Obtaining a residence permit in Oman - 2025

For immigration to Oman, foreigners must obtain a residence permit, the validity of which can range from 1 to 10 years. The main grounds for legalisation include:

• employment by a local company;
• enrolling at an educational institution;
• confirmation of a family tie with citizens or residents;
• confirmation of a monthly income of at least OMR 4,000 (USD 10,390);
• an investment in real estate, business, or government bonds from OMR 250,000 (USD 650,000).

The final option allows foreigners to obtain a 5-year residency. However, it can be issued for 10 years if the investment exceeds OMR 500,000 (USD 1.3 million). The naturalisation process takes 20 years, but this can sometimes be reduced to 10 or 15.

Oman residency benefits for foreigners

• Long-term residence. One of the main advantages of Oman residency is the possibility of legal stay on its territory for an extended period. Depending on the type, foreigners can extend their status. In some cases, they can obtain citizenship through naturalisation. Residents can freely enter and exit the sultanate without obtaining additional visas. This is particularly convenient for entrepreneurs, investors and specialists working in local companies, as they do not need to leave the country to renew their visas
• Opportunity to open a bank account. An Oman resident can open accounts in local banks, which significantly facilitates financial operations. Holders can use banking services, including deposits, credit cards, investment instruments and international transfers. A local account also simplifies the process of obtaining mortgages, car loans and other financial products. The state offers a stable banking system with high deposit protection, making it attractive for international investors and entrepreneurs.
• Access to medical and educational services. A holder of an Oman resident card can receive quality medical services in public and private clinics. The local modern healthcare system meets international standards. Many institutions are internationally accredited and the medical staff consists of highly qualified specialists. International schools offering programmes based on British, American and other foreign curricula are available for children. The sultanate also has universities and colleges offering education in English.
• Sponsoring family members. An Oman resident permit holder can arrange residency visas for their family members, including spouses, children and, in some cases, parents. The sponsorship is straightforward, primarily if the applicant works in the state or conducts business here. Additionally, spouses can obtain work permits.
• Tax benefits. The sultanate's tax system attracts residents and investors with its favourable conditions. It offers zero personal income tax, which is especially beneficial for high-paid specialists and entrepreneurs. The country has a moderate tax policy for companies. For example, the corporate tax rate is 15%. For small businesses, a preferential rate of 3% applies.

Ways of obtaining a residence visa in Oman

Through employment

This category allows foreigners to live and work in the sultanate after obtaining permission from the relevant authorities. The main conditions:

• the application must be submitted by a local employer-sponsor who meets the necessary criteria;
• the sponsor bears responsibility for the accuracy of the data;
• the expat's specialisation must correspond to the position requirements for which they apply.

The documents attached to the application must include an invitation from a local employer that outlines the position and working conditions, confirmation of the foreign national's qualifications and experience and a letter of commitment from the sponsor indicating their readiness to take responsibility for the employee.

A work residence permit does not confer the right to remain in the Sultanate to seek employment. All documents must be processed before entry. A status extension is allowed with the company's consent where the resident is employed. If the employer is willing to take responsibility, a residence permit can also be issued to the employee's family members.

For investors

Foreigners interested in long-term residence in the sultanate can obtain a residence permit through investments. They must fulfill one of the Oman Golden Visa requirements:

• purchase of commercial real estate, a house, or an apartment in Oman;
• registration of a new company or investment in the capital of an existing enterprise;
• purchase of government bonds.

The minimum investment threshold for a 5-year residency is OMR 250,000 (approximately USD 650,000) and OMR 500,000 (approximately USD 1.3 million) for a 10-year residency. The Oman Golden Visa grants foreigners the right to work, conduct business, purchase real estate, sponsor family members and employ domestic workers.

Studying at accredited universities

Foreigners planning to receive an education in one of the sultanate's educational institutions can apply for a student visa. Its validity corresponds to the duration of the study. If needed, residents have the option to extend their status. To validate their legal status, the student must present official enrollment confirmation from a local university or college.

The student residence permit gives a limited right to work. To obtain employment, it is necessary to have the appropriate permit. Under certain conditions, family members of the foreigner can legalise their status alongside them for the duration of their studies.

For pensioners

• Foreigners wishing to reside in the Middle Eastern state after retirement must fulfil the following conditions:
• 60 years of age or older;
• Have a monthly income of OMR 4,000 (USD 10,390) or more;
• Provide statements from a local bank for the last 3 months;
• Present a rental agreement or certificate of ownership for an apartment or villa in Oman.

In some cases, it may be necessary to confirm previous residency and work experience in the sultanate of at least 2 years.

For family members

Foreigners who have married citizens or residents of the state can obtain an Oman residence visa under the family reunification programme. To participate, they require a marriage certificate, confirmation of the spouse's financial solvency and the availability of an appropriate family living apartment or house. Children and sometimes their parents, who are the sponsors, can also apply for a family visa.

Documents to obtain a residence permit in Oman

The list of documents required for residency depends on the level of legalisation. The standard package includes:

• a completed application form;
• 2 colour photographs;
• a passport valid for at least six months;
• documents confirming the applicant's financial solvency;
• a medical insurance policy;
• information about the residence place in the sultanate.

Residence permit in Oman by investment and other types of visas: key differences and benefits

7 steps to a residence permit in Oman by buying real estate

Possible reasons for residence visa refusal

• Non-compliance with visa requirements. Each permit is intended for specific categories, such as specialists, investors, students, family members of a resident, etc. The document may be refused if the applicant does not meet the criteria for a specific type of visa. For example, they do not have an official employment contract, the necessary financial means, or confirmed family ties.
• Incomplete or incorrect document package. To apply for Oman residency, a foreign national must provide all required documents, including a valid passport, medical insurance, a criminal record certificate, an employment contract (for work visas) or a marriage certificate (for family reunification visas). Errors, data discrepancies or the absence of certified copies can result in refusal.
• Non-compliance with medical requirements. All candidates must undergo a medical examination, particularly those from countries with a higher risk of infectious diseases. Identified health problems, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B and C and HIV, can be grounds for rejecting the application.
• Problems with immigration history. If the applicant previously violated the visa regime of the sultanate or other states (for example, stayed in the country illegally, worked without permission, or was deported), their application may be rejected. Refusal is also possible if the passport contains marks of visits to states where the sultanate has complex diplomatic relations.
• Criminal record or legal issues. Providing a police clearance certificate is mandatory. If the applicant has been convicted of a criminal offence, especially one related to fraud, drugs or threats to national security, an application may be refused.
• Lack of financial stability. For some categories, confirmation of financial solvency is necessary. If a foreigner cannot provide bank account statements or other income documents, their application may be rejected.
• Refusal from the employer or sponsor. Many residence visas are processed through an employer or family member in the state. If the sponsoring company does not confirm employment, fulfil visa obligations, or has problems with the authorities, the visa may be refused. The application may also be rejected if the sponsor provided false information or cancelled support for the applicant.

Rights and obligations of Oman residents

Residents have the right to legally reside in the state and work, provided they hold the necessary permission from the Ministry of Labour. In addition, foreigners with residency can open bank accounts, conclude rental agreements, buy property in Oman (in specially designated zones) and access local healthcare and education systems.

Residents' obligations include compliance with the sultanate's legislation and payment of taxes and fees. Foreigners with a work residence permit are required to comply with the terms of their employment contract and may not change employers without prior coordination with the relevant authorities. They must also respect local traditions and norms, including rules of behaviour in public places and restrictions on expressing opinions. Violating these rules can result in fines, deportation, or other consequences.

How to extend a residence permit in Oman

To renew a residence permit in Oman, a foreign citizen must apply 2 to 3 months before the expiration. The procedure depends on the category of residency. For example, to extend the status obtained based on investments, a foreigner must confirm that the assets acquired under the programme remain in their ownership. Extending a work visa is typically handled by the employer.

Key points about obtaining a residence permit in Oman

• Investments of OMR 250,000 (approximately USD 650,000) grant the right to a 5-year residence permit, and investments of OMR 500,000 (approximately USD 1.3 million) grant the right to a 10-year residence permit;
• Real estate can only be purchased in ITC zones;
• Residents are exempt from income tax;
• Family members are sponsored without additional quotas;
• Medical insurance is mandatory for all applicants;
• Residence permits for pensioners require confirmation of financial solvency.