On 31 August 2025, Oman announced the official launch of the Golden Visa programme, aiming to attract greater foreign investment as part of its broader Vision 2040 strategy. Mirroring such programmes already in place in the UAE, Oman offers either a 5-year (Silver Visa) or a 10-year (Golden Visa) option.
The applicable investment options for Golden Visas include:
- investing at least OMR 500,000 into an Omani-based limited liability company, public joint stock company or government bonds;
- purchasing property in Oman worth a minimum of OMR 500,000; or
- establishing a company in Oman which employs at least 50 Omani nationals (no minimum investment required).
Alternatively, investors may be eligible for a Silver Visa if they meet one of the following criteria:
- investing a minimum of OMR 250,000 in an Omani-based limited liability company or public joint stock company; or
- purchasing property in Oman worth a minimum of OMR 250,000.
To be eligible to apply for Oman's Golden or Silver Visas, applicants must:
- be over the age of 21;
- have no criminal record;
- possess sufficient funds for self and dependents; and
- have no restrictions on foreign nationality.
In addition to investment options, expat workers living in Oman who wish to retire in the Sultanate may also apply for an extended residence permit of 5 years, subject to meeting certain criteria. This includes being over the age of 60 and having proof of fixed income of at least OMR 4,000 per month.
The application fees for the Golden and Silver Visas at the time of writing are OMR 551 and OMR 326 respectively, and there will also be additional expenses such as the costs associated with obtaining healthcare and insurance. However, there are many advantages to having a Golden Visa, including the right of residence and movement in Oman, the ability to sponsor immediate family members, visa-free access to the member-countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and access to high quality healthcare services and education institutions. The application process is managed through a digital platform, Invest Oman, allowing for quick and simple handling of applications.
Due to its advantageous location, expanding economy and safe environment, Oman is an attractive location for investors and potential residents. Knowing this, the Omani government introduced the Golden Visa programme to attract investment and talent, drive economic diversification, and support national development projects. This initiative aids the advancement of Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to establish a sustainable economy and a wealthy and diverse society beyond oil dependency. Through attracting foreign direct investment and the requirement for 50 Omani national employees for businesses setting up with no minimum capital, the Golden Visa increases the prospects of success of the Oman Vision 2040.
The Omani Golden Visa encourages long-term commitment from foreigners, including retirees and skilled professionals, to secure long-term residency in a welcoming environment which offers diverse investment opportunities with straightforward requirements.
Compared to neighbouring countries, the Golden Visa programme in Oman may be seen as more accessible due to a lower entry investment and multiple qualifying routes. However, whilst most Middle Eastern countries offer similar visa programmes with a 10-year maximum before renewal is required, Saudi Arabia's Golden Visa also offers permanent residency as a distinct and attractive feature. Furthermore, although Oman's programme is offered to retirees, Bahrain places a stronger focus on attracting professional retirees with higher qualifications and financial means, making Bahrain a more selective and strategically focused destination for retirement compared to Oman's more accessible and broader approach.
There are many similarities which Oman's programme shares with other GCC nations. For example, holders of the Golden Visas obtain residency by making significant investments, and can extend the benefits to their spouses and children. Additionally, Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain's Golden Visa programmes can be seen to form part of their common strategies to reduce reliance on oil and gas revenues through promoting diversified investment and economic growth, such as Oman's Vision 2040 and Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
For further insights into investment in Oman and the wider Middle Eastern region, please get in touch with the team at Trowers & Hamlins.
