Oman’s Golden Visa: Your Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Introduction

If you're exploring global residency or investment opportunities, the Sultanate of Oman has recently emerged as a standout option in the Gulf region — particularly through its long-term residency offerings often referred to as a “Golden Visa”. This blog article will deep-dive into Oman’s Golden Visa / investor-residency framework: its purpose, eligibility criteria, investment options, benefits, the application process, and key things to keep in mind. Our aim is to give you an SEO-optimised, well-researched piece you can use directly on your site for LuxeOman.

What is the Oman Golden Visa?

While some sources previously suggested that Oman did not have a true “Golden Visa” (in the sense of citizenship-by-investment or permanent-residence with minimal conditions), in 2025 the country introduced a revamped long-term residency scheme for investors and talent that closely mirrors “golden visa” programmes in other jurisdictions. Times of Oman+4La Vida Golden Visas+4Khaleej Times+4

In short: the programme allows eligible foreign investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and retirees to obtain 5- or 10-year renewable residency permits in Oman, without the traditional requirement of a local sponsor. Times of Oman+3Business Today+3Khaleej Times+3

This is part of Oman’s broader economic plan, Oman Vision 2040, to diversify the economy, attract foreign direct investment, and stimulate sectors beyond oil. Deloitte+1

Why Oman is launching the Golden Visa (and why it matters)

Strategic reasons

• Oman is seeking to position itself as a more attractive base for regional and international investors, and to compete with other Gulf states which already offer long-term residency or “golden visa” style programmes (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia). Business Insider+1
• By offering long-term residency, Oman aims to bring in capital, expertise, business activity and foreign participation in key growth sectors (tourism, logistics, real-estate, IT, renewables). Middle East Briefing
• The removal (or reduction) of local sponsorship requirements improves flexibility, and makes the Sultanate more investor-friendly. Gulf News+1

What it means for investors / residents

• It opens doors to long-term stability in residence (5 or 10 years) rather than only short-term permits. Times of Oman+1
• It enables foreign nationals to live, work, set up business, or invest in Oman with fewer constraints and more independence. Mirabello Consultancy+1
• Family inclusion is typically allowed (spouse, children, parents) under many options. Khaleej Times

Key Features & Benefits of the Oman Golden Visa

Here are the main advantages of this long-term residency scheme:

• Renewable 5- or 10-year residency: Depending on the investment tier, you can obtain a 5-year permit (with lower investment threshold) or a 10-year permit (higher investment) and renew it. omantaxfreezones.com+1
• No local sponsor required: Unlike many standard expat visas in the region, this programme allows self-sponsorship (in effect) since you are qualifying via investment. Sands Of Wealth
• Ability to live, work and invest: You can set up or purchase a business, buy property (in approved zones), open bank accounts and generally participate in the local economy. Mirabello Consultancy
• Family inclusion: Many options allow you to sponsor your spouse, children (often up to age 25) and dependent parents. Gulf News+1
• Asset ownership & real-estate options: Foreigners under this scheme may purchase real estate outside of the most tightly-restricted zones (for example outside tourism-complex exclusive zones) in certain cases. omantaxfreezones.com+1
• Alignment with economic diversification: For investors this means the visa is part of a broader plan, giving more confidence in the long-term.
• Competitive investment thresholds: Relative to some other jurisdictions, Oman’s thresholds (for 10-year option around OMR 500,000 or circa USD 1.3 million) place it mid-range. Migrate World+2Middle East Briefing+2

Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply?

Below is a summary of what applicants must typically meet. Note: exact requirements may evolve, so always check the official portal.

General eligibility

• Must be at least age 21 (in many cases). Bayat Group+1
• Should hold a valid passport and be in good health. Bayat Group
• Clean criminal record and proper conduct. Migrate World
• Proof of financial solvency as per investment threshold. Mirabello Consultancy

Investment / residency requirements

Two main tiers (5-year vs 10-year) with different thresholds.

• Tier Two / 5-Year Permit: Investment from around OMR 250,000 (≈ US$650,000) in approved forms (company investment, real-estate, bonds) qualifies for 5-year residency. omantaxfreezones.com+1
• Tier One / 10-Year Permit: Investment from around OMR 500,000 (≈ US$1.3 m) qualifies for 10-year residency, with additional routes such as setting up a company employing 50 Omani nationals. IMI Daily+2Middle East Briefing+2
• In recent updates (2025), there are reports of lowering thresholds to around OMR 200,000 for some routes. Middle East Briefing+1

Eligible investment routes

Some of the common qualifying investment routes include:

• Setting up or investing in a company (LLC or public joint-stock company) in Oman. omantaxfreezones.com+1
• Real-estate purchase (residential, commercial, sometimes industrial) in approved zones. omantaxfreezones.com+1
• Government bonds, bank deposits, or regulated investment instruments. Mirabello Consultancy+1
• Creating employment for Omani nationals (for the higher tier). Khaleej Times+1
• Retiree-option: some schemes cover retirees aged 60+ with fixed income (for long-term residency, though not exactly same as “golden visa”). omantaxfreezones.com

Investment Routes & Thresholds – Detailed Breakdown

Example real-estate route
For the 10-year permit you might need to purchase property in Oman with value of minimum OMR 500,000. Gulf News

Example business route
Establish a company that employs at least 50 Omani nationals – no specified capital but qualifies for 10-year permit. Khaleej Times

Recent update
From August 2025, Oman announced the “Golden Residency” programme lowering thresholds and expanding eligible routes. Middle East Briefing

What You Get: Rights & Benefits Under the Visa

• Residency rights for you (and your family) for the term of the permit (5 or 10 years) with possibility of renewal. Deloitte+1
• Right to live and conduct business in Oman, including opening bank accounts and owning property (subject to route). Mirabello Consultancy
• No requirement for a local Omani sponsor (in the sense of traditional employment-based visas) for those qualifying via investment. Sands Of Wealth
• Family sponsorship: spouse, children (often under 25), dependent parents. Khaleej Times+1
• Transferability (in many cases) of ownership or ability to conduct business and repatriate profits. omantaxfreezones.com
• Access to Oman as a base in the GCC region, with relatively stable political environment, appealing climate, and improved infrastructure.

Application Process & Practical Steps

Here’s a typical step-by-step outline for applying (subject to change – always check the official portal of Invest Oman or relevant Ministry):

1. Select investment route: Decide whether you will invest in real-estate, business, bonds, or other approved mechanism.
2. Prepare documentation: Valid passport, police clearance, health certificate, proof of investment (e.g., business registration, shareholding, property title, bonds), bank statements, and family documents if sponsoring dependents. Migrate World
3. Submit application through the official channel (could be online or via local office). The Ministry may review your investment, business plan (if applicable), and check eligibility criteria. Omani Lawyers
4. Approval: Once approved, you receive the long-term residency permit (5 or 10 years).
5. Maintain investment & compliance: In order to renew or keep the permit, you typically must keep the investment active (property ownership, business operating, etc.). Sands Of Wealth
6. Renewal: Before expiry, submit renewal request; documentation updated (investment still meets criteria) and pay any applicable fees. Renewal may be subject to updated rules.
7. Rights activation: After residency is granted, you may apply for local residence card, bank accounts, property registration (if applicable) and exercise your rights.

Processing time: Estimated 1-2 months in many cases. IMI Daily

Fees: For example, the fee for the 10-year permit card was reported at OMR 551. Khaleej Times+1

Key Considerations & Potential Drawbacks

While the Oman Golden Visa scheme offers many advantages, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:

• Not a path to citizenship: Despite the long-term residency, this programme does not guarantee or directly lead to Omani citizenship. Oman’s nationality laws are more restrictive. Wikipedia
• Minimum stay / presence requirements: While many programmes require minimal presence, you must check residence/compliance conditions (in some cases physical stay requirements). IMI Daily
• Investment risk: Property markets or business investment in any country carry risk. Ensure proper due diligence and legal advice (especially for real-estate in foreign jurisdiction).
• Regulatory / legal changes: Visa rules, investment thresholds and regulations can change; being compliant and up to date is crucial.
• Exit strategy: If for any reason you need to exit the country or investment, check property transfer rules, liquidation of business, repatriation of funds etc. omantaxfreezones.com+1
• Tax implications: While Oman has a favourable tax regime for individuals in many cases, you should check your home country tax obligations and any double taxation treaties.
• Family-dependents issues: While children up to 25 and dependent parents may qualify, you must verify exact age limits and rules per application. Gulf News

Why Oman Could Be an Attractive Choice (compared to alternatives)

• Strategic Location: Oman is at the junction of the Middle East and Asia — offering access to markets in the GCC, Africa and beyond.
• Growing business climate: With reforms aligned to Vision 2040, Oman is positioning for more foreign investment and improved infrastructure.
• Lower thresholds (relatively): At around OMR 250,000–500,000 the investment thresholds sit mid-range among Gulf residency programmes (some other countries require higher). Business Insider
• Strong quality of life: Oman is known for safety, a moderate pace of life, natural beauty (coastline, mountains), and a more relaxed expat environment compared to some of the hyper-urban Gulf cities.
• Family friendly: The inclusion of spouse, children and parents makes the programme appealing for family relocation.
• Long-term stability: The 10-year renewable permit gives a sense of long-term certainty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Is the Oman Golden Visa the same as citizenship?
No. The long-term residency permit gives rights to live/work/invest in Oman for 5 or 10 years (renewable) but does not grant citizenship. Omani nationality law remains separate and restrictive. Wikipedia

Q2. Can I include my family in the investment application?
Yes — the spouse, children (often up to age 25) and dependent parents may be included, subject to meeting documentation requirements. Gulf News

Q3. What types of investment are allowed?
Real-estate purchase, investing in or establishing a company (LLC or joint-stock), government bonds or bank deposits, employment creation of Omanis in certain cases. omantaxfreezones.com

Q4. How long is the residency valid?
For 5-year tier: about 5 years (renewable). For the 10-year tier: 10 years (renewable). Renewals possible if conditions continue to be met. Khaleej Times

Q5. Is there a minimum stay requirement?
Some sources indicate physical presence requirements (e.g., ~180 days per year) may apply in older investor-residency schemes. IMI Daily Confirm latest rules for the golden visa route.

Q6. Can I buy any property?
Property must meet certain conditions (approved zones, built, potentially within Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) or designated investment zones). Ownership rights and transferability must be verified. omantaxfreezones.com

Q7. What happens if I sell the investment or stop business operations?
If the qualifying investment is removed or the business ceases operations, the residence permit may become invalid or renewal may be refused. Hence maintaining compliance is critical.

Steps You Should Take If You’re Considering Applying

1. Engage a local advisor or legal/immigration specialist in Oman to confirm current rules (investment thresholds, zones, documentation).
2. Choose your investment route (business, real estate, bonds) and perform full due diligence (property title, company registration, local sector viability).
3. Ensure your documentation is in order: passport, police certificate, health check, financial evidence, family documents.
4. Submit your application via Invest Oman or the relevant ministry; maintain transparency and compliance with local laws.
5. Once approved, ensure your investment is properly registered, you obtain your residency permit, residence card and register appropriately (bank accounts, property, etc.).
6. Monitor renewal deadlines and maintain investment/business operations. Also maintain compliance with any residence presence requirements.
7. Consult tax professionals regarding your domicile, home country tax obligations, expatriate tax issues and implications of receiving residency in Oman.

Conclusion

Oman’s Golden Visa / long-term investor-residency scheme offers an exciting opportunity for foreign investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and affluent retirees to secure long-term residency in a stable, growth-oriented Gulf economy. With 5- and 10-year renewable permits, family inclusion, and investment routes across real estate, business and bonds, the programme presents an appealing proposition.

That said — it is not a shortcut to citizenship, and success depends on choosing the right investment route, complying with legislation, and maintaining your investment over time. For anyone considering relocating or diversifying into the Middle East, Oman is definitely worth strong consideration.

FAQs

What property investment qualifies for Oman’s Golden Visa?

To qualify, you typically need to invest in a property worth at least OMR 250,000 in designated areas, though this can vary based on location and type. Ownership must be full or shared under specific conditions outlined by the government. Our calculator uses the latest regulations to give you a clear picture, and if you’re unsure, our team at Luxe Properties can walk you through the fine print.

How long does the Golden Visa residency last?

The duration depends on your investment level. A minimum investment often grants a 5-year residency, while higher tiers can secure up to 10 years, renewable as long as you maintain ownership. Stick with our tool’s results for specifics, and we’ll send you a detailed breakdown when you share your email with us.

Why choose Luxe Properties for my Golden Visa journey?

We’re not just a real estate firm; we’re your partner in navigating Oman’s investment landscape. With years of experience and deep knowledge of Golden Visa rules, Luxe Properties offers curated property listings that match eligibility criteria. Plus, our advisors are just a click away to answer questions or help you close the deal. Let’s make this process smooth together!