Oman will formally launch a revamped Golden Visa for investors on August 31, 2025, offering renewable 5- and 10-year residency without a local sponsor. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion says the program, processed fully online through the Invest Oman platform, gives clearer rules, digital filing, and wider family benefits. Officials describe it as a major push to draw long-term capital while supporting Oman’s Vision 2040 goals.
Key eligibility tiers and fees
Under the new structure, there are two eligibility tiers that set the minimum investment and the length of residency:
- Tier 1
- Minimum investment: 500,000 OMR (~$1.3 million)
- Residency: 10 years
- One-time application fee: 551 OMR
- Tier 2
- Minimum investment: 250,000 OMR (~$650,000)
- Residency: 5 years
- One-time application fee: 326 OMR
Both tiers permit family reunification for a spouse, children under 25, and dependent parents.
Acceptable investment forms
Investments can take several forms depending on the tier:
- Tier 1 options:
- Invest in a limited liability company or a public joint stock company
- Buy property worth at least 500,000 OMR
- Subscribe to government bonds
- Start a company that employs 50 or more Omani nationals
- Tier 2 options:
- Invest in a company
- Buy property of at least 250,000 OMR
Residency is renewable as long as the qualifying investment is kept.
Retirement track
The ministry also introduced a retirement track for long-time expatriate workers who can show a steady pension or salary of 4,000 OMR per month. This option widens who can qualify for long-term stay and helps retain experienced talent. VisaVerge.com reports policymakers want to pair investor tracks with pathways that serve skilled residents who have put down roots in Oman.
Fully digital application process
All filings move online through the Invest Oman platform. The government says the platform supports:
- Digital submission of applications
- Upload of proof of investment and family documents
- Online payment of fees
- Digital transfer of commercial registrations and e‑authentication
- Vetting and issuance of residency permits
Officials say the system will reduce trips to government counters and cut time for business setup.
Expect a single digital door for application, vetting, issuance, and family additions — minimizing in-person steps.
Industry reaction and strategic intent
Industry specialists note the Golden Visa is not new to Oman, but the 2025 relaunch gives the framework clearer structure and stronger outreach.
- Matt Boyd (Sovereign Group): investor-linked residency existed since 2021, but earlier rules were less clear and visible. The update sets firmer tiers and uses a single digital entry point.
- Irina Cotescu: the mix of residency rights, digital services, and business support encourages capital to stay engaged for years.
- Paresh Karia: Oman’s entry thresholds remain higher than some rivals, which limited uptake before; clearer terms may lift interest.
Officials tie the relaunch to Vision 2040, which aims to diversify the economy beyond oil into logistics, tourism, IT, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy. The Golden Visa aligns with these targets by linking residency to active investment and job creation, especially when companies hire Omani nationals and build local supply chains.
Tax and business environment highlights
Oman’s tax and business settings that appeal to mobile capital include:
- 15% corporate income tax, with 0% possible in certain Free Zones under set conditions
- No wealth tax
- No inheritance tax
- No capital gains tax on individuals
These features can lower the total cost of establishing a long-term base in the Sultanate compared with other markets.
Complementary digital and business reforms
Alongside Invest Oman, other reforms and initiatives include:
- Oman Business platform: online company registration transfers and authentication
- Al Majida Companies initiative: support for high-performing Omani firms to expand regionally and globally
The objective is to offer investors a market with clearer rules and local partners ready to scale.
Regional context and competition
Regional rivals such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia offer attractive residency tracks with lower buy-in at some levels. Oman’s higher thresholds signal a focus on serious, long-term investors. The new clarity may nonetheless shift investor decisions by showing exactly what to expect and how to apply.
Benefits for applicants and families
Golden Visa holders and their families gain stability and practical advantages:
- Ability to own businesses
- Sponsor spouse and children up to age 25
- Include dependent parents
- 5- or 10-year permits allow planning for schooling and healthcare
- Conduct business without a local sponsor: hire staff, sign leases, manage bank accounts
Application steps (typical)
Officials describe a straightforward online path on Invest Oman:
- Prepare capital and required documents.
- Submit proof of property purchase, company shares, government bonds, or job creation.
- Pay the application fee online.
- File moves through digital checks and vetting.
- If approved, residency permit is issued and family members are added via the same portal.
Practical tips for applicants
- Confirm property title deed values meet 250,000 OMR or 500,000 OMR thresholds before signing.
- Verify corporate structure eligibility and that shares are fully registered for company investments.
- For job-creation eligibility, maintain payroll records showing at least 50 Omani employees for Tier 1.
- Gather marriage and birth certificates early to avoid delays.
Compliance and renewals
Compliance continues after approval:
- Renewal depends on keeping the qualifying investment in place and meeting any ongoing track-specific conditions.
- Selling a property or exiting a company stake may require reinvestment at the required level before the next renewal window.
- Officials advise planning liquidity carefully to avoid lapses that could affect residency.
Expected economic impact
Economic watchers expect the program to add momentum to Oman’s recovery. The IMF projects growth of 2.4% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026. A steady pipeline of investors could channel capital into:
- Housing
- Logistics parks
- Industrial zones
- Tourism projects
Local SMEs may benefit through supply contracts, joint ventures, and access to new markets.
Human stories and practical outcomes
- A Tier 2 investor buying a qualifying home and investing in a growing Omani company can settle children into schools and plan for parents to join.
- A Tier 1 investor building a factory and hiring 50 Omani workers gains secure status while anchoring a long-term enterprise.
These examples show how residency rights can translate into concrete business and family plans.
Risks, evolution, and advisory notes
- Investment rules in the Gulf can evolve; thresholds and digital systems may be fine-tuned over time.
- Investors should monitor official notices and use licensed counsel for structuring deals, especially for complex shareholdings or property portfolios that span Free Zone and mainland rules.
How this fits into a larger agenda
The ministry stresses the Golden Visa is one part of a broader push to make Oman easier to do business in via:
- Better digital tools
- Clearer taxes
- Targeted support for Omani champions
The Al Majida Companies initiative aims to link foreign investors with Omani firms ready to scale regionally.
Official resources
For authoritative information and to begin an application, visit the official Invest Oman portal: Invest Oman. The platform lists current fees, accepted investment categories, and online services to move corporate records under one digital roof.
What to watch ahead of launch
As August 31, 2025 approaches, attention will focus on:
- Processing speed and residency card issuance
- Early renewal guidance
- How many investors enter via property vs. company investment
- Whether job-creation pathways gain traction
If the digital pipeline performs, observers expect faster onboarding and smoother renewals than in the program’s earlier phase.
Measures of success
The program’s success will be judged by broader outcomes:
- Number of Omani jobs created
- Depth of investor integration into local supply chains
- Inflow of capital into tourism, logistics, IT, and renewables
With residency as the anchor and a one-stop online gateway, Oman aims to convert investor interest into long-term presence and predictable growth for both investors and local communities.
This Article in a Nutshell
Oman will relaunch its Golden Visa on August 31, 2025, offering two structured investor tiers and a retirement track, all processed through the Invest Oman digital platform. Tier 1 grants renewable 10-year residency for investments of at least 500,000 OMR, while Tier 2 offers renewable 5-year residency for investments of 250,000 OMR. Both tiers allow family reunification for a spouse, children under 25 and dependent parents. Acceptable investments include company equity, government bonds and qualifying property; Tier 1 also accepts projects creating 50 Omani jobs. The program removes the need for a local sponsor and aligns with Vision 2040 priorities—logistics, tourism, IT, advanced manufacturing and renewables. Fiscal incentives include a 15% corporate tax (0% in some Free Zones) and no wealth, inheritance or individual capital gains taxes. Officials expect the digital one-stop system and clearer rules to attract long-term capital, while analysts note higher entry thresholds compared with some Gulf competitors. Success will be judged by job creation, supply-chain integration and capital inflows into priority sectors.
