs represent attractive opportunities for foreign investors seeking long-term residency in the Gulf region.
As we reach mid-2025, these programs continue evolving to attract quality investments while maintaining clear eligibility requirements and transparent application processes.
It's something we develop in our Oman property pack.
Sources
- Mawaleh - Guide to Investor Visa in Oman
- Oman Business Setup - How to Apply for Investor Visa
- Vepapu - Oman Investment Guide
- Absomann - Oman Golden Visa
- Gulf News - Oman Golden Visas Hit with Global Investors
- Oman Tax Free Zones - Golden Visa Oman
- Omani Lawyer - Residency by Investment
- IMI Daily - Oman Investor Residency
- Bayat Group - Oman Residency Investment
- Mirabello Consultancy - How to Get Oman Golden Visa