How to Qualify for Oman’s 10-Year Investor Residency Program

Oman’s Investor Residency Program (IRP), often called the Golden Visa, offers a clear and attractive path for foreign investors and their families to live in Oman for up to 10 years. This program, updated in 2024–2025, is designed to support Oman’s Vision 2040 by bringing in global investment and talent. If you’re considering this route, it’s important to understand the entire process, from the first step of choosing your investment to the final stage of receiving your residency card. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you know what to expect at each stage, how long things might take, and what actions you’ll need to take along the way.

Overview of The Investor Residency Program (Golden Visa)

The Investor Residency Program is managed by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) and the Royal Oman Police. It allows foreign investors to sponsor themselves for residency, without needing a local employer or sponsor. The program is open to people from all countries except those in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and it covers both the main investor and their family members.

There are two main investment tiers:

• Tier Two: Minimum investment of OMR 250,000 (about USD 650,000) for a 5-year visa, renewable every 2–3 years if you keep your investment.
• Tier One: Minimum investment of OMR 500,000 (about USD 1.3 million) for a 10-year visa, renewable every 3 years with continued compliance.

You can invest in real estate, start or buy a business, purchase government bonds, or, for the 10-year visa, create at least 50 jobs for Omani citizens. These options give you flexibility based on your interests and financial situation.

Step 1: Deciding on Your Investment Path

The first step is to choose the type of investment that fits your goals and meets the program’s requirements. Here are your main options:

• Real Estate: Buy property worth at least OMR 250,000 in approved areas called Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), such as Al Mouj, Muscat Bay, Muscat Hills, Sifah, or new developments in Salalah. For a 10-year visa, the property must be worth at least OMR 500,000.
• Business Ownership: Start a new company or invest in an existing Omani company (LLC or public joint stock) at the required amount. For the 10-year visa, you can also qualify by creating at least 50 jobs for Omani nationals, even if you don’t meet the capital threshold.
• Government Bonds or Bank Deposits: Invest at least OMR 250,000 in government bonds or qualifying bank deposits, with a minimum two-year maturity.

Each investment type has its own paperwork and process, so it’s wise to seek advice from a licensed consultant or legal expert in Oman before making your decision.

Step 2: Preparing Your Documents

Once you’ve chosen your investment, you’ll need to gather several documents. Having everything ready will help your application go smoothly and quickly. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Valid passport (with at least 6 months left before expiry)
• Police clearance certificate (issued within the last 6 months, showing a clean criminal record)
• Proof of financial solvency (such as recent bank statements, business records, or income verification)
• Health insurance policy (covering you and any family members)
• Medical fitness certificate (from an approved Omani health facility)
• Proof of investment (property deed, business license, bond certificate, or other official documents)
• Family relationship documents (marriage certificate for spouse, birth certificates for children, and any other documents if you’re including other relatives)

If you’re including family members, make sure their documents are also complete and up to date. The Ministry of Commerce may ask for more information if anything is missing or unclear.

Step 3: Submitting Your Application Online

All applications for the Investor Residency Program are now handled through the Invest Easy Portal, the official government website for investor services. This digital process makes things much faster and easier than before.

To apply:

1. Create an account on the Invest Easy Portal.
2. Fill in the online application form, uploading all required documents.
3. Pay the application fee as directed on the portal.
4. Double-check that all information is correct before submitting.

If you’re unsure about any part of the application, you can contact the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for help, or work with an authorized consultant.

Step 4: Review and Security Clearance

After you submit your application, the Ministry of Commerce and the Royal Oman Police will review your documents. They will check your background, verify your investment, and make sure all requirements are met. This stage includes:

• Security clearance: Authorities will check your criminal record and background.
• Investment verification: Officials will confirm that your investment meets the program’s rules.
• Document review: They will make sure all paperwork is complete and valid.

Estimated timeframe: If your documents are complete, this review usually takes 5 to 15 working days. Some high-value or strategic investors may qualify for a “green channel” fast-track, which can make the process even quicker.

Step 5: Receiving Your Entry Visa

If your application is approved, you’ll receive an entry visa for Oman. This visa allows you to travel to Oman and complete the final steps of the residency process. You’ll need to:

• Print your entry visa and keep it with your passport.
• Book your travel to Oman, making sure your documents are ready for inspection at the border.

Step 6: Arrival in Oman and Finalizing Your Residency

When you arrive in Oman, you’ll need to complete a few in-country formalities before you receive your Investor Residency Card. These steps include:

• Medical check: Visit an approved Omani health facility for a medical fitness test (if not already done).
• Biometric data: Provide fingerprints and a photo for your residency card.
• Final paperwork: Submit any remaining documents or forms as requested by the authorities.

Once these steps are complete, you’ll receive your Investor Residency Card. This card proves your legal residency in Oman and gives you access to local services.

Step 7: Sponsoring Your Family Members

If you included your spouse, children, or other close relatives in your application, you can now apply for their dependent visas. The process is similar to your own:

• Submit their documents (passports, relationship certificates, health insurance, medical fitness certificates).
• Pay the required fees.
• Wait for approval and issuance of their residency cards.

As of 2025, there is no longer an age cap for dependent children, and in some cases, other close relatives may also qualify. Each case is reviewed by the Ministry of Commerce.

Step 8: Renewal and Ongoing Compliance

Your residency permit is not permanent—it must be renewed every 2–3 years for the 5-year visa, or every 3 years for the 10-year visa. To renew, you must:

• Show that you still meet the investment requirements.
• Provide updated documents (passport, health insurance, police clearance, etc.).
• Pay the renewal fee.
• Complete any required in-country formalities.

If you fail to maintain your investment or break any program rules, your residency (and your family’s) can be cancelled. It’s important to keep all your documents up to date and follow Omani laws.

What to Expect from the Authorities

Throughout the process, the Ministry of Commerce and the Royal Oman Police will communicate with you through the Invest Easy Portal or by email. They may ask for more documents or clarification if something is missing. If you use a consultant, they can help you respond quickly and correctly.

The authorities are known for being efficient and professional, but it’s important to be patient and provide all requested information as soon as possible. If you qualify for the green channel, your application may be processed faster.

Estimated Timeframes at Each Stage

• Document preparation: 1–4 weeks (depends on how quickly you gather documents)
• Online application submission: 1 day (if documents are ready)
• Review and security clearance: 5–15 working days
• Entry visa issuance: 1–3 days after approval
• In-country formalities: 1–2 weeks (including medical check and biometrics)
• Family sponsorship: 1–2 weeks per dependent (can be done alongside your own process)
• Renewal: 2–4 weeks before your current permit expires

Key Benefits of Oman’s Investor Residency Program

• Self-sponsorship: You don’t need a local employer or sponsor.
• No minimum stay: You and your family are not required to live in Oman full-time.
• Full business and property rights: You can own businesses and real estate in your own name.
• Family inclusion: Spouse, children (no age cap), and sometimes other relatives can be included.
• Access to services: Residency gives you access to local schools, hospitals, banks, and business opportunities.
• Tax advantages: No personal income tax until 2028; from 2028, a 5% tax applies only to income above OMR 42,000 per year.
• Multiple entry: You can enter and leave Oman as often as you like.

Special Pathways and Updates

• Retiree pathway: If you’re over 60 and have worked in Oman before, you may qualify for a 5-year visa by showing a fixed monthly income of OMR 4,000.
• Salalah redevelopment: New luxury real estate and business opportunities in Salalah now qualify for the program.
• Digital-first processing: The entire process is now online, making it faster and more transparent.

Important Considerations and Compliance

• Maintain your investment: If you sell your property, close your business, or withdraw your bond investment, you may lose your residency.
• Keep documents current: Make sure your passport, health insurance, and police clearance are always up to date.
• Follow Omani laws: Any criminal activity or non-compliance can result in loss of residency for you and your family.
• No direct path to citizenship: The Investor Residency Program does not lead to Omani citizenship, but your residency is renewable as long as you meet the requirements.

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Start early: Gathering documents and making your investment can take time, so begin the process well before you plan to move.
• Use official resources: Always use the Invest Easy Portal for applications and updates.
• Consult professionals: Licensed consultants and legal experts can help you avoid mistakes and delays.
• Plan for the future: Be aware of upcoming tax changes and renewal requirements.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

If you fail to maintain your investment, let your documents expire, or break the law, your residency can be cancelled. This also affects your family members. It’s important to stay organized and keep track of renewal dates and requirements.

Looking Ahead: Future Changes and Opportunities

Oman’s Investor Residency Program is expected to keep growing, with more real estate and business options being added, especially in places like Salalah. The government may also expand family inclusion rules in the future. However, as of July 2025, there is still no direct path to citizenship through this program.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Oman’s Golden Visa offers a clear, flexible, and family-friendly way to live and invest in a stable Gulf country. By following the steps above and staying compliant, you and your family can enjoy long-term security, business freedom, and access to a high quality of life. For the most accurate and current information, always check the Invest Easy Portal and consider speaking with an authorized Omani consultant.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, Oman’s Investor Residency Program stands out for its transparency, flexibility, and strong support for global investors and their families. By understanding each step and preparing carefully, you can make the most of this unique opportunity.

Learn Today

Investor Residency Program → A visa scheme allowing foreign investors to live in Oman by investing money in approved sectors.
Golden Visa → Long-term residency permit granted to investors with significant financial commitment in Oman.
Invest Easy Portal → Oman’s official online platform for submitting and tracking Investor Residency Program applications.
Tier One Investment → Higher investment tier requiring OMR 500,000 for a 10-year renewable residency visa.
Security Clearance → Government background check ensuring applicants have no criminal history before visa approval.

This Article in a Nutshell

Oman’s Investor Residency Program provides a flexible 5- or 10-year Golden Visa for investors and families. Managed by MoCIIP and Royal Oman Police, it requires investments in real estate, businesses, or bonds. The fully digital process ensures quick approval and includes family sponsorship without a minimum stay requirement.
— By VisaVerge.com