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Oman launched its Golden Visa program on August 31, 2025, offering property investors 5 or 10-year renewable residency permits.
The program requires minimum investments of OMR 250,000 (USD 650,000) or OMR 500,000 (USD 1.3 million) in approved Integrated Tourism Complexes, with no citizenship pathway available through investment alone.
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Oman's Golden Visa requires property investment in government-approved Integrated Tourism Complexes with two tiers: OMR 250,000 for 5-year residency or OMR 500,000 for 10-year residency.
The application process typically takes 10-60 days through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, with family members eligible for inclusion under the same application.
| Investment Tier | Minimum Investment | Residency Duration | Renewal Period | Family Inclusion | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 2 | OMR 250,000 (USD 650,000) | 5 years | Every 2 years | Yes | No |
| Tier 1 | OMR 500,000 (USD 1.3 million) | 10 years | Every 3 years | Yes | No |
| Property Type | Freehold in ITCs only | - | - | - | - |
| Processing Time | 10-60 days | - | - | - | - |
| Governing Body | Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion | - | - | - | - |
| Application Portal | Invest Oman platform | - | - | - | - |
What is the current visa or residency program in Oman for people investing in property?
Oman launched its Golden Visa program on August 31, 2025, specifically designed for foreign property investors.
The program offers renewable residency permits ranging from 5 to 10 years, depending on your investment amount. This visa eliminates the need for local sponsorship, which was previously required for long-term residency in Oman.
The Golden Visa program operates under two distinct tiers with different investment thresholds and residency durations. Tier 2 requires a minimum investment of OMR 250,000 (approximately USD 650,000) and grants a 5-year residency permit. Tier 1 demands OMR 500,000 (approximately USD 1.3 million) and provides a 10-year residency permit.
As of September 2025, this program represents the primary legal pathway for obtaining long-term residency through real estate investment in Oman. The program is administered by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion through the Invest Oman portal.
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Is there a Golden Visa or a Citizenship by Investment option available in Oman?
Yes, Oman offers a Golden Visa program, but no Citizenship by Investment option exists.
The Golden Visa program provides renewable residency permits for property investors, but it does not lead to automatic citizenship. Omani citizenship can only be granted through Royal Decree and follows traditional naturalization procedures that are completely separate from the investment program.
The Golden Visa allows foreign investors, their spouse, children under 25, and dependent parents to obtain long-term residency without local sponsorship. However, this residency status must be maintained through continued investment and periodic renewals every 2-3 years depending on the tier.
Unlike some other countries in the region, Oman has deliberately chosen not to offer citizenship through investment, maintaining strict control over nationality acquisition. Investors seeking Omani citizenship would need to pursue traditional naturalization channels independently of their Golden Visa status.
How does the residency through real estate investment route actually work?
The residency route requires purchasing freehold property within government-approved Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs).
You must first identify and purchase eligible property in designated ITCs such as Al Mouj Muscat, Muscat Hills, Muscat Bay, or Sifah. The property purchase must meet the minimum investment threshold for your chosen tier: OMR 250,000 for Tier 2 or OMR 500,000 for Tier 1.
Once you complete the property purchase and obtain the ownership deed, you can submit your Golden Visa application through the Invest Oman portal. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion reviews your application, verifies your investment, and conducts background checks. The entire process typically takes 10-60 days from application submission to residency card collection.
Your residency permit is directly tied to maintaining ownership of the qualifying property. If you sell the property before the residency period expires, you may lose your residency status unless you reinvest in another qualifying property within the same investment threshold.
What is the minimum investment threshold required to qualify for a property-based visa?
The minimum investment threshold is OMR 250,000 (approximately USD 650,000) for the 5-year Golden Visa.
| Visa Tier | Investment in OMR | Investment in USD | Residency Duration | Renewal Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 2 | 250,000 | 650,000 | 5 years | Every 2 years |
| Tier 1 | 500,000 | 1,300,000 | 10 years | Every 3 years |
| Property Type Required | Freehold in Integrated Tourism Complexes only | |||
| Currency Requirements | Investment must be made in OMR or equivalent foreign currency | |||
| Additional Fees | Application and processing fees separate from investment amount | |||
| Investment Verification | Bank statements and property deed required as proof | |||
Are there specific types of real estate or property developments that are eligible?
Only freehold residential or commercial properties within government-approved Integrated Tourism Complexes qualify for the Golden Visa program.
Eligible developments include Al Mouj Muscat, Muscat Hills, Muscat Bay, Sifah, and other ITCs specifically designated by the Omani government. These complexes feature mixed-use developments with residential units, commercial spaces, and tourism facilities designed to attract international investment.
Leasehold properties, even within ITCs, typically do not qualify for the Golden Visa program. The property must be purchased as freehold, giving you complete ownership rights. Regular residential properties outside ITCs, agricultural land, and industrial properties are explicitly excluded from the program.
The government maintains a current list of approved ITCs on the Invest Oman portal, and this list may expand as new developments receive approval. Before purchasing any property for Golden Visa purposes, you should verify its eligibility status through official channels to avoid disqualification.
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What is the duration of the residency permit granted through property investment?
The residency permit duration depends on your investment tier: 5 years for Tier 2 or 10 years for Tier 1.
Tier 2 investors who invest OMR 250,000 receive a 5-year renewable residency permit that must be renewed every 2 years to maintain active status. Tier 1 investors who invest OMR 500,000 receive a 10-year renewable residency permit with renewals required every 3 years.
The residency permits are renewable indefinitely as long as you maintain ownership of the qualifying property and meet all renewal requirements. Each renewal period requires verification that you still own the property and continue to meet the program's eligibility criteria.
The renewal process is generally straightforward for compliant investors, but failure to renew on time may result in residency status cancellation. The government provides advance notice before renewal deadlines to ensure investors have adequate time to complete the process.
Is it possible to include my spouse and children under the same residency application?
Yes, you can include your spouse, children under 25, and dependent parents under the same Golden Visa application without additional investment.
Family members included in your application receive the same residency duration and benefits as the primary investor. Your spouse gains the right to live, work, and establish businesses in Oman under the Golden Visa program. Children under 25 can attend local schools and universities while maintaining their residency status.
Dependent parents may also qualify for inclusion, though this typically requires additional documentation proving financial dependency. All family members must undergo the same background check and medical examination requirements as the primary applicant.
Family members' residency status is tied to the primary investor's compliance with program requirements. If the primary investor loses Golden Visa status, dependent family members also lose their residency rights unless they qualify independently through their own investment or other legal pathways.
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Are there any alternative routes through business investment, and what are their requirements?
Yes, Oman offers several alternative investment routes for Golden Visa eligibility beyond real estate.
- Business Investment: Establish or acquire a minimum 25% stake in an Omani business with the same investment thresholds (OMR 250,000 for Tier 2, OMR 500,000 for Tier 1)
- Employment Generation: Create a business that employs at least 50 Omani nationals, which automatically qualifies for the 10-year Tier 1 visa regardless of investment amount
- Government Bonds: Purchase Omani government bonds or make long-term bank deposits with the same minimum amounts as property investment
- Mixed Investment Portfolio: Combine real estate, business, and financial investments to reach the required thresholds across multiple asset classes
- Strategic Sectors: Invest in government-priority sectors such as technology, manufacturing, or renewable energy with potential for reduced thresholds
Business investment routes require additional documentation including business registration, employment records, and annual financial reporting. The employment generation route offers the most attractive pathway for entrepreneurs willing to contribute to Omani job creation.
Unlike property investment, business investment routes may require active management and ongoing compliance with Omani commercial regulations. However, they offer greater flexibility in investment structure and potential for higher returns through business operations.
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Does this residency pathway eventually lead to permanent residency or citizenship in Oman?
No, the Golden Visa program does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency or Omani citizenship.
The Golden Visa offers renewable long-term residency that can be maintained indefinitely through continued compliance with investment requirements. However, this remains a temporary residency status that must be renewed every 2-3 years depending on your tier.
Omani citizenship is only available through traditional naturalization processes, which typically require 20+ years of continuous residency, Arabic language proficiency, cultural integration, and approval by Royal Decree. Having Golden Visa status does not accelerate or guarantee this process.
Permanent residency as a distinct legal status does not exist in Oman's immigration system. The Golden Visa represents the closest equivalent to permanent residency available to foreign investors, providing long-term stability through renewable permits tied to maintained investment.
What are the exact steps and documents needed for the application process?
The Golden Visa application process involves five main steps with specific document requirements.
| Step | Required Action | Key Documents | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Property Purchase | Complete purchase in approved ITC | Property deed, purchase agreement, payment proof | 30-90 days |
| 2. Document Preparation | Gather and attest all documents | Passport, bank statements, police clearance, medical certificate | 2-4 weeks |
| 3. Application Submission | Submit through Invest Oman portal | Complete application form, all supporting documents | 1-2 days |
| 4. Review Process | Government verification and checks | Additional documents if requested | 10-60 days |
| 5. Card Collection | Collect residency permit | Original passport, application receipt | 1 day |
| Document Translation | All foreign documents must be translated to Arabic and attested | Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation required | 1-2 weeks |
| Health Insurance | Valid health insurance coverage in Oman | Insurance policy certificate | Ongoing requirement |
How long does the application typically take, and what government bodies are involved?
The Golden Visa application typically takes 10-60 days from submission to approval, processed by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) serves as the primary government body overseeing the Golden Visa program. Applications are submitted exclusively through the Invest Oman portal, which is the official online platform managed by MOCIIP.
Processing times vary based on application completeness and background check requirements. Simple applications with all documents properly prepared often complete within 10-20 days, while complex cases or those requiring additional verification may extend to the full 60-day maximum. Applications with incomplete documentation face automatic rejection and must restart the process.
Other government bodies involved include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for document attestation, the Royal Oman Police for security clearance, and the Ministry of Health for medical certificate verification. These agencies work in coordination with MOCIIP but do not directly process Golden Visa applications.
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What feedback is available from real people who have successfully or unsuccessfully tried this route?
Early feedback from Golden Visa applicants indicates generally positive experiences for well-prepared investors, with most delays attributed to documentation issues.
Successful applicants consistently report that using professional legal or relocation services significantly improves application success rates and processing speed. Most successful cases involved investors who carefully selected properties in established ITCs like Al Mouj Muscat and prepared comprehensive documentation packages before submission.
Common reasons for unsuccessful applications include purchasing property in non-eligible developments, incomplete Arabic translation and attestation of documents, insufficient proof of investment funds, and failing medical or security clearance requirements. Several applicants reported initial rejections due to assuming leasehold properties would qualify when only freehold properties are accepted.
Processing timelines have generally met government estimates, with most applications completing within 10-60 days as promised. However, applicants emphasize the importance of allowing extra time for document preparation and attestation, which can add 2-4 weeks before submission. The Invest Oman portal has received positive feedback for user-friendliness and clear status updates throughout the process.
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 Golden Visa program offers foreign investors a clear pathway to long-term residency through property investment, with two tiers requiring minimum investments of OMR 250,000 or OMR 500,000 in approved Integrated Tourism Complexes.
While the program provides renewable residency for up to 10 years and includes family members, it does not lead to citizenship or permanent residency, requiring investors to maintain their property ownership and comply with renewal requirements every 2-3 years.
Sources
- Business Today - Golden Visa Rollout Oman
- CitizenX - Oman Investment Migration
- Crown Continental - Oman Visa and Residency
- Times of India - Oman Golden Visa Launch
- Chambers - Investor Visas in Oman
- Sands of Wealth - Oman Property Investment Visa
- Invest Oman - Investor Residency
- Sands of Wealth - Golden Visa Oman