Oman launches a "golden visa" programme to attract investment

From 31 August 2025, Oman is launching a "golden visa" programme aimed at attracting investment, developing the digital economy, and diversifying income beyond the oil sector. The new regime will let foreigners obtain long-term residency with the right to work and study without needing a local sponsor.

According to Mubarak bin Mohammed Al Duhani, Director of Planning at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, the programme, combined with initiatives supporting leading Omani companies and the launch of the "Oman Business" platform, will provide investors with stability and growth prospects, while giving local firms opportunities to expand online.

The initiative is being carried out under the "Vision 2040" strategy, aimed at reducing the budget's dependence on oil revenue. Foreign investors will be able to obtain renewable residence permits for themselves, spouses, children under 25, and dependent parents. Golden visa holders will gain the right to purchase property and run businesses, as well as access to tax benefits, education, and healthcare.

Two residency tiers are provided for:

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• 10 years — for investments of at least 500,000 Omani rials (about €1.1 million) in bonds, companies, or real estate. A visa can also be obtained by starting a business employing at least 50 Omani citizens. The processing fee is 551 rials (about €1,230).
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• 5 years — for investments of at least 250,000 rials (about €550,000) in a company or real estate. This visa will cost 326 rials (€728). It can also be obtained by foreigners working in the country and planning to retire, provided their confirmed income is at least 4,000 rials (€9,000) per month.
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The programme is launching against a backdrop of tourism growth in the sultanate: according to the WTTC, in 2024 the sector's contribution to Oman's GDP grew by 35%, and spending by foreign visitors rose by 69% compared with the previous year. Analysts predict this trend will continue amid a "historic recovery" of the sector.\nOman, together with other Gulf countries, is preparing to launch the unified GCC Grand Tours Visa — a regional equivalent of the Schengen visa. The country is also promoting tourism under the slogan "Beauty has an address," with an emphasis on family travel.