The minimum investment threshold is OMR 200,000 (around USD 520,000), with seven ways to qualify, including property, business, government bonds, shares and bank deposits. Depending on the route, applicants can receive a renewable five- or 10-year residency permit.
What Does Oman's Golden Residency Offer?
The Golden Residency is a self-sponsored residency programme, so the holder does not need an employer to sponsor their residence.
Key benefits include:
- Renewable residency for up to 10 years
- Inclusion of spouse, children and parents, with no age or number limits
- The ability to work, establish a business or invest in Oman
- Fast-track services at airports and land borders
- The right to employ up to three domestic workers
- The ability to sponsor visit visas for relatives
- The right for 10-year residency holders to purchase one property outside Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), where foreign ownership is permitted
The Seven Investment Routes
Applicants can qualify through one of the approved investment routes. Some routes allow qualifying investments to be combined to reach the required threshold.
1. Property in an Integrated Tourism Complex
A completed residential, commercial or tourism property in a designated ITC can qualify for residency, with a minimum investment of OMR 200,000. The property must have a registered title deed in the applicant's name. If there is a mortgage, the outstanding amount is deducted from the property's value when calculating the investment.
Examples of ITCs include Al Mouj Muscat, Muscat Hills, Muscat Bay, Jebel Sifah and Hawana Salalah.
2. Company Investment
Applicants can qualify by owning or establishing a company in Oman with assets or capital worth at least OMR 200,000. The company must also meet Oman's requirements for taxes, business activity and the employment of Omani nationals.
3. Government Development Bonds
A minimum of OMR 200,000 can be invested in Omani government development bonds. The bonds must have at least two years left until maturity and must be registered in the applicant's name.
4. Muscat Stock Exchange Investments
Applicants can qualify by holding at least OMR 200,000 in shares or other eligible securities listed on the Muscat Stock Exchange. The investment must remain at the required value during the residency period.
5. Fixed-Term Bank Deposit
A fixed deposit of at least OMR 200,000 with a licensed Omani bank can qualify for residency. The money must remain in the account for at least five years.
6. Employment of 50 or More Omanis
Business owners can qualify if their company employs at least 50 Omani nationals. The company must also meet the programme's other investment and employment requirements.
7. Company Nomination
Companies operating under Oman's Foreign Capital Investment Law can nominate certain partners or key employees for Golden Residency. The applicant and the company must meet the relevant requirements.
Golden Residency at a Glance
Citizenship and Residence by Investment
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Property Residency Below the Golden Residency Threshold
Buying property in an ITC does not necessarily require a Golden Residency-level investment.
Foreign buyers who purchase a qualifying property in an ITC may be eligible for a separate residence permit, depending on the property's value and other requirements. This permit is separate from the Golden Residency and is linked to continued property ownership.
In simple terms, property-linked residency comes with owning a qualifying property, while Golden Residency requires meeting one of the programme's investment criteria.
Where Can Foreigners Buy Property in Oman?
For non-GCC foreign buyers, freehold property ownership is primarily available within designated Integrated Tourism Complexes.
Popular ITCs include:
- Al Mouj Muscat — waterfront community with a marina, golf course and retail
- Muscat Hills — residential and golf community near Muscat
- Muscat Bay — coastal development between the mountains and the sea
- Jebel Sifah — marina and residential destination southeast of Muscat
- Hawana Salalah — resort community in Dhofar
- AIDA — clifftop residential and resort development near Muscat
Golden Residency holders also have an additional property ownership right: 10-year residency holders can purchase one property outside an ITC in areas where ownership by non-Omanis is permitted.
Oman's Tax Position
Oman currently has no personal income tax in force. However, this will change from 1 January 2028, when a 5% personal income tax will apply to taxable income above OMR 42,000 per year, subject to the exemptions and rules set out in the Personal Income Tax Law.
Companies are subject to a separate corporate tax, with a standard rate of 15%.
For investors, obtaining residency in Oman does not automatically determine tax residency. The tax treatment depends on the individual's circumstances and should be considered separately from the residency programme.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Golden Residency replace a work visa?
The Golden Residency is self-sponsored and is not tied to an employer. Holders can work, establish businesses and invest in Oman under the applicable rules.
Can family members be added to the residency?
Yes. The residency can include the holder's spouse, children and parents. There are no age or number limits for family members.
Does the investment have to be kept for the entire residency period?
The qualifying investment generally needs to be maintained to keep the residency requirements in place. The exact conditions depend on the investment route.
What happens if the investment falls below OMR 200,000?
The rules depend on the type of investment. For example, the value of shares can change with the market. Investors should make sure their investment continues to meet the required conditions, particularly when renewing their residency.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
The Golden Residency does not set a specific minimum number of days that holders must spend in Oman. However, residency requirements and tax residency are separate matters, so time spent in the country can have tax implications.
What documents are needed to apply?
The documents depend on the investment route. Applicants generally need a valid passport and proof of their investment. Additional documents may be required for property, company, bank deposit and other investment routes.
The current document requirements should be checked on Oman's official Golden Residency platform before applying.
Can Golden Residency lead to Omani citizenship?
No. Golden Residency does not grant citizenship or provide citizenship by investment. It is a long-term residency programme that can be renewed as long as the relevant requirements are met.
