By Shuja Ahmad | MakeMyCompany | Updated: Feb 2026
Oman’s Golden Visa is the country’s flagship long-term residency programme designed to attract foreign investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talent. It offers extended residency periods, full business ownership rights, access to real estate, and family sponsorship under a single framework. If you are evaluating Oman as a long-term base for investment or professional life, this guide covers every eligibility category, investment threshold, cost, and application step you need in 2026. For those still deciding on the right business structure for their residency application, our full guide to Business Setup in Oman is a useful starting point.
What Is the Oman Golden Visa?
The Oman Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit issued under a premium framework that sits above standard investor or employment visas. It is administered by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) and other relevant government bodies, depending on the applicant’s eligibility category.
Unlike a standard investor visa, which is renewed every two years and tied directly to active company ownership, the Golden Visa provides a five-year or ten-year residency permit with simplified renewal conditions. It reflects Oman’s commitment under its Vision 2040 strategy to diversify the economy, attract global capital, and position the Sultanate as a competitive long-term residency destination in the Gulf region.
The Golden Visa is not a tourist or visit permit. It confers genuine residency status, allowing holders to reside in Oman, operate businesses, own property, sponsor family members, and access government services as residents.
Who Is Eligible for the Oman Golden Visa?
The programme accommodates several distinct applicant profiles. Eligibility is assessed against specific investment thresholds, professional qualifications, or demonstrated achievements, depending on the category.
Real Estate Investors
Foreign nationals who purchase freehold property in Oman’s designated Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) are eligible for Golden Visa residency. The qualifying property must be located in an ITC authorised for foreign freehold ownership and must meet the minimum investment threshold applicable to the chosen visa duration.
Property ownership under this category confers the right to buy, hold, lease, and sell residential or commercial property within the designated zones. The residency permit is directly linked to continued ownership of the qualifying property.
Business Investors and Entrepreneurs
Foreign nationals who establish or invest in a registered Omani business meeting the minimum capital threshold qualify under the investment category. The business must operate in an eligible sector and maintain active commercial operations throughout the residency period.
Eligible sectors include technology, healthcare, logistics, renewable energy, tourism, manufacturing, construction, and industrial services. The Invest Easy portal, maintained by MOCIIP, lists current permitted activities and ownership rules applicable to foreign investors.
High-Net-Worth Individuals and Capital Investors
Applicants who make qualifying capital contributions to approved Omani government bonds, national investment funds, or strategic economic programmes may qualify without establishing an operating company. The specific funds and instruments that qualify are published by the relevant government authorities.
Skilled Professionals and Exceptional Talent
Highly qualified professionals in priority sectors, including medicine, engineering, technology, scientific research, and advanced education, may qualify based on expertise rather than capital investment. Applicants must demonstrate advanced qualifications, professional certifications, a relevant employment contract in Oman, and a salary meeting the minimum threshold, typically above OMR 3,000 per month.
Individuals with internationally recognised achievements in arts, culture, sports, or academia may qualify under the exceptional talent category, supported by documented awards, published works, or endorsements from recognised institutions.
Outstanding Students
Students enrolled in Omani universities demonstrating exceptional academic performance may be nominated for the Golden Visa through their institution. Eligible students typically maintain a GPA above 3.5 and are enrolled in STEM or other priority disciplines. The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation evaluates nominations in this category.
Retirees
Financially independent retirees aged 55 and above may qualify by demonstrating a sustainable monthly income or pension exceeding OMR 2,000, alongside property ownership or substantial bank deposits in Oman. Comprehensive health insurance coverage is mandatory for this category.
Minimum Investment Requirements for Oman Golden Visa 2026
Real Estate Investment
The minimum property value for Golden Visa eligibility through real estate is OMR 250,000 for the five-year permit and OMR 500,000 for the ten-year permit. The property must be freehold, located within a designated ITC, and fully registered in the applicant’s name.
Business Investment (Mainland Company)
For investors establishing a mainland LLC or SPC through MOCIIP, the qualifying minimum capital investment generally starts at OMR 500,000 for Golden Visa purposes. This is higher than the standard investor visa threshold, reflecting the premium nature of the Golden Visa framework. Sector-specific thresholds may differ for manufacturing, export-oriented businesses, or activities with significant employment creation potential.
Free Zone Investment
Free zone entities in Oman, including the Duqm Special Economic Zone, Sohar Freezone, and Salalah Free Zone, operate under their own investment frameworks. Qualifying thresholds for Golden Visa eligibility through free zone investment vary by zone authority and business activity. Applicants should confirm the applicable threshold directly with the relevant zone authority before proceeding.
Capital and Bond Investment
Applicants qualifying through government bonds or approved investment funds must meet the minimum deposit or subscription amount set by the issuing authority for the specific instrument. These thresholds are published periodically and should be verified against current publications from the Oman Investment Authority (OIA).
Golden Visa Validity and Renewal Rules
Validity Periods
The Oman Golden Visa is available in two formats. The five-year Golden Visa is the standard option for most investment and professional categories. The ten-year Golden Visa is available to applicants meeting the higher investment threshold or demonstrating exceptional contribution to Oman’s economic or social development.
Renewal Conditions
Renewal of the Golden Visa requires the applicant to maintain the qualifying investment in its original or equivalent form. For property investors, the qualifying property must still be owned and not sold below the minimum threshold. For business investors, the company must remain active with a valid CR and establishment card. For professionals, continued employment or business activity in the qualifying sector is required.
Renewal is processed through the ROP e-services portal and should be initiated at least 30 days before the permit expires. For guidance on the cancellation process if you decide to exit the programme, see our detailed guide on Oman Visa Cancellation Rules.
Step-by-Step: Oman Golden Visa Application Process
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility Category
Review the eligibility criteria for each category against your personal profile. Confirm the applicable minimum investment threshold, documentation requirements, and any sector-specific conditions that apply to your situation.
Step 2: Complete the Qualifying Investment or Employment
For investment-based applications, complete the company registration through Invest Easy or finalize the property purchase within a designated ITC. Ensure the investment is fully registered and the capital deposit certificate or property title deed is in hand before proceeding with the visa application.
For professional applicants, secure an employment contract with a qualifying Omani entity in the relevant sector and ensure all professional licences and certifications are valid and attested.
Step 3: Prepare Your Full Document Set
Compile all required documents as listed in the documents section below. Ensure all foreign documents are attested through your home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Omani Embassy or Consulate in your country. Documents in languages other than Arabic or English require certified translation by an approved translation office.
Step 4: Submit Application Through the Oman Business Platform
Applications are submitted through the Oman Business Platform or directly via the ROP e-services portal, depending on the category. Investment-based applications typically require preliminary approval from MOCIIP before the ROP submission stage. Professional and talent applications may require endorsement from the relevant ministry or employer.
Step 5: Application Review and Government Evaluation
Authorities conduct a thorough review of the application covering document authenticity, background verification, and investment or qualification assessment. Processing typically takes 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the application and the category. Complex investment cases requiring multiple ministry approvals may take longer.
Once submitted, you can track progress using the guidance in our Oman Visa Status Check guide.
Step 6: Pay Applicable Fees
Upon approval notification, pay the prescribed Golden Visa fees through the authorised payment channels on the government portal. Fees vary by visa duration and category as detailed in the cost breakdown section below.
Step 7: Complete Biometric Registration
After fee payment confirmation, attend the designated ROP centre for biometric registration, which includes fingerprint scanning, facial photography, iris scanning, and signature recording.
Step 8: Receive Residence Card
The Golden Visa residence card is collected from the ROP upon completion of biometric registration. The card displays the holder’s photograph, personal details, visa category, issue date, and expiry date. It must be carried at all times as proof of legal residency in Oman.
Documents Required for Oman Golden Visa
Documents Required by All Applicants
- Valid passport with a minimum of 12 months remaining validity
- Recent passport-sized photographs (white background, taken within 3 months)
- Completed Golden Visa application form
- Police clearance certificates from all countries of residence in the past 10 years
- Medical fitness certificate from an ROP-approved health centre in Oman
- Comprehensive health insurance policy valid for the duration of the visa
Additional Documents for Investment-Based Applicants
- Valid Commercial Registration (CR) issued by MOCIIP
- Memorandum of Association or Articles of Association
- Share capital deposit certificate from an Omani bank
- Business plan with economic impact summary (required for some sectors)
- Company establishment card from the Ministry of Labour
- Financial audit or bank statements for operating companies
Additional Documents for Property Investors
- Certified copy of the property title deed
- Property purchase agreement registered with the relevant authority
- Proof of property value meeting the minimum qualifying threshold
- Property location confirmation within a designated ITC
Additional Documents for Professionals and Talent
- Employment contract with the Omani entity
- Salary certificate confirming monthly remuneration
- Academic degrees and professional certificates (attested)
- Professional licence from the relevant Omani regulatory body
- CV with a detailed record of achievements and experience
- Reference letters or endorsements from recognised institutions (for talent category)
Additional Documents for Retirees
- Proof of age (passport or birth certificate)
- Pension certificate or monthly income statement
- Bank statements showing a minimum OMR 2,000 monthly income
- Property title deed or long-term lease agreement in Oman
- Comprehensive health insurance policy
Oman Golden Visa Cost Breakdown 2026
The cost of obtaining a Golden Visa in Oman includes government fees, investment-related costs, document preparation costs, and professional service charges where applicable.
| Cost Item | Estimated Amount (OMR) |
|---|---|
| Golden Visa application fee (5-year) | OMR 1,000 to 2,000 |
| Golden Visa application fee (10-year) | OMR 3,000 to 5,000 |
| Dependent spouse fee (5-year) | OMR 500 to 1,000 |
| Dependent child fee (5-year) | OMR 300 to 600 |
| Medical fitness examination (per person) | OMR 30 to 50 |
| Document attestation and translation | OMR 250 to 700 |
| Residence card issuance | OMR 50 |
| Commercial Registration (if applicable) | OMR 100 to 300 |
| Municipality licence (if applicable) | OMR 50 to 200 |
| Property registration fees (if applicable) | Variable by property value |
The qualifying investment itself (property purchase or share capital deposit) is a separate financial commitment and is not a government fee. For a family of four applying under the five-year investment category, total government fees and associated costs typically range from OMR 2,500 to OMR 4,500 excluding the qualifying investment amount.
For comprehensive support across the full application, our Visa Services in Oman page outlines how professional assistance is structured for Golden Visa applicants.
Benefits of the Oman Golden Visa
Long-Term Residency Security
The five or ten-year validity provides genuine stability for personal, family, and business planning without the administrative burden of biennial renewals.
Full Business Ownership Rights
Golden Visa holders can establish and operate companies in eligible sectors without requiring an Omani national partner. This includes the ability to serve as a sole director, hold 100 percent shareholding, and manage day-to-day operations directly.
Comprehensive Family Sponsorship
Immediate family members, including spouse and unmarried children, can be sponsored under the Golden Visa framework. Dependent parents may also qualify in certain categories. All family members receive residency permits aligned with the primary holder’s visa duration.
Real Estate Ownership Opportunities
Holders can purchase residential and commercial property in designated ITCs and approved development zones, providing both lifestyle stability and investment diversification.
Financial Freedom
There are no restrictions on profit repatriation, capital movement, or international fund transfers. Golden Visa holders maintain complete financial flexibility across borders.
No Employer Dependency
Unlike a standard employment visa that lapses if the sponsoring employer changes, the Golden Visa residency status is independent of any single employer, providing security in career and business decisions.
Access to Quality Education and Healthcare
Resident families access Oman’s expanding network of international schools, universities, and both public and private healthcare facilities throughout the Sultanate.
Golden Visa vs Standard Investor Visa: Comparison Table
| Feature | Golden Visa | Standard Investor Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Investment | OMR 250,000 to 500,000+ | OMR 150,000 (mainland LLC) |
| Validity | 5 or 10 years | 2 years |
| Renewal Process | Simplified, less frequent | Every 2 years, full documentation |
| Family Sponsorship | Spouse, children, parents | Spouse and children |
| Business Ownership | 100% foreign ownership | Subject to activity rules |
| Property Rights | Full ITC freehold rights | Limited |
| Government Service Priority | Priority processing | Standard processing |
| Best For | Long-term investors, HNWIs, professionals | Business operators, active company owners |
Can the Oman Golden Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
This question deserves a direct and accurate answer.
Oman does not currently offer traditional permanent residency in the way that countries like Canada, Germany, or Australia do. There is no standard pathway where accumulated years of residency automatically convert into an unconditional, indefinite right to remain.
What the Golden Visa provides is the most stable long-term residency option currently available to foreign nationals in Oman. With a ten-year validity and simplified renewal, it functions as a long-term residency arrangement for committed investors and professionals who maintain their qualifying investment or employment.
Oman’s immigration framework is evolving under Vision 2040, and the government has indicated its intent to develop more comprehensive long-term residency options over time. Golden Visa holders are well-positioned to benefit from any future permanent residency programme given their established investment track record and compliance history.
The critical point is that residency under the Golden Visa remains conditional on the qualifying investment or professional status remaining intact. If the property is sold, the business is dissolved, or the professional no longer meets the qualifying criteria, the residency basis is removed, and the visa is subject to cancellation.
Legal Compliance and Ongoing Obligations for Golden Visa Holders
Active Investment Requirement
Business investments must remain operationally active throughout the visa validity period. An Omani company that becomes inactive, files no transactions, or is deregistered will trigger the cancellation of the Golden Visa issued on that basis. The Ministry of Labour and MOCIIP conduct periodic compliance checks on registered entities.
Property Threshold Maintenance
Property investors must maintain ownership of the qualifying property and must not sell it below the minimum threshold that qualified them for the Golden Visa. Selling the qualifying property effectively dissolves the residency basis.
Tax Compliance
Companies registered in Oman with annual taxable supplies exceeding OMR 38,500 must be registered for VAT at 5 percent with the Oman Tax Authority. Accurate filing and payment are mandatory compliance obligations.
Omanization Obligations
Companies with employees must maintain sector-specific Omanization ratios as required by the Ministry of Labour. Non-compliance affects the company’s standing and can indirectly impact the investor’s renewal application.
Minimum Presence Requirements
Golden Visa holders are generally expected to maintain a minimum number of days of presence in Oman to keep the visa active. Prolonged absence without an approved arrangement can trigger a review of the residency status. Investors managing businesses or properties in Oman remotely should obtain specific guidance on the applicable presence requirements for their category.
Why Investors Choose Oman Over Other Gulf Destinations
Oman offers a combination of factors that distinguish it from comparable programmes across the region. The political stability of the Sultanate, its strategic geographic position at the junction of the Gulf, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean, and its lower cost of living and business operations compared to the UAE and Qatar make it an attractive proposition for investors seeking long-term value rather than short-term leverage.
The World Bank’s investment climate assessments for Oman and ILO regional reports consistently highlight improvements in Oman’s regulatory environment and ease of doing business. Combined with the Golden Visa’s accessible investment thresholds relative to neighbouring programmes, Oman presents a compelling case for mid-sized investors and professional families.
FAQ: Oman Golden Visa 2026
1. What is the Oman Golden Visa, and who is it for?
The Oman Golden Visa is a long-term residency permit for foreign investors, skilled professionals, exceptional talent, outstanding students, and financially independent retirees. It provides five or ten-year residency with full business ownership rights, family sponsorship, and property access.
2. What is the minimum investment required for the Oman Golden Visa?
For real estate investment, the minimum is OMR 250,000 for a five-year permit and OMR 500,000 for a ten-year permit. For business investment, the qualifying threshold generally starts at OMR 500,000 for the Golden Visa framework, higher than the standard investor visa requirement.
3. How long does the Oman Golden Visa take to process?
Processing typically takes 4 to 12 weeks from the date of complete document submission. Investment cases requiring multiple ministry approvals or business viability assessments may take longer. Complex applications involving large capital amounts often involve additional evaluation stages.
4. What is the difference between the Oman Golden Visa and the standard investor visa?
The Golden Visa provides a five or ten-year residency with simplified renewal, priority government services, broader family sponsorship options, and enhanced property rights. The standard investor visa is renewable every two years and is tied to active company ownership with standard processing.
5. Can I sponsor my entire family on an Oman Golden Visa?
Yes. Spouse, unmarried children, and, in some categories, dependent parents can be sponsored. Family members receive residency permits aligned with the primary holder’s Golden Visa duration.
6. Can Golden Visa holders work or run a business in Oman?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can establish and operate businesses, serve as company directors, and hold 100 percent ownership in eligible sectors. Professionals in qualifying fields can also work under an employment contract in their licensed capacity.
7. What happens if I sell my qualifying property?
Selling the qualifying property removes the residency basis under the property investor category. You are required to either replace it with a qualifying property meeting the threshold or exit the programme and formally cancel the residency. See our guide on Oman Visa Cancellation Rules for the correct exit procedure.
8. Does the Oman Golden Visa lead to permanent residency?
Oman does not currently offer traditional permanent residency. However, the Golden Visa provides renewable long-term residency that functions as a stable long-term status for holders who maintain their qualifying investment or professional credentials.
9. Can I apply for the Oman Golden Visa online?
Yes. Applications are submitted through the Oman Business Platform and the ROP e-services portal. The digital-first process allows document uploading, fee payment, and application tracking online. Use our Oman Visa Status Check guide to monitor your application after submission.
10. What is the Oman Golden Visa cost for a family of four?
For a family of four applying under the five-year investment category, total government fees typically range from OMR 2,500 to OMR 4,500, covering the primary applicant fee, dependent fees, medical examinations, and document costs. This excludes the qualifying investment amount.
11. Do I need to stay in Oman full-time to maintain the Golden Visa?
Golden Visa holders are generally expected to maintain a minimum level of presence in Oman. Prolonged absence without an approved arrangement can trigger a review of the residency status. The specific presence requirement varies by category and should be confirmed at the time of application.
12. How does the Oman Golden Visa compare to Golden Visa programmes in the UAE or Qatar?
Oman’s programme is notable for its lower investment thresholds compared to the UAE and its stable, low-cost operating environment. While the UAE Golden Visa is more widely recognised internationally, Oman offers a more accessible entry point for mid-sized investors seeking long-term Gulf residency with full ownership rights and a lower cost base.
Final Checklist Before Applying for the Oman Golden Visa
Before submitting your application, confirm the following:
- Eligibility category identified and minimum investment threshold confirmed
- Qualifying investment completed and fully registered (property title or CR in hand)
- Share capital deposited and bank certificate obtained (for business investors)
- All personal documents attested through the home country MFA and the Omani Embassy
- Police clearance certificates obtained for all countries of residence in the past 10 years
- A health insurance policy arranged to cover the full visa duration
- Medical fitness examination scheduled at an ROP-approved centre
- Dependent family documents prepared (marriage and birth certificates)
- Presence requirement understood and planned for
- Application submitted through the correct portal for your category
Ready to Apply for the Oman Golden Visa?
For investors and professionals navigating the Golden Visa application, the combination of investment structuring, document attestation, multi-ministry coordination, and ROP processing requires careful sequencing to avoid delays. MakeMyCompany, based in Muttrah, Muscat, supports Golden Visa applicants from investment structuring and company registration through to residence card issuance and compliance renewals. Reach out to the team to discuss your specific eligibility category and what the process looks like for your situation. You can also review our full range of Visa Services in Oman for an overview of how we support clients at each stage.
This guide reflects Oman’s Golden Visa programme as understood at the time of publication in Feb 2026. Regulations and investment thresholds are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with MOCIIP and the Royal Oman Police Passports and Residence Directorate before proceeding.
