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Foreign investors can secure long-term residency in Oman through property investments, with minimum thresholds starting at OMR 250,000 for a 5-year visa and OMR 500,000 for a 10-year visa.
As of June 2025, Oman's investor residency program offers renewable residence permits but does not provide a pathway to citizenship or permanent residency. The program allows property investments in designated areas, particularly Integrated Tourism Complexes, and permits family sponsorship under specific conditions.
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Oman offers investor residency through property purchases in designated areas, with minimum investments of OMR 250,000 for 5-year permits and OMR 500,000 for 10-year permits.
The program allows family sponsorship but does not lead to citizenship or permanent residency, making it a renewable long-term residence solution for foreign investors.
| Investment Type | Minimum Investment | Visa Duration | Renewable | Family Sponsorship | Citizenship Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | OMR 250,000 | 5 years | Yes | Yes | No |
| Real Estate | OMR 500,000 | 10 years | Yes | Yes | No |
| Business Investment | OMR 250,000 | 5 years | Yes | Yes | No |
| Business Investment | OMR 500,000 | 10 years | Yes | Yes | No |
| Job Creation (50+ Omanis) | No minimum | 10 years | Yes | Yes | No |
| Retiree Program | OMR 4,000/month income | 5 years | Yes | Yes | No |
What types of real estate investments qualify for an Oman residence visa?
Foreign investors can obtain Oman residence visas by purchasing property in designated areas, specifically Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs).
These ITCs are special economic zones where expatriates have legal rights to own property and benefit from long-term residency privileges. The property must be registered directly in the applicant's name to qualify for the residence visa program.
As we reach mid-2025, the Omani government continues to focus on these designated areas to attract foreign investment while maintaining control over property ownership in other parts of the country. The property investment must meet specific minimum thresholds and be maintained throughout the visa validity period.
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Regular residential properties outside these designated zones do not qualify for the investor residency program.
How much do I need to invest in property to be eligible for a visa?
The minimum property investment requirements for Oman residence visas are clearly defined based on the desired visa duration.
For a 5-year residence visa, you need to invest at least OMR 250,000 (approximately USD 650,000) in qualifying property. For a 10-year residence visa, the minimum investment increases to OMR 500,000 (approximately USD 1.3 million).
These amounts represent the actual purchase price of the property and must be documented with official property deeds and transaction records. The investment must be maintained throughout the visa validity period, and selling the property before the visa expires may result in residency cancellation.
Currency exchange rates fluctuate, but as of June 2025, these OMR amounts translate to substantial USD investments that demonstrate serious commitment to the Omani market.
Additional costs beyond the property purchase include visa processing fees, legal fees, and ongoing maintenance costs.
Is there a specific Golden Visa program or Citizenship by Investment scheme in Oman?
Oman does not offer a true Golden Visa program or citizenship by investment scheme comparable to those found in European countries or the Caribbean.
The Omani investor residency program provides renewable long-term residence permits, which are sometimes colloquially referred to as "Golden Visas" in marketing materials, but these do not lead to citizenship or permanent residency status.
The permits are renewable upon maintaining the qualifying investment, but they remain temporary residence solutions. Dual citizenship is generally not permitted under Omani nationality laws, and the country maintains strict naturalization requirements that typically require decades of continuous residence.
Investors should understand that this program offers long-term renewable residency rights rather than a pathway to Omani citizenship or passport acquisition.
Special circumstances may allow for naturalization in rare cases, but these are exceptional and not part of the standard investor program.
Can I obtain residency in Oman by investing in a business instead of property?
Yes, Oman offers business investment routes to residency with specific requirements and investment thresholds.
| Business Investment Type | Minimum Investment | Visa Duration | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limited Liability Company | OMR 250,000 | 5 years | Company registration |
| Joint Stock Company | OMR 250,000 | 5 years | Public or closed structure |
| Government Bonds | OMR 250,000 | 5 years | Bond ownership documentation |
| Enhanced Business Investment | OMR 500,000 | 10 years | LLC or joint stock company |
| Job Creation Program | No minimum capital | 10 years | Employ 50+ Omani nationals |
| Retiree Program | OMR 4,000/month income | 5 years | Fixed income proof |
What are the minimum capital requirements for the business investment route?
Business investment routes to Omani residency have clearly defined capital requirements that vary by investment type and visa duration.
For a 5-year business investor visa, the minimum capital requirement is OMR 250,000, which can be invested in a limited liability company, public joint-stock company, or government bonds. For a 10-year business investor visa, you need to invest at least OMR 500,000 in qualifying business structures.
The job creation route offers an alternative with no minimum capital requirement, but you must establish a business that employs at least 50 Omani nationals. This route provides a 10-year residence permit and focuses on contributing to local employment rather than capital investment.
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The retiree option requires demonstrating a fixed monthly income of at least OMR 4,000 rather than a lump sum investment, making it accessible for expatriates already residing in Oman with stable income sources.
How long is the residence permit valid under the investment programs?
Oman's investor residence permits are issued for either 5-year or 10-year periods, depending on the investment amount and type.
The 5-year residence permit is available for investments of OMR 250,000 in property or business, while the 10-year residence permit requires investments of OMR 500,000 or more. The job creation route providing employment for 50+ Omani nationals qualifies for the 10-year permit regardless of capital investment.
Both permit types are renewable upon maintaining the qualifying investment or business operations. The renewal process requires demonstrating continued compliance with investment requirements and may involve updated documentation and fees.
As of June 2025, there are no automatic extensions or conversions to permanent residency, making renewal applications necessary to maintain legal residence status in Oman.
Permit holders must maintain their investment throughout the validity period to remain eligible for renewal.
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Is the Oman investment visa renewable or convertible into permanent residency or citizenship?
Oman investment visas are renewable but not convertible into permanent residency or citizenship through the standard program.
Both 5-year and 10-year residence permits can be renewed indefinitely as long as the qualifying investment is maintained and renewal requirements are met. However, these permits remain temporary residence solutions rather than pathways to permanent status.
The renewal process requires demonstrating continued investment compliance, paying renewal fees, and submitting updated documentation. Permit holders must reapply before their current permit expires to maintain legal residence status.
Omani nationality laws do not provide automatic pathways from investor residency to citizenship, and dual citizenship is generally prohibited. Naturalization remains possible under exceptional circumstances but is not part of the investor program framework.
Long-term residents may eventually qualify for naturalization through traditional channels, but this typically requires decades of continuous residence and meeting strict cultural and linguistic requirements.
What are the eligibility requirements and documents needed to apply for the investor visa?
Oman investor visa applications require meeting specific eligibility criteria and providing comprehensive documentation.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 21 years old to qualify for investor residency programs
- Clean Criminal Record: Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence in the past 10 years are mandatory
- Financial Capacity: Proof of sufficient funds to meet investment requirements and sustain living expenses in Oman
- Health Insurance: Valid comprehensive health insurance coverage for the applicant and all family members included in the application
- Investment Documentation: Property deeds, business registration documents, or bond ownership certificates proving the qualifying investment
- Passport Validity: Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity from the application date
- Professional Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Omani visa photo requirements
- Family Documentation: Marriage certificates and birth certificates for spouse and dependent children if applying for family sponsorship
Can I include my spouse and children under my residency permit through investment?
Yes, Oman's investor residency program allows family sponsorship for spouses and dependent children under the main applicant's residence permit.
Eligible family members include the legal spouse and dependent children who are generally under 21 years old. Each family member requires separate documentation including marriage certificates for spouses and birth certificates for children, along with their own health insurance coverage.
Additional fees apply for each sponsored family member, typically OMR 50 per first-degree relative for certain permit types. Family members receive residence permits with the same validity period as the main applicant's investor permit.
Family members can work in Oman subject to obtaining appropriate work permits, and children can attend local schools. However, family members cannot independently maintain the residence permit if the main applicant's investment status changes.
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What are the exact steps and timeline involved in applying for residency through investment in Oman?
The Oman investor residency application process follows a structured timeline with specific steps and government agencies.
- Investment Selection (1-4 weeks): Choose between property investment in ITCs or business investment routes, conduct due diligence
- Complete Investment (2-8 weeks): Finalize property purchase or establish business entity, ensure all legal requirements are met
- Document Preparation (1-2 weeks): Gather all required documents including police clearances, financial statements, and investment proofs
- Application Submission (1 day): Submit complete application to Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) or Royal Oman Police
- Processing Period (10-30 days): Government review of application and background checks, business investments typically process faster than property investments
- Fee Payment (1-2 days): Pay residence card fees upon approval notification - OMR 326 for 5-year permits, OMR 551 for 10-year permits
- Permit Collection (1-3 days): Collect approved residence permits from the issuing authority
Are there any taxes or fees associated with applying for a residence visa through investment?
Oman investor residency applications involve several mandatory fees and potential tax implications that applicants should budget for.
The primary residence card fees are OMR 326 for 5-year permits and OMR 551 for 10-year permits. Family members incur additional fees of approximately OMR 50 per first-degree relative for certain permit types.
Beyond government fees, applicants face additional costs including mandatory health insurance for all family members, notary and legal fees for document preparation, and potential advisory fees for professional assistance with the application process.
Property investments may be subject to local property taxes and registration fees, though Oman generally maintains relatively low property tax rates compared to other countries. Business investments may involve corporate tax obligations depending on the business structure and revenue generation.
Currency exchange costs and bank transfer fees for international investments should also be factored into the total investment budget.
What has been the experience of people who applied for the Oman residence visa through investment—any success stories or challenges to expect?
Investor feedback on Oman's residency program shows generally positive experiences with some common challenges that applicants should anticipate.
Success stories typically involve investors who worked with local legal advisors and real estate professionals, particularly those investing in established ITCs with proven track records. Many investors appreciate the straightforward renewal process and the stability of long-term residence rights in a politically stable Gulf country.
Common challenges include initial language barriers when dealing with government agencies, delays due to incomplete documentation or background check processing, and understanding local property laws and business regulations. Some applicants underestimate the time required for due diligence on property investments.
The main limitation that disappoints some investors is the lack of a pathway to citizenship or permanent residency, which differs from Golden Visa programs in other countries that offer eventual naturalization opportunities.
Successful applicants recommend engaging local professionals, allowing extra time for document preparation, and maintaining realistic expectations about the program's benefits and limitations.
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 residency program offers renewable long-term residence solutions for property and business investors, with minimum investments starting at OMR 250,000 for 5-year permits.
While the program allows family sponsorship and provides stable residence rights, it does not offer pathways to citizenship or permanent residency, making it suitable for investors seeking long-term renewable residence rather than naturalization opportunities.
Sources
- Crown Continental - Oman Visa and Residency
- Setup Dubai Business - Permanent Residency in Oman
- Government of Oman - Residence Visa for Property Owner
- IMI Daily - Oman Investor Residency
- Invest Oman - Investor Residency
- Feamish - 10 Years Investor Visa in Oman
- Golden Visas - Oman
- AER Oman - Residency by Investment
- Ministry of Finance Oman - Long-term Residency Program
- Government of Oman - Get Investor Visa
-Oman Property Price Forecasts