Live in Oman for 10 years: How to qualify for long-term residency by investment

Time of India

6 days ago

Oman's investor visa offers self-sponsored 5- and 10-year residency to global investors/Representative Image
TL;DR:
Oman
grants 5- and 10-year renewable residencies to eligible foreign investors.
Investment thresholds: OMR 250,000 (USD 650k) for 5 years; OMR 500,000 (USD 1.3 million) for 10 years.
Investment options include real estate, business equity, government bonds, or bank deposits.
Residency permits include self-sponsorship, multiple entries, and family coverage.
As part of its sweeping national reform strategy known as Oman Vision 2040, the Sultanate has actively shifted toward welcoming long-term foreign capital through structured programs.
The Investor Residency Program (IRP), launched in 2021 and regulated by Ministerial Decision No. 209/2022, serves as a key pillar in that effort. It allows global investors to obtain either five-year or ten-year renewable residencies, offering them not only a stable base in one of the region's safest and most business-friendly environments, but also a pathway to long-term integration into Oman's private sector landscape.
Unlike temporary or employment-linked visas, the IRP provides investors and their families self-sponsorship rights, creating an appealing option for high-net-worth individuals seeking security, stability, and flexibility in the Gulf. With minimal bureaucratic hurdles and a digital-first application model, Oman positions itself as a discreet but powerful player in the competitive GCC residency-by-investment arena.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Legal Framework & Authority
Responsible Body:
Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP)
Regulatory Basis:
Ministerial Decision No. 209/2022
Delivery:
Administered via the Invest Oman digital portal and affiliated service centres
Residency vs Citizenship:
Offers long-term stay benefits but does not confer citizenship or nationality
Investment Tiers & Permit Duration
Under the Investor Residence Programme, Oman offers two main tiers of residency permits, categorized by the amount of investment and the duration of the permit. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), the first tier, known as the long-term residency, grants a 10-year renewable residency to investors who commit at least OMR 500,000 (approximately USD 1.3 million) in eligible investments. These may include purchasing property in designated integrated tourism complexes (ITCs), establishing a business, or investing in government-approved development projects.
The second tier, known as the medium-term residency, provides a 5-year renewable residency for those investing OMR 250,000 (around USD 650,000). Both tiers allow the investor to sponsor their spouse, children (up to age 25), and parents. Residency is conditional upon maintaining the investment throughout the permit period, and failure to do so may result in revocation, as outlined by Oman's Decision No. 26/2021 governing the programme.
Additionally, in a 2024 update, authorities confirmed that investors are also eligible to apply for property ownership rights, especially within ITC-designated areas, a policy designed to stimulate the real estate and tourism sectors. The programme aims to attract foreign capital and promote long-term economic diversification in line with Oman Vision 2040.
Benefits & Family Inclusion
The program is designed for comprehensive lifestyle integration.
Primary benefits include the right to self-sponsor (no employer or local sponsor needed), freedom to enter and exit Oman multiple times during the visa validity, and eligibility to own and operate businesses with 100% foreign ownership under the Foreign Capital Investment Law. Investors may also access education, healthcare, and leasing rights, similar to Omani residents.
Crucially, the IRP allows the inclusion of immediate family members: spouse, minor children, and dependent parents.
Family members receive residency for the same duration as the principal investor, creating a full relocation path. While these dependents do not need to make separate investments, they must pass medical and security checks and are subject to minor processing fees.
Oman's program does not currently impose a minimum stay requirement, meaning investors can maintain global mobility without needing to reside in the Sultanate full time.
This flexibility makes it especially attractive for businesspeople managing operations across different geographies.
Application Process
Applying for the Investor Residency Programme in Oman is streamlined through the Investment Services Center under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP). The entire process can be completed online via the official 'Invest Easy' portal, which centralizes government services for investors.
Applicants must first select their desired residency tier—5-year or 10-year—based on their planned investment amount. They are required to submit a formal application, including personal identification documents (passport copy, civil ID if applicable), proof of investment (e.g., property deeds, business licenses, bank statements), a valid health insurance policy, and a police clearance certificate from their country of residence or origin.
Additionally, a medical fitness certificate from an approved Omani health facility is mandatory for all applicants.
Once submitted, applications are reviewed by a specialized committee within the MoCIIP. If approved, the investor is granted a residency permit issued by the officials, which can be renewed depending on continued compliance with investment thresholds. Investors may also apply to sponsor their immediate family members during or after the approval process.
To improve efficiency and attract more high-net-worth individuals, Oman's government introduced a 'green channel' fast-track option for applicants meeting certain strategic investment criteria, though these are subject to ministry discretion. The entire process typically takes between 5 to 15 working days, provided all documents are complete and verifiable.
Oman's Investor Residency Program marks a strategic shift in how the Sultanate positions itself on the global investment map.
While less high-profile than neighbouring UAE or Saudi Arabia, Oman's offering is transparent, practical, and legally grounded, making it appealing to investors looking for long-term regional presence without excessive publicity or bureaucracy.
With a stable political climate, low crime rates, and one of the most livable environments in the Gulf, Oman's long-term visa option is increasingly being seen not just as a tool for economic development, but as a pathway to quality of life. Whether you're investing in real estate, launching a company, or diversifying assets through bonds or deposits, the IRP offers a dependable route to long-term residency in a country where safety, business autonomy, and serenity converge.