Khaleej Times, 25 August 2025: To attract more foreign investors and create a more business-friendly climate, Oman has introduced a new “Golden Residency” visa programme.

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion announced the launch of this scheme, reinforcing the Gulf nation’s status as a prime destination for international investment. As stated by Mubarak bin Mohammed Al-Douhani, the Director General of Planning and Head of Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Commerce, this initiative is aimed at creating a stable and dynamic business environment that offers investors premium prospects for sustainable long-term growth and security. Additionally, Oman is set to introduce the “Majid Companies” initiative and an electronic authentication service for transferring commercial registration ownership via the “Invest Oman” platform.

Oman’s Golden Visa

Oman now provides two investment residency programme options available through real estate investment, commercial ventures, and long-term bank deposits. These options are renewable for either five or 10 years, provided that applicants meet the defined criteria.

Applications for the new long-term residency programme can be submitted online via the “Invest Oman” platform, and come in two tiers as discussed below.

Tier 1

Investors qualify by completing one of the following:

• Investing at least OMR 500,000 in a limited liability company, public joint stock company, or government bonds.
• Purchasing property in Oman valued at a minimum of OMR 500,000.
• Establishing a company that employs at least 50 Omani nationals, with no requirement regarding company capital.

The Tier 1 extended residency permit is valid for 10 years (renewable), and the fee to issue the residence card is OMR 551.

Tier 2

For Tier 2 eligibility, investors must either:

• Invest a minimum of OMR 250,000 in a limited liability company or public joint stock company.
• Purchase property in Oman worth at least OMR 250,000.

Additionally, expatriate workers in Oman who wish to retire in the country may also qualify for an extended residence permit by showing proof of a fixed income of at least OMR 4,000 per month.

The Tier 2 extended residency permit is valid for five years (renewable), with a residence card fee of OMR 326.

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