Oman has modernized its residency system under Vision 2040, making it easier for global investors, professionals, and retirees to settle in the Sultanate. With the 2025 Golden Visa update, Oman has created a dedicated track for retirees, offering 5-year renewable residency permits without the need for a local sponsor.
This guide explains in detail who qualifies, how to apply, required documents, benefits, and challenges of the Oman Retirement Visa in 2025.
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Why Oman Is a Retirement Destination in 2025
Oman’s peaceful lifestyle, affordable living, modern healthcare, and Vision 2040 reforms make it an appealing retirement destination for expats seeking stability, culture, and long-term residency opportunities in 2025.
Stable, Peaceful, and Welcoming
Oman is known for its safety, political stability, and hospitality. Expats often highlight the slower pace of life and rich cultural traditions.
Strong Infrastructure and Healthcare
Healthcare reforms in 2025 have improved private medical facilities, and the retirement visa requires valid health insurance, ensuring access to quality care.
Economic Diversification
Oman is no longer just an oil economy. Its investments in renewables, tourism, and logistics make it attractive for retirees looking for stability and future growth.
Oman Retirement Visa 2025: Key Eligibility
Applicants must be 60 or older, earn a fixed monthly income of OMR 4,000, have valid health insurance, and submit medical fitness certification via the Invest Oman platform.
Age Requirement
- Applicants must be 60 years or older at the time of applying.
Income Requirement
- A fixed monthly income of at least OMR 4,000 is required.
- This can come from pensions, retirement savings, or other provable income streams.
- Income proof must be submitted through bank statements or pension letters.
Insurance & Medical Fitness
- Applicants must have private health insurance valid in Oman.
- A medical fitness certificate from an approved clinic is mandatory.
Family Sponsorship
- The retirement visa allows sponsorship of a spouse and children.
Application Channel
- As of August 31, 2025, all applications must be submitted through the Invest Oman digital platform.
Step-by-Step Process for Applying in 2025
Applicants register on Invest Oman, upload required documents, pay online fees, undergo Royal Oman Police verification, and receive a renewable five-year residency permit granting family sponsorship and property ownership.
Step 1: Register on Invest Oman Portal
- Create an account on the Invest Oman platform.
- Select the Residency by Retirement Visa option.
Step 2: Upload Documents
You will need to prepare:
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
- Income proof (pension certificate, retirement savings, bank statements for at least 6 months)
- Insurance policy valid in Oman
- Medical fitness certificate
- Family documents (if applying for dependents)
Step 3: Submit Fees
- Fees are displayed within the Invest Oman portal.
- Payment is processed online.
Step 4: ROP Review
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) verifies identity and security clearances.
Step 5: Issuance of 5-Year Residency
Once approved, the applicant receives a 5-year renewable residency permit.
Benefits of Retirement Visa in Oman
The retirement visa grants five-year renewable residency, property ownership rights in freehold zones, family sponsorship privileges, and access to Oman’s healthcare, banking, and lifestyle benefits without needing a local sponsor.
Long-Term Residency
- A 5-year residency permit, renewable if requirements are maintained.
No Local Sponsor Required
- Retirees no longer need a local employer or sponsor.
Property Ownership
- Visa holders can own property in freehold zones, including in Muscat and Duqm.
Family Sponsorship
- Retirees can bring their spouse and children under their residency.
Access to Services
- Visa holders enjoy access to private healthcare, banking, and investment opportunities.
Challenges and Considerations
- High Income Threshold: OMR 4,000 per month limits eligibility to wealthier retirees.
- No Work Rights: Retirement visa does not allow employment.
- Healthcare Costs: Private insurance is mandatory, and premiums can be costly for seniors.
- Living Costs: While lower than Dubai or Doha, Oman’s cost of living is rising in 2025.
Retirement Visa vs. Other Residency Options in Oman
| Category | Validity | Requirement | Sponsor Needed? |
| Retirement Visa | 5 years | Age 60+, OMR 4,000 monthly income, insurance | No |
| Golden Visa (10 years) | 10 years | OMR 500,000 investment or 50+ Omani jobs | No |
| Golden Visa (5 years) | 5 years | OMR 250,000 investment | No |
| Work Visa | 2 years | Employer contract | Yes |
Vision 2040 and Retiree-Friendly Policies
Oman’s Vision 2040 emphasizes human capital development and foreign investment attraction. By including retirees in the Golden Visa framework, Oman:
- Boosts its real estate market (expats buying freehold property).
- Encourages long-term spending in the economy.
- Positions itself as a retirement-friendly Gulf state, competing with UAE and Bahrain.
Conclusion
The Retirement Visa in Oman (2025) is a major step toward creating a globally competitive residency system. By offering 5-year renewable visas, property rights, and family sponsorship, Oman is making itself an attractive retirement hub for expats with stable incomes.
At the same time, challenges like the high OMR 4,000 threshold and rising costs mean retirees must plan carefully. Still, for those who qualify, Oman offers safety, stability, and a welcoming community for retirement years.
Can foreigners retire in Oman?
Yes. Foreigners can retire in Oman through the Retirement Visa, introduced under the updated Golden Visa framework in 2025. Applicants must be 60 years or older and prove a fixed monthly income of at least OMR 4,000, along with valid health insurance and medical clearance. The visa grants 5-year renewable residency, property ownership rights, and family sponsorship privileges.
What is 10 year golden visa in Oman?
The 10-year Golden Visa in Oman is a long-term residency program for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals. In 2025, applicants typically qualify by investing around OMR 500,000 in business, property, or national projects, or by creating jobs for at least 50 Omani nationals. This visa allows residency without a local sponsor, property ownership in freehold zones, and family sponsorship, making Oman attractive for global investors.
How can I get permanent residency in Oman?
Oman does not currently offer permanent residency in the same sense as Western countries. Instead, long-term stays are possible through the Golden Visa program (5 or 10 years) or the Retirement Visa (5 years, renewable). By meeting financial thresholds, maintaining eligibility, and renewing your visa, you can effectively secure long-term residency in Oman, with many benefits similar to permanent residency, including property rights and family sponsorship.
Which country has the easiest retirement visa?
The “easiest” retirement visa depends on income and lifestyle. In the GCC, Oman’s retirement visa is straightforward if you meet the OMR 4,000 monthly income requirement. Globally, countries like Portugal, Thailand, and Costa Rica are often considered easier because they offer lower income thresholds and simplified applications compared to Gulf states. Oman, however, appeals to retirees seeking stability, safety, and Gulf-standard infrastructure.
