Oman is stepping up its game in the Gulf residency race with a brand-new 10-year Golden Visa, launched on August 31, 2025. Designed to draw investors, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals, this visa isn’t just about paperwork; it’s about building a life in one of the most stable and promising economies in the region. Whether you’re looking for long-term security, a family-friendly base, or a gateway into the Gulf market, Oman’s Golden Visa could be your ticket. Let’s break down how it works, who can apply, and why this could be your smartest move in 2025.
Key Takeaways
What Is Oman’s 10-Year Golden Visa?
Think of Oman’s Golden Visa as the Sultanate’s version of rolling out the red carpet, but instead of a one-night party, you get a decade of security. Officially launched on August 31, 2025, this residency program is part of Oman’s Vision 2040 plan. That’s the big-picture strategy where the country is pivoting from oil dependency to a diversified economy filled with tourism, tech, and sustainable development projects.
The 10-year Golden Visa is essentially a renewable residency permit that allows foreign nationals to live, work, and invest in Oman with far more stability than a short-term visa. It’s designed not only to attract investors with deep pockets but also professionals with sought-after skills and retirees looking for a calm but connected home base in the Gulf.
The government is sending a clear message: Oman isn’t just a stopover. It wants long-term residents who can contribute to its growth story, bring expertise, and foster new opportunities for Omani citizens.
Who Can Apply for the Golden Residency?
Oman has cleverly structured this visa to appeal to several categories of applicants. Investors, of course, are top of the list, with options ranging from property buyers to those putting money into bonds or equities. Entrepreneurs can qualify if they bring capital, innovation, or job creation. Skilled professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and tech experts, are also welcome if they’re earning at a high level.
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Retirees aren’t left out either. Provided they can prove sufficient funds and health coverage, they can secure a long-term residency without the hassle of returning to their home country every couple of years. And the best part? Family inclusivity. Spouses, children, and even first-degree relatives can all be sponsored under the same umbrella, without age caps or number limits. That means no tricky “who counts as family” debates at the immigration counter.
In short, if you’re financially solid, professionally experienced, or simply ready to enjoy your post-career life in Oman, there’s a category tailored for you.
Financial and Professional Requirements You Must Meet
Now let’s talk numbers, because that’s where eligibility gets serious. At its simplest, Oman has set two main tiers for the Golden Visa: a 10-year option for those investing at least 500,000 OMR (about $1.3 million) and a 5-year option for 250,000 OMR (around $650,000). Both tiers are renewable, so once you’re in, you can extend your residency without too much fuss.
Applicants can qualify through multiple routes. One option is investing in real estate, specifically Integrated Tourism Complexes, where foreigners are allowed freehold ownership. Others may prefer placing 200,000 OMR into venture capital funds, buying government bonds, or setting up a fixed five-year deposit with a local bank. If you’re more hands-on, you can go the entrepreneurial route by creating at least 50 jobs for Omani citizens, a requirement that makes clear the program isn’t just about money, but also about boosting local employment.
Professionals must demonstrate high salaries, recognized qualifications, and often, years of experience in their sector. Health insurance is mandatory, as is a clean criminal record and a valid passport. Oman wants serious, credible applicants, not fly-by-night investors.
Step-by-Step Application Process for the Golden Visa
Applying for Oman’s Golden Visa is refreshingly modern, thanks to the government’s push toward digital platforms. The process is handled primarily through Invest Oman, which streamlines the paperwork into a neat, online system.
First, applicants prepare their documents: proof of investment or income, a valid passport, a health insurance certificate, and a police clearance certificate. Academic and professional documents may also be required, especially for skilled workers. Once everything is ready, you upload the lot through the portal and pay the application fee.
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Next comes the review process, where Omani authorities verify your eligibility and compliance with requirements. Approval timelines can vary depending on the investment pathway, but most applicants can expect to hear back within a few months. Once approved, you’re issued the visa digitally, and that’s when the perks start rolling in: airport fast-track lanes, family sponsorship, and the ability to hire up to three domestic workers if needed.
What Benefits Come with a 10-Year Residency in Oman?
The biggest perk is obvious: stability. Instead of renewing short-term visas every year or two, you get a decade of peace of mind, with the option to renew again when the time comes. But there are other, less obvious benefits too.
Golden Visa holders can sponsor immediate family without restrictions on age or number, making it one of the most inclusive family-friendly visa programs in the Gulf. Property ownership rules are also more generous, with Golden Visa holders allowed to purchase freehold property outside of Integrated Tourism Complexes. That’s a game-changer if you want to invest in real estate without limitations.
Add to that the right to work, start businesses, and employ up to three domestic workers, and you’ve got a package that balances personal comfort with professional opportunity. The long-term residency also opens doors to local credit, banking services, and long-term planning, things that are usually harder to access with short-term permits.
Why Choose Oman for Long-Term Residency in 2025?
If you’ve been eyeing the Gulf region, you’ll know competition is heating up. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar all have their own residency schemes. So why choose Oman?
For one, Oman stands out for its balance between modern development and cultural authenticity. Life here is less hectic than in Dubai, but with enough infrastructure to make living comfortable and business opportunities plentiful. The country ranks high on political stability, making it a safe long-term bet for investors and families alike.
From a lifestyle perspective, Oman offers stunning coastlines, mountains, and a slower pace of life, making it ideal for families and retirees. Economically, Vision 2040 is pushing diversification in tourism, renewable energy, logistics, and tech sectors, where foreign investors and professionals can find plenty of opportunities.
In short, Oman is positioning itself as the Gulf’s steady, welcoming neighbor. If you want long-term residency in a country that values both tradition and progress, the Golden Visa is your golden ticket.
Conclusion
Oman’s 10-year Golden Visa is more than just a residency program; it’s a strategic invitation to build a life and future in one of the Middle East’s most promising nations. With flexible investment options, inclusive family sponsorship, and a clear commitment to economic growth, this visa is designed for those who want stability and opportunity rolled into one. Whether you’re an investor eyeing new markets, a professional seeking regional growth, or a retiree chasing sunshine and serenity, Oman’s doors are now wide open.
Reference; https://www.goldenvisas.com/oman
