The Oman golden visa has emerged as one of the Gulf’s most attractive long-term residency options in 2026, offering investors and skilled professionals a path to live, work and own property in the Sultanate without a local sponsor. Relaunched in August 2025 through the official Invest Oman platform, the scheme now offers clear five-year and ten-year tiers tied to property and investment thresholds. This guide explains the routes, costs and benefits.
What Is the Oman Golden Visa?
Oman’s long-term residency framework is designed to draw foreign capital, entrepreneurs and talent into the Sultanate as it diversifies its economy. It removes the need for a local sponsor and grants holders the freedom to live, invest and operate in Oman with full residency rights. Two main tiers are available, distinguished by the size of your investment and the length of residency granted.
For investors comparing the Gulf, Oman’s programme sits alongside schemes such as the UAE Golden Visa, but often at a lower entry point and with a calmer, more affordable lifestyle.
The Two Residency Tiers
Five-Year Residency
The five-year renewable investor residency typically requires a property purchase of at least OMR 250,000 (around USD 650,000), or an equivalent qualifying investment in the Omani economy. It suits investors who want long-term flexibility without committing to the top tier.
Ten-Year Residency
The ten-year renewable Golden Visa is aimed at larger investors, generally requiring property or investment of OMR 500,000 or more (around USD 1.3 million). Thresholds can vary by investment type and government updates, so confirm current figures on the Invest Oman platform before committing.
- 5-year tier: property/investment from OMR 250,000 (USD 650,000)
- 10-year tier: property/investment from OMR 500,000 (USD 1.3 million)
Beyond property, the framework also recognises qualifying business investment, deposits and entrepreneurial activity in approved sectors, giving applicants more than one way to reach each tier. Because Oman is actively courting foreign capital under its diversification agenda, the authorities have kept the process streamlined and centralised on a single official platform.
Property Rules for Foreign Buyers
Non-GCC nationals generally must buy within designated Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), which are freehold zones open to foreign ownership. These developments cluster around Muscat and key coastal areas and include managed residential, resort and marina communities. Buying inside an ITC is what links a property purchase to residency eligibility, so location matters as much as price. ITC homes often come with rental-management options, which can help offset costs if you do not occupy the property year-round.
Key Benefits
Both tiers share a strong set of benefits:
- The right to live, work and invest in Oman without a local sponsor
- Residency extended to first-degree family members with no restriction on age or number
- Renewable status for as long as you maintain the qualifying investment
- No personal income tax on salary or investment income
- Access to a stable, well-regarded business environment as Oman diversifies
The family terms are particularly generous, allowing spouses, children and parents to be included, which makes the visa a genuine relocation option rather than a paper residency.
Costs Beyond the Investment
In addition to the property or investment outlay, applicants should budget for government application and issuance fees, property registration and transfer charges, medical insurance, and professional or legal fees where a consultant manages the process. Maintaining the qualifying asset is essential, since selling below the threshold can affect renewal.
How to Apply
- Choose your tier and qualifying route (property in an ITC or another approved investment)
- Complete the purchase or investment and obtain proof of ownership
- Apply through the Invest Oman platform with passport, investment evidence and supporting documents
- Pass the standard background and medical checks
- Receive your residency and add eligible family members
Is Oman Right for You?
Oman offers a compelling mix of natural beauty, lower living costs and a relaxed pace, making it appealing to investors and families who want Gulf residency without big-city intensity. For entrepreneurs, it can also complement business interests elsewhere in the region; our guide to setting up a business in Dubai and the regional GCC salary guide help frame how Oman fits into a wider Gulf strategy. For 2026, the Sultanate’s golden visa is a serious, well-priced option for those seeking long-term roots in the region.
