Oman to Expand Golden Visa Program, Offering Greater Investment Opportunities

Oman is set to revamp its 'Golden Visa' program, introducing broader opportunities for foreign investors, particularly in real estate and business sectors. The move aims to attract long-term investors by offering more flexible residency options.

The country has already seen a rise in high-value real estate transactions, including the recent sale of one of the most expensive penthouses in the Omani housing market.

Senior Omani officials confirmed that full details of the revamped Golden Visa program will be officially announced on August 31.

Oman first introduced its long-term residency visa in 2021. However, experts say the Sultanate is now launching a renewed promotional campaign to make the program more attractive. While Oman has always allowed investment-based residency, its conditions have traditionally been stricter than those in neighboring countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia. For example, the UAE requires a minimum investment of AED 2 million for a property-based Golden Visa, while Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency requires SAR 7 million in investments, with long-term residency available at SAR 4 million.

Currently, Oman offers five types of investment-based residency visas, valid for up to 10 years. The criteria include:

• Purchasing a fully constructed residential property worth at least OMR 500,000
• Holding shares worth OMR 500,000 in any company
• Investing OMR 500,000 in a listed company on the stock exchange
• Employing at least 50 Omani nationals
• Investing OMR 500,000 in government development bonds
• A five-year visa option is also available with half the required investment amount.

Irina Kotescu, co-founder of Olive Tree Consultancy, noted, “Oman is carving its own path — slowly but with greater cohesion. The appeal is not just investment, but long-term partnership.” She highlighted Oman’s commitment to transparency, digital infrastructure, and targeted investor engagement, saying these qualities make the country the most organized investment gateway in the Gulf region.

Oman is also preparing to launch the Mujadidah Companies Initiative, which will support and reward high-performing local companies. Additionally, the Oman Business platform will soon enable e-transfer of commercial records.

Commenting further, Kotescu explained, “Previously, visa eligibility was largely based on financial thresholds — OMR 250,000 for a five-year visa, OMR 500,000 for a ten-year visa, or job creation. The new Golden Visa framework expands these criteria, incorporating investor rights, family inclusion, and modern administrative structures.”

She added that the Mujadidah initiative, while not directly related to visas, will strengthen the local business ecosystem, thereby increasing economic resilience alongside attracting foreign capital.