Written by: Shuja Ahmad
Oman Immigration & Visa Specialist
Last Updated: February 11, 2026
Information based on Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Ministry of Labour’s current regulations
If you entered Oman on a visit visa and your circumstances changed, you found a job, want to join your family, or plan to invest, you may be wondering: can you convert your visit visa without leaving the country? This guide explains the complete legal process for a visit visa conversion in Oman for 2026.
Quick Answer: Can You Convert a Visit Visa in Oman?
Yes, but with conditions:
In-Country Conversion Allowed:
- Visit visa → Employment visa (with ROP approval + sponsor)
- Visit visa → Investor visa (with business license)
- Visit visa → Family visa (with eligible sponsor)
Exit Required:
- Some visa categories require exit + re-entry
- Depends on ROP discretion
- Depends on sponsor type
Key Requirements:
- Valid visit visa (not expired)
- Approved sponsor in Oman
- ROP change-of-status approval
- Ministry of Labour clearance (employment)
- Processing: 2-4 weeks, typical
- Fees: OMR 20-50 + visa issuance costs
Critical: Attempting to convert after the visit visa expiry results in overstay fines (OMR 10/day).
Oman Visit Visa Convert to Work Permit 2026
Employment Visa Conversion Process
Most Common Conversion: A visit visa to an employment visa is the most frequent request.
Legal Status 2026:
- Allowed in-country with Royal Oman Police (ROP) approval
- Requires Ministry of Labour clearance
- Employer must be a registered sponsor
- Must initiate before the visa expires
Requirements for a Visit to an Employment Visa
Employer Requirements:
- Valid commercial registration
- Active Ministry of Labour quota
- No labour violations
- Registered as an authorized sponsor
Employee Requirements:
- Valid visit visa (minimum 15 days remaining)
- Job offer from an Omani employer
- Educational qualifications for the position
- Medical fitness certificate
- Clean background check
Ministry of Labour Requirements:
- Labour card application
- Employment contract submission
- Salary requirements (varies by sector)
- Position justification
Processing Timeline
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Employer initiates application | 1-2 days |
| Ministry of Labour approval | 7-10 days |
| ROP change-of-status approval | 5-7 days |
| Medical fitness test | 2-3 days |
| Visa issuance | 3-5 days |
| Total | 2-4 weeks |
Expedited processing: Possible in some cases for an additional fee of OMR 30-50
Can a Tourist Visa Convert to a Work Visa in Oman?
Tourist vs Visit Visa Distinction
Important Clarification:
- Tourist visa = Standard 10/30-day visit visa
- The same conversion rules apply
- ROP uses “visit visa” officially
Conversion Legality:
- Yes – tourist/visit visa can convert to employment
- Requires the same process as above
- Employer sponsorship mandatory
- Ministry of Labour approval required
Timeline Constraint:
- Must have at least 15 days remaining on the visit visa
- If less than 15 days, may require exit + re-entry
- ROP discretion applies
Visit Visa to Family Visa Conversion Oman
Family Visa Conversion Requirements
Eligible Sponsors:
- Omani citizens
- Foreign residents with a valid employment visa
- Minimum salary requirements (typically OMR 600-650/month)
Eligible Dependents:
- Spouse
- Children (sons under 21, daughters until marriage)
- Parents (special circumstances)
Conversion Process:
- Sponsor submits application to ROP
- Provide relationship documents (marriage cert, birth cert)
- Salary proof (3 months bank statements)
- Housing suitability certificate
- Medical fitness for family members
- ROP approval
Processing: 2-3 weeks
Fees: OMR 11 per dependent + OMR 5/10/15 card validity
Visit Visa to Investor Visa Conversion
Business Visa Conversion Process
Requirements:
- Registered business license in Oman
- Minimum investment (varies by activity)
- MOCIIP business registration
- Commercial premises
- Business plan
Process:
- Establish a company/business license first
- Apply to MOCIIP for an investor visa
- Submit to ROP for a change of status
- Medical fitness test
- Visa issuance
Timeline: 3-4 weeks
Investment: Varies by business activity (OMR 5,000-50,000 typical)
When Is Exit Mandatory for Visa Conversion?
Exit + Re-Entry Requirements
May Require Exit:
- Visit visa expired or has less than 15 days remaining
- ROP discretion determines need
- Certain visa categories
- Applicant nationality (some countries)
- Sponsor type limitations
Exit Process:
- Cancel the visa
- Exit Oman
- Apply for a new visa from abroad
- Re-enter on a new visa
Cost: Travel expenses + new visa fees
Timing: Adds 2-4 weeks to process
Visit Visa Conversion Fees Oman 2026
Complete Cost Breakdown
ROP Change-of-Status Fee:
- Standard: OMR 20-30
- Expedited: OMR 50+
Visa Issuance Fees:
- Employment visa: OMR 11
- Resident card validity: OMR 5/10/15 (1/2/3 years)
- Family visa: OMR 11 per person + card
- Investor visa: OMR 11 + card
Additional Costs:
- Medical fitness test: OMR 30
- Document attestation: OMR 20-50
- PRO services (if used): OMR 100-300
- Ministry of Labour fees: OMR 10-20
Total Examples:
- Visit to employment: OMR 80-150
- Visit to family: OMR 60-100 per person
- Visit to investor: OMR 100-200
Required Documents for Visa Conversion
Universal Documents
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Current visit visa
- Passport photos (4 copies)
- Entry stamp copy
Employment Visa Specific
- Job offer letter
- Employment contract
- Educational certificates (attested)
- Experience certificates
- Medical fitness certificate
- Employer’s commercial registration
- Labour card application
Family Visa Specific
- Sponsor’s employment visa/residency
- Relationship proof (marriage/birth certificates – attested)
- Sponsor’s salary certificate
- Housing contract
- Sponsor’s bank statements (3 months)
Investor Visa Specific
- Business license (MOCIIP)
- Commercial registration
- Business premises lease
- Bank account statement
- Investment proof
Step-by-Step Conversion Process
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Check before starting:
- Visit visa validity (15+ days remaining ideal)
- Sponsor approved and ready
- Documents complete
- Fees available
Step 2: Sponsor Initiates Application
Employer/Family Sponsor:
- Submits application to the Ministry of Labour (employment) or ROP (family/investor)
- Uploads documents
- Pays initial fees
Step 3: Obtain Ministry Approvals
For Employment:
- Ministry of Labour processes the labour card
- Verifies employer quota
- Approves employment contract
For Family:
- ROP verifies sponsor eligibility
- Confirms salary requirements
- Checks housing suitability
Step 4: ROP Change-of-Status Approval
ROP Reviews:
- Applicant background
- Sponsor eligibility
- Document completeness
- Visit visa validity
Decision: Approve in-country conversion OR require exit + re-entry
Step 5: Medical Fitness Test
- Visit an ROP-approved medical center
- Complete required tests (blood, X-ray, physical)
- Pay OMR 30
- Receive certificate (1-2 days)
Step 6: Final Visa Issuance
- ROP processes the final visa
- Resident card printed
- Collection at the ROP center or through the sponsor
Total Timeline: 2-4 weeks from initiation
Risks and Common Issues
Overstay During Conversion
Critical Risk: Visit visa expiring during conversion process
Consequences:
- OMR 10/day overstay fine
- Conversion may be rejected
- Exit required to pay fines
- Re-entry complications
Prevention:
- Start the process with 20-30 days remaining on the visit visa
- Track processing timeline closely
- Be prepared to exit if necessary
Conversion Rejection Reasons
Common Rejections:
- Visit visa expired
- Incomplete documents
- Employer/sponsor not eligible
- Salary requirements not met (family visa)
- Medical fitness issues
- Background check concerns
- Insufficient visit visa remaining time
If Rejected:
- Exit Oman before the visa expires
- Apply for a new visa from abroad
- Address rejection reasons
- Reapply
Processing Delays
Delays Occur When:
- Peak application periods
- Document verification issues
- Ministry of Labour backlogs
- Medical test delays
- System processing issues
Mitigation:
- Apply early
- Ensure document completeness
- Follow up regularly with the sponsor
- Consider PRO services for complex cases
Visa Change Rules in Oman 2026
Recent Policy Updates
2024-2026 Changes:
- Enhanced digital application processing
- Faster Ministry of Labour approvals
- Stricter visit visa validity requirements (15+ days)
- Increased employer verification
- Digital resident cards are available
ROP Discretionary Authority
Important: Royal Oman Police has final authority on:
- Whether to allow in-country conversion
- Whether exit + re-entry is required
- Processing timelines
- Special circumstances
ROP may require exit when:
- The visit visa has minimal time remaining
- Multiple previous conversions attempted
- Applicant nationality considerations
- Sponsor category limitations
Visit Visa Transfer Process in Oman
Sponsor Transfer vs Conversion
If you already have a visa:
- Sponsor transfer (not conversion)
- Different process from the visit visa conversion
- Requires NOC from current sponsor
This Guide Covers:
- Visit visa (temporary) → Residency visa (permanent)
- NOT transfer between existing sponsors
Alternative: Exit and New Visa Application
When Exit is a Better Option
Consider Exiting When:
- Visit visa has <10 days remaining
- ROP requires exit
- Faster than in-country conversion
- Previous rejection occurred
- Simpler documentation abroad
Process:
- Exit Oman before the visa expires
- Apply for a new visa from the home country/UAE
- Submit through the employer sponsor
- Receive visa approval
- Re-enter Oman on a new visa
Timeline: 3-6 weeks, typical
Costs: Travel + new visa fees + accommodation
Tips for Successful Conversion
1. Start Early
- Begin the process immediately after securing a job/sponsor
- Don’t wait until the last week of the visit visa
2. Choose the right timing
- Have 20-30 days minimum remaining on a visit visa
- Avoid peak application periods (holidays)
3. Document Preparation
- Gather all documents before starting
- Attest foreign documents properly
- Ensure passport validity (6+ months)
4. Use Professional Services
- Consider PRO services for complex cases
- Immigration consultants understand ROP procedures
- Worth the cost for error-free processing
5. Track Status
- Follow up regularly with the sponsor
- Monitor ROP processing stages
- Be prepared to exit if needed
6. Financial Preparation
- Have conversion fees ready (OMR 100-300)
- Budget for potential exit + re-entry
- Account for medical test costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert a visit visa to a work permit in Oman?
Yes. A visit visa can be converted to an employment visa (work permit) with Ministry of Labour approval, employer sponsorship, and ROP change-of-status clearance. Process takes 2-4 weeks. Must have a valid visit visa (15+ days remaining recommended).
How long does a visa conversion take in Oman?
2-4 weeks are typical. Employment visa conversion: 2-3 weeks. Family visa: 2-3 weeks. Investor visa: 3-4 weeks. Delays occur due to incomplete documents or during peak periods. Expedited processing available for additional fees.
Can a tourist visa be converted to a work visa in Oman?
Yes. “Tourist visa” and “visit visa” are the same for conversion purposes. Can convert to an employment visa with employer sponsorship, Ministry of Labour approval, and ROP clearance—same process and timeline as a visit visa conversion.
Do I need to exit Oman to convert a visit visa?
Sometimes. In-country conversion allowed with ROP approval. An exit may be required if: the visit visa has <15 days remaining, ROP determines an exit is necessary, or for certain visa categories. ROP has discretionary authority.
What happens if my visit visa expires during conversion?
Overstay fines: OMR 10/day. Conversion may be rejected. May be required to exit Oman, pay fines, and apply for a new visa from abroad. Always start conversion with 20-30 days remaining to avoid this.
How much does it cost to convert a visit visa in Oman?
OMR 80-150 for employment visa conversion. OMR 60-100 for a family visa per person. Includes ROP fees (OMR 20-50), visa issuance (OMR 11), resident card (OMR 5-15), medical test (OMR 30), and document processing.
Can I work on a visit visa while the conversion is processing?
No. Cannot legally work until an employment visa is issued. Working on a visit visa violates the labour law and may result in deportation and sponsor penalties. Wait for complete visa issuance.
What if conversion is rejected?
Exit Oman before the visa expires. Pay any accumulated fines. Apply for a new visa from abroad. Address rejection reasons (documents, eligibility, etc.). Reapply through proper channels with a corrected application.
Conclusion
Converting a visit visa in Oman is possible through official procedures with the Royal Oman Police and the Ministry of Labour. Success requires a valid visit visa (ideally with 20-30 days remaining), an approved sponsor, complete documentation, and timely processing.
The most common conversion—visit visa to employment visa—takes 2-4 weeks and costs OMR 80-150. Start the process immediately after securing employment or a sponsor. Avoid overstay risks by initiating conversion well before the visa expires.
Whether converting to an employment, family, or investor visa, following ROP regulations and maintaining proper documentation ensures a smooth transition from temporary visit status to permanent residency in Oman.
Legal Disclaimer:
This guide is informational, based on February 2026 ROP and Ministry of Labour procedures. Visa regulations change periodically. Always verify current requirements through official Royal Oman Police channels or authorized immigration consultants.
About the Author:
Shuja Ahmad specializes in Oman immigration procedures, visa conversions, and ROP compliance, helping expatriates navigate visa requirements successfully.
For current ROP visa conversion requirements and official procedures, visit the Royal Oman Police e-services portal or consult authorized visa service providers.
