Oman has expanded its Golden Visa programme to attract more foreign investors, strengthening its position as a regional hub for business and residency.
Expatriates already make up 43.3 per cent of the Sultanate’s 4.71 million population. Rolled out on August 31 by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MCIIP), the updated scheme offers long-term residency without local sponsorship, targeting entrepreneurs, professionals, and high-net-worth individuals. Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Douhani, Director-General of Planning at MCIIP, said the reforms “reflect the country’s commitment to building a more sustainable business climate.”
The programme is structured around two tiers: a 10-year residency requiring investment of OMR 500,000 ($1.3m) in business, government bonds, or real estate, or establishing a company employing 50 Omani nationals; and a five-year residency at half the threshold. Application fees are OMR 551 ($1,430) and OMR 326 ($850) respectively, with visas extending to spouses, children under 25, and dependent parents.
Oman’s move comes as Gulf neighbours step up their own investor visa schemes. The UAE’s Golden Visa, launched in 2019, has since expanded to include doctors, entrepreneurs, scientists, cultural figures, and even superyacht owners. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan, and Egypt have also introduced similar initiatives.
The reforms align with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises diversification away from oil into technology, manufacturing, tourism, and services. The Sultanate is ranked 74th in the Global Innovation Index, 67th in the Legatum Prosperity Index, and 41st in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report.
Real estate remains a central attraction for Golden Visa holders. Oman’s property market expanded in H1 2025, driven by infrastructure upgrades and sustainability goals. Demand is strongest in Muscat, while Al Duqm is emerging as an industrial hub and Suhar and Salalah consolidate their positions in logistics and tourism. Consultancy Hamptons projects the residential sector will reach $6.6bn by 2029.
The appetite for high-end property was highlighted by a record penthouse sale in 2025, with The Arc at The Sustainable City, Yiti selling for over OMR 2m ($5.2m). “The sale of the most expensive penthouse speaks volumes about the demand for sustainable luxury living,” said Mahmoud Shehada, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.
