Oman Golden Visa: A Gateway to Long-Term Residency and Business Ownership in the Sultanate

Why the Oman Golden Visa Matters in 2025

The global race for talent and capital has pushed many countries to redesign their residency-by-investment programs, and the Sultanate of Oman has now entered this space with its own bold initiative — the Oman Golden Visa. Announced for launch on August 31, 2025, the program is a cornerstone of Oman’s Vision 2040 strategy, designed to diversify the economy, reduce dependence on oil, and attract global investors who are looking for long-term stability and business opportunities in the Gulf region.

Unlike traditional visas, the Oman Golden Visa is not just a residence permit. It is a comprehensive package that grants 5- or 10-year residency rights, full ownership of businesses, real estate investment options, and family sponsorship benefits. Combined with Oman’s drive toward digitizing its economy and streamlining business registration, this initiative positions the Sultanate as one of the most forward-looking investment hubs in the Middle East.

Understanding the Oman Golden Visa: What Does It Offer Investors?

The Oman Golden Visa is structured to provide flexible residency options for global investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees. Applicants can secure either a five-year or ten-year renewable residency permit depending on their investment amount and category.

For the 10-year Golden Visa, applicants are required to invest a minimum of OMR 500,000 (approx. $1.3 million), either in real estate, shares of an Omani company, government bonds, or by establishing a business that employs at least 50 Omani nationals. For the 5-year Golden Visa, the threshold is OMR 250,000 (approx. $650,000), with similar investment pathways.

In addition to investment-based residency, Oman also provides options for retirees. Those who can demonstrate a monthly income of at least OMR 4,000 may qualify for a five-year renewable residency visa, opening the doors for high-net-worth individuals who wish to settle in a peaceful and strategically located Gulf nation.

This tiered system ensures that the program appeals to a wide spectrum of investors — from institutional-level entrepreneurs to financially independent retirees.

Residency Benefits: Family Sponsorship, Property Rights, and Business Ownership

One of the most significant advantages of the Oman Golden Visa is its ability to extend beyond the individual investor to their entire family. The visa holder can sponsor:

• Their spouse,
• Children up to the age of 25,
• Dependent parents.

This feature ensures that investors do not need to compromise between pursuing business opportunities abroad and keeping their families together.

From a commercial standpoint, the Golden Visa allows full foreign ownership of companies across multiple industries, a landmark shift from traditional policies that often required majority Omani partners. Investors can also purchase property, including in Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), where full freehold ownership is permitted for foreigners. These provisions represent a decisive step toward making Oman competitive with established regional players like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Digital Transformation: A New Era for Business in Oman

The launch of the Oman Golden Visa coincides with sweeping reforms in how business is conducted in the country. Oman is rolling out a fully digitalized ecosystem for company registration and licensing through platforms like Oman Business and Invest Easy.

With these tools, entrepreneurs and investors can:

• Register companies online without bureaucratic delays,
• Obtain trade licenses within days rather than weeks,
• Access a centralized platform for tax, labor, and regulatory compliance.

Moreover, initiatives like Al Majida Companies are being introduced to support high-performing local businesses through collaborations with universities, technology institutions, and energy associations. Such efforts signal Oman’s intent not only to attract capital but also to foster innovation and knowledge-driven industries.

Economic Strategy: Aligning the Golden Visa with Vision 2040

The Oman Golden Visa is not a standalone immigration product but a crucial piece of the nation’s Vision 2040 roadmap. This long-term strategy aims to transition the economy away from its dependence on hydrocarbons by promoting private-sector growth, foreign investment, and human capital development.

The International Monetary Fund has projected Oman’s economy to grow by 2.4% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, with momentum driven by investments in manufacturing, logistics, and services. By offering a residency program linked directly to investment, Oman is creating a sustainable cycle: attract foreign capital, generate jobs for citizens, and foster innovation that feeds back into economic diversification.

Additionally, from 2028, Oman will introduce a modest 5% income tax on individuals earning more than OMR 42,000 annually, signaling a gradual broadening of the tax base while maintaining one of the region’s most competitive overall tax environments.

The Application Process: How to Obtain an Oman Golden Visa

The application process for the Oman Golden Visa is designed to be transparent and efficient. Applicants follow these steps:

1. Choose an Investment Route – Select between the 5-year or 10-year option based on the required investment level.
2. Prepare Documentation – Submit proof of funds, clean criminal record, investment certificates, and passport details.
3. Submit Application Digitally – Apply via official portals such as Invest Easy.
4. Pay Visa Fees – OMR 551 for a 10-year visa and OMR 326 for a 5-year visa.
5. Await Approval and Verification – Authorities may request further due diligence or biometrics.
6. Receive Residency and Extend to Family – Once granted, the investor may proceed with family sponsorship.

The renewal of the visa requires proof of continued investment or business activity, ensuring that the program consistently aligns with Oman’s economic interests.

Why the Oman Golden Visa is a Competitive Alternative in the Gulf

In a region where residency-by-investment programs are becoming increasingly popular, Oman’s Golden Visa stands out for its balanced approach.

1. Lower Entry Points Compared to UAE or Qatar – With thresholds starting at OMR 250,000, Oman offers competitive access to long-term residency.
2. Family-Oriented Benefits – Inclusion of parents and older children makes the program appealing to extended families.
3. Full Business Ownership – Investors retain complete control without the need for local sponsorship.
4. Stable and Safe Environment – Oman is recognized for its political stability and reputation as one of the most peaceful countries in the Middle East.
5. Strategic Location – Positioned on global shipping routes, Oman provides access to both Asian and African markets.

These factors combine to make the Oman Golden Visa an attractive alternative for investors seeking a long-term base in the Gulf with both lifestyle and commercial advantages.

Oman Golden Visa as a Pathway to Opportunity

The introduction of the Oman Golden Visa marks a turning point in the Sultanate’s economic and immigration policies. It reflects Oman’s ambition to become not just an energy exporter, but a diversified economy that thrives on global investment, innovation, and talent.

For investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees, the program offers a unique mix of security, opportunity, and long-term stability. With benefits spanning from family sponsorship and business ownership to integration into Oman’s modernizing digital economy, the Golden Visa is set to transform how the world views Oman as an investment destination.

As competition among global residency programs intensifies, Oman’s entry into the market underscores the country’s commitment to building a future that is both inclusive and internationally competitive. The Oman Golden Visa is not just a visa; it is an invitation to participate in a nation’s journey toward sustainable growth and global relevance.