Golden Visas of Oman: New Programs for Investors and Pensioners

Oman launched its “golden residency” program for investors on August 31, 2025, reports The National. At the same time, other initiatives were introduced, including the digitalization of business processes and support for leading national companies. These steps reflect a broader trend toward reform: the country aims to simplify business conditions, attract long-term investment, and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

Oman Visas

The “golden residency” program became an extension of existing long-term residency schemes. A ten-year visa is granted with an investment of at least 500,000 rials ($1.3 million) in a company, government bonds, or real estate. An alternative is creating a business that must employ at least 50 Omani workers. The fee amounts to 551 rials ($1,430).

A five-year permit is issued with investments starting from 250,000 rials ($650,000) in business or real estate. The cost of issuance is 326 rials ($845). A visa for the same term can also be obtained by retired expats. They are not required to make any investments – it is enough to confirm a fixed monthly income of no less than 4,000 Omani rials ($10,400).

At the same time, the authorities launched a service on the Oman Business platform, allowing companies to transfer commercial registration into digital format. This is expected to reduce time and costs for paperwork and ease the work of investors. In addition, the Al Majida Companies initiative was introduced – a program to support the most successful Omani enterprises. It provides incentives and benefits to expand operations both domestically and abroad.

Mubarak al-Dohani, director of the ministry’s planning department, emphasized that the new initiatives will reduce business costs and simplify rules for investors, as well as strengthen Oman’s status as an international hub.

Programs of Neighboring Countries

Oman’s regional neighbors are implementing similar schemes. In the UAE, long-term visas for five and ten years have been in effect since 2019. They allow foreigners to live, work, and study without a national sponsor. To qualify, one must purchase property worth at least two million dirhams ($545,000) or have a salary of at least 30,000 dirhams ($8,168) per month.

In Bahrain, the “golden residency” regime was approved in 2022. It grants the right to work and reside with family, as well as unlimited entries and exits. Foreigners who have lived in the country for five years and earn no less than 2,000 Bahraini dinars ($5,306) a month can obtain the visa. Other categories include property owners with real estate valued at 200,000 dinars ($530,000), retirees with income from 4,000 dinars ($10,600), and skilled professionals.

Oman’s Economy and Politics

Like other Gulf states, Oman is pursuing economic diversification. The authorities direct investment into logistics, industry, real estate, and other sectors. The goal is to reduce the share of oil revenues in GDP by 15% by 2030 and by 18% in the 2040s. The government forecasts an increase in real GDP of 2.2% after 1.7% in 2024. The International Monetary Fund expects stronger growth – 2.4% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, mainly driven by industry and services.

Oman is governed as a hereditary monarchy. Power is concentrated in the hands of the sultan. Political parties are banned, and elected bodies perform only advisory functions. Human rights organizations warn that new provisions may be used to pressure dissenters. Freedom House rates Oman as “Not Free.”

Advantages and Risks for Foreigners

Oman is considered safe and comfortable. In international rankings, it holds high positions: in the InterNations survey it ranked 11th in quality of life for expats. Among the advantages are low crime rates, affordable rental and living costs compared to neighboring Gulf countries, as well as simplified visa rules and new long-term residency programs.

An attractive factor is the reduction in the minimum residency period required for citizenship, but in reality, the terms remain very long: from 20 years down to 15. At the same time, rules for women and children have been tightened. The law also gave the authorities the right to strip citizenship for insulting the state or participating in organizations deemed threatening to national interests.

In August 2025, expanded restrictions on foreign employment were introduced. Certain positions are now off-limits, including engineers, IT specialists, and managers. The country has a complex bureaucratic system. Moreover, the new rules are implemented without a transition period, creating additional risks for businesses and migrant workers.

Starting in 2028, Oman plans to introduce a personal income tax of 5% on annual incomes exceeding 42,000 Omani rials ($109,000). This measure is intended to strengthen public finances and reduce dependence on oil revenues, but it may also lower the country’s attractiveness for wealthy expats.