Oman has taken a major step forward in attracting global investors and skilled professionals by launching its oman 10-year Golden Visa program. Introduced on August 31 as part of the Sultanate’s Vision 2040 reforms, this initiative positions Oman alongside other Gulf states that are offering long-term residency options. The Oman Golden Visa seeks to increase prospects in real estate, entrepreneurship, and private sector while also fostering knowledge transfer and boosting investor confidence. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about Oman’s Golden Visa, including eligibility criteria, costs, benefits, and why it has become a significant part of Oman’s economic diversification strategy
What is Oman’s Golden Visa Program?
Oman’s Golden Visa program offers foreign nationals long-term residency rights in the Sultanate, enabling them to live, invest, and contribute to Oman’s growing economy. The initiative was unveiled at the Sustainable Business Environment Forum in Salalah and represents a critical milestone in the government’s strategy to create a business-friendly environment under Vision 2040.
For skilled professionals and investors who want to establish long-term roots in the country, the Oman Golden Visa provides a sense of solidity and permanence that temporary residency permits cannot match.
Two-Tier Structure of Oman’s Golden Visa
The oman 10-year Golden Visa program is divided into two distinct tiers, each tailored for different categories of applicants.
Tier One: 10-Year Residency
- • You must invest at least 500,000 Omani riyals in real estate, government bonds, or a business.
- Business Option: Creating a company with at least 50 Omani citizens working for it is another way for applicants to be eligible.Visa Fee: 551 Omani riyals.
- Validity: 10 years, renewable.
Tier Two: 5-Year Residency
- A minimum of 250,000 Omani riyals must be invested in real estate or a business.
- Retirement Option: Retirees are eligible if they can prove a fixed monthly income of 4,000 Omani riyals.
- Visa Fee: 326 Omani riyals.
- Validity: 5 years, renewable.
This two-tier approach makes the Oman Golden Visa accessible to a wider group of people, from high-net-worth investors to retirees looking for a stable and attractive destination in the Gulf.
Who is Eligible for Oman’s Golden Visa?
Eligibility for the Oman Golden Visa has been designed to encourage not just financial investment but also knowledge transfer and social stability. Key criteria include:
- Applicants need to be at least 21 years old.
- Family Inclusion: Spouses, children, and first-degree relatives can be included without restrictions on age or number.
- Health Coverage: Applicants must have valid health insurance while residing in Oman.
- Citizenship Restriction: Golden Visa holders cannot claim Omani citizenship unless they qualify under existing laws.
This inclusivity ensures that families and dependents of investors can also benefit from long-term security in the Sultanate
Benefits of Oman’s Golden Visa
The launch of the Oman Golden Visa brings a host of advantages for investors, professionals, and retirees. Some of the most significant benefits include:
- Long-Term Stability: With 5- and 10-year residency options, applicants can plan long-term investments without uncertainty.
- Family-Friendly: The program covers family members, making it easier for expatriates to relocate with loved ones.
- Business Expansion: By allowing investors to set up enterprises and employ local talent, the program supports Oman’s private sector growth.
- Attractive Real Estate Market: With real estate investment as one of the key criteria, the Golden Visa is expected to stimulate the property sector.
Aligned with Vision 2040: Investors can be part of Oman’s broader reforms aimed at reducing dependence on oil and boosting non-oil industries.
Why Oman Introduced the Golden Visa
The Oman Golden Visa program is more than just a residency scheme; it is a cornerstone of the nation’s economic diversification. Oman has long been reliant on oil revenues, but Vision 2040 focuses on building a resilient economy through tourism, manufacturing, technology, and entrepreneurship.
By offering longer residency periods, Oman hopes to:
- Encourage foreign direct investment.
- Boost private enterprise and entrepreneurship.
- Transfer skills and knowledge from international professionals to the local workforce.
- Boost investor confidence by offering long-term prospects and security.
Oman vs. Other Gulf States
Several Gulf countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, have already rolled out long-term residency visas. Oman’s entry into this space with its 10-year Golden Visa makes it a competitive destination for expatriates who want security and investment opportunities in the region.
What sets Oman apart is its balance of affordable entry points, family inclusion, and strategic location. The Sultanate offers a rich cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and a growing business ecosystem, making it attractive for both investors and retirees.
Costs of Oman’s Golden Visa
For potential applicants, the financial requirements of the Oman Golden Visa are clear and transparent:
- Tier One (10-Year Residency):
- Investment: 500,000 OMR
- Visa Fee: 551 OMR
- Tier Two (5-Year Residency):
- Investment: 250,000 OMR
- Visa Fee: 326 OMR
When compared with similar programs across the region, Oman’s visa fees remain relatively affordable while maintaining a competitive investment threshold.
The Bigger Picture: Vision 2040 and Economic Growth
The Golden Visa program is set against the backdrop of Oman’s Vision 2040 changes.
The government aims to:
- Diversify the economy away from oil.
- Create job opportunities for nationals.
- Attract global expertise.
- Encourage innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Oman Golden Visa is thus not just a residency permit but a tool to align foreign participation with national development goals
Conclusion: A Golden Opportunity in the Gulf
The launch of the Oman Golden Visa program marks a pivotal moment for the Sultanate. By offering long-term residency through investment, entrepreneurship, or retirement, Oman is positioning itself as a welcoming hub for expatriates, investors, and skilled professionals.
With benefits extending to families, competitive costs, and alignment with Vision 2040, the Oman Golden Visa is set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of the nation’s economy. For those seeking security, growth opportunities, and a chance to be part of Oman’s transformation, this program offers a truly golden opportunity.
Need more information on visas, immigration, and tourism ? Click here