Oman is a stable and growing nation in the Persian Gulf, offering a high quality of life and a secure environment. It has become a premier destination for international professionals and investors. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the immigration methods and residency requirements in 2026.
Evaluate Your Eligibility in One Minute
Identify your profile to find the most viable pathway for your move to Oman:
1. High School Diploma with Limited Experience
For those with only a high school diploma and minimal work history, direct work visas in 2026 are challenging. Work visas generally require a job offer, an age between 21 and 60, and at least three years of relevant experience. Furthermore, “Omanization” policies have expanded in January 2026, reserving more sectors exclusively for Omani citizens.
Recommended Pathway: Education. You can enter via a student visa by gaining admission to a recognized institution (requires IELTS 5.5). Note that Oman does not issue post-study work permits; you must secure a job offer to convert your status before your student visa expires.
2. University Degree Holders (Under 45)
This group has a high success rate for both work and study pathways. While you can seek professional roles, the challenge lies in finding a job offer that aligns with the updated 2026 labor market demands and Omanization quotas. For investment pathways, age is not a barrier, but the high capital requirement often makes the work pathway more practical for this demographic.
3. Business Owners and Senior Managers (High Capital)
This is the ideal profile for the Oman Golden Visa program. Strengthened in 2026, this allows independent residency (5 or 10 years) through investments starting at 250,000 OMR. The primary benefit is the right to live and manage businesses without a local sponsor.
4. Families with School-Aged Children (Ages 6–18)
Family joining visas are available provided the primary sponsor earns at least 600 OMR per month. Expatriate children typically attend private or international schools. In 2026, annual tuitions range from 4,900 to 9,910 OMR, which must be factored into financial planning.
5. Relatives of Omani Residents or Citizens
- If your child is a resident: They can sponsor you if they meet the 600 OMR income threshold.
- If your child is a citizen: Residency is more direct, emphasizing identity verification. Note: Birth in Oman does not grant citizenship to foreign parents.
- If your spouse is a resident: They must hold a senior position and earn at least 600 OMR.
- If your spouse is a citizen: The process is streamlined. Foreign wives of Omani citizens can apply for citizenship after 5 years of marriage and residency (subject to Arabic proficiency and good conduct), which is significantly shorter than the standard 15-year requirement.
Long-Term and Permanent Residency in Oman
“Permanent residency” in Oman refers to long-term, renewable visas. In 2026, the government has introduced more flexible paths:
- Golden Visas: 5 and 10-year renewable tiers for investors.
- Retirement Visas: For those over 60 with a monthly income of at least 4,000 OMR.
- Citizenship: Foreigners can now apply for Omani citizenship after 15 years of continuous legal residency (reduced from 20 years).
The Immigration Process: A Systematic Approach
- Choose Your Visa: Determine if your goal is work, investment, family, or study.
- Document Preparation: Gather a passport (6-month validity), photos, proof of funds, a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), and a medical report.
- Submission: Apply via the Royal Oman Police (ROP) eVisa portal or the Ministry of Commerce (MOCIIP).
- Interview/Review: Officials may invite you for an interview to verify your intent.
- Entry and ID Card: Upon arrival, you must apply for your Oman ID card within 30 days.
The Role of an Immigration Lawyer
Given the evolving regulations in 2026, a specialized lawyer is highly recommended. They assist in document accuracy, reducing the risk of rejection, and can handle appeals if a visa is denied.
2026 Policy Updates and Conditions
- Naturalization Reform: The residency requirement for citizenship applications is now 15 years.
- Annual Absence: Residents can now stay outside Oman for up to 90 days per year without affecting their continuous residency status.
- Omanization 2026: New job restrictions for foreigners took effect in January 2026, targeting mid-level management and specific service sectors.
- Digital Integration: Medical results are now uploaded electronically by the Ministry of Health directly to the visa system.
Primary Residency Pathways
Work Migration
Dependent on a corporate sponsor. You cannot work for anyone other than your sponsor. Changing jobs requires a new visa process. In 2026, the focus is on attracting high-skill specialists in tech and green energy.
Investment Migration (Golden Visa)
- 5-Year Tier: Requires a 250,000 OMR investment in real estate, companies, or government bonds.
- 10-Year Tier: Requires a 500,000 OMR investment.
- Benefits: No local sponsor required; right to work and sponsor family members (unlimited age for the 10-year tier).
Family Joining Visa
Available for first-degree relatives (spouse, children under 21, and parents). The sponsor must earn a minimum of 600 OMR.
Birth in Oman
Oman follows jus sanguinis (right of blood). A child born in Oman only receives citizenship if the father is Omani. Foreign parents do not receive residency through the birth of a child.
Popular Investment Methods in 2026
- Startups: Requires a robust business plan and 150,000 OMR for a 100% foreign-owned LLC.
- ICT Sector: Oman offers special incentives for investments in Digital Economy and AI projects.
- Company Registration: Most common for investors. A key 2026 requirement for these companies is the employment of at least 5 Omani nationals.
- Franchising: A lower-risk entry point. The franchise agreement must be registered with MOCIIP for legal protection.
Cost of Living in Oman (2026 Estimates)
Oman remains the most affordable GCC country.
- Family of Four (Excl. Rent): Approx. 1,005 OMR/month.
- Single Person (Excl. Rent): Approx. 290 OMR/month.
- Housing: 1-bedroom apartments in Muscat range from 200–350 OMR; 3-bedroom units from 400–650 OMR.
- Education: International schools range from 4,900–9,910 OMR per year.
Vital Tips for Success
- Financial Solvency: Bank statements must show stability over 3–6 months. Avoid large, sudden deposits.
- Skill Assessment: Medical and engineering professionals must have their credentials verified by Omani boards.
- Police Clearance: A clean criminal record is mandatory for all long-term visas.
Why Choose Oman? (The 2026 Outlook)
While summer heat and bureaucracy are challenges, the benefits include:
- Safety: One of the safest countries globally with a very low crime rate.
- Economy: A rapidly diversifying market under Vision 2040.
- Culture: A rich heritage and welcoming society.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Language Requirement? Generally not required for investors/workers, but IELTS is needed for students.
- Dual Citizenship? Generally not permitted; you must renounce your previous nationality.
- Cheapest Method? An employer-sponsored work visa.
- Retirement? Available for those over 60 with a 4,000 OMR monthly income.
