Oman Residency
From Just 30% Down

The September 2025 Ministerial Decision by the Ministry of Housing & Urban Planning allows non-Omani buyers in Sultan Haitham City and Sorouh Integrated Residential Neighborhood projects to obtain a renewable 2-year residency visa upon paying just 30% of the property value — even while the property is under construction. Previously, full payment was required before residency could be granted.

Yes, if your property value exceeds OMR 50,000 (~USD 130,000). Residency is extended to first-degree relatives — spouse, dependent children (no age restriction if residing with you), and in some cases parents. Note: adult brothers and adult married sisters do not qualify as joint owners for residency purposes. If your property is OMR 50,000 (~USD 130,000) or less, residency is granted to the buyer only.

Effectively yes — as long as you maintain property ownership. The 2-year visa is renewable indefinitely, and residency is lifelong provided the property remains registered in your name. The renewal fee is only OMR 50 (~USD 130) per visa. However, selling your property terminates your residency. Oman does not offer true permanent residency or citizenship through investment.

Oman's programme typically has a lower minimum investment threshold than the UAE, Qatar, or Saudi Arabia — making it more accessible for UK investors. The cost of living in Oman is significantly lower than Dubai. However, freehold property zones in Oman are more limited than the UAE. Oman offers a more relaxed, authentic Arab lifestyle compared to the UAE's cosmopolitan pace. Both programmes include family and offer similar family inclusion benefits.

No formal minimum stay is required — your residency is valid as long as you maintain your qualifying property investment. However, you must be physically present in Oman to complete the biennial renewal process before your residency expires. You also cannot let your residency lapse and must renew before it expires.

Yes. You can invest in multiple freehold properties and the total investment value is aggregated. There is no limit on how many properties you can own in designated ITC zones. This allows investors to reach the OMR 200,000 (~USD 520,000) threshold for the 10-year Premium Residency through multiple smaller purchases across different ITC developments.

Selling your qualifying property will result in the loss of your residency status, along with the residency of any family members sponsored under your visa. If you wish to sell and maintain residency, you must purchase another qualifying property before or simultaneously with the sale. It is critical to understand these implications before making any changes to your investment.

No. Oman does not offer a citizenship-by-investment programme. Residency permits are renewable but remain temporary status throughout their duration. Omani nationality laws are stringent and dual citizenship is generally not permitted. The programme grants residency rights only — not a pathway to an Omani passport.

Yes — Oman residency allows you to visit any GCC country (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain) for up to 30 days, extendable by 30 more. Applications must be submitted online at least 24 hours before travel — visas are not issued at airports or road borders. You may engage in business development but are not permitted to work in those countries. Your family members can also travel with you.

Oman is exceptionally tax-friendly: zero capital gains tax, zero inheritance tax, zero personal income tax. There is a one-time 3% property transfer fee at purchase, and rental income is taxed at 3%. VAT is 0% in Duqm SEZ and 5% in Muscat. There are no annual property taxes. Community service charges are approximately OMR 4–10 per m² annually depending on the development.

The visa processing stage typically takes 15–20 days. However, if additional steps are required (property registration verification, etc.) the overall process may take 1–3 months. The developer submits the ownership request to the Ministry; the Ministry refers to relevant authorities; official notification is sent by email. Always confirm timelines with your service provider or legal advisor.

This option may be available depending on current government policies. Consult a qualified Omani legal advisor to determine if a combined investment strategy is acceptable. Requirements are subject to change — always verify with official sources before committing capital.

No — there is no set limit. Foreign investors can own an unlimited number of freehold properties in designated ITC or SEZ zones, as long as each meets investment criteria. Multiple properties can be aggregated to reach higher residency tiers — for example, three OMR 70,000 (~USD 182,000) apartments combined qualify for the 10-year IRP at OMR 200,000 (~USD 520,000).

No. There is no pathway to permanent residency or citizenship through investment. All programmes — 2-year, 5-year and 10-year — are renewable temporary permits. Omani nationality laws are strict and naturalisation through investment is not available under any currently active programme.

Off-plan carries genuine risks: construction delays, specification changes, and developer difficulties. Oman's escrow law requires developers to hold buyer funds in regulated accounts — meaningful protection but not a guarantee. Before signing: verify the developer's delivery history, project legal standing, all payment milestones and handover inclusions. Always engage an independent Omani-qualified solicitor. The Sept 2025 30%-triggers-residency rule applies to Sultan Haitham City and Sorouh projects only.

Yes. Real estate brokerage, some retail categories and parts of the construction industry are reserved for Omani nationals. However, the 2019 Foreign Capital Investment Law introduced 100% foreign ownership without a local sponsor for specific high-value sectors. Always verify your intended business activity against the current restricted list with a qualified Omani legal advisor before committing.