Oman is moving forward with a significant step to attract international investment. Beginning 31 August 2025, the country will roll out its Golden Residency Programme, offering long-term visas to individuals willing to commit financially through company stakes, property purchases, or government bonds.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion confirmed the development as part of a wider agenda to enhance capital inflows, support Omani businesses, and expand the nation’s economic reach beyond oil. For UAE-based professionals and investors, this presents an alternative route to regional diversification.
Visa Options for Investors and Retirees
The golden visa comes in two main categories designed to match varying levels of investment:
- 10-Year Golden Residency
- Requires an investment of at least 500,000 Omani rials in property, government bonds, or companies.
- Available for entrepreneurs establishing firms that employ at least 50 Omani nationals.
- Application fee: 551 rials.
- 5-Year Golden Residency
- Open to investors committing a minimum of 250,000 rials through company shares or property.
- Application fee: 326 rials.
In addition, retirees can apply for a renewable five-year visa, provided they can demonstrate a fixed monthly income of 4,000 rials or more.
Digital Services and Support for Omani Firms
The launch also comes with a push to modernise business operations. Through the Oman Business platform, companies will now be able to complete tasks such as transferring commercial registrations entirely online, reducing paperwork and saving time.
Meanwhile, the Al Majida Companies initiative has been introduced to help high-performing local firms expand domestically and internationally. Together, these measures highlight Oman’s dual focus on encouraging foreign capital while also enabling homegrown enterprises to scale.
Regional Context and Economic Outlook
Golden visa schemes have become a defining feature of the Gulf’s investment landscape. The UAE’s own golden visa has already transformed its appeal to entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors. With Oman joining the trend, it reinforces the region’s growing competitiveness in attracting long-term residents.
According to economic forecasts, Oman’s GDP is expected to expand by 2.4% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, fuelled largely by logistics, manufacturing, real estate, and services. These are precisely the sectors where investors entering through the golden residency programme are likely to find opportunities.
Looking further ahead, the Sultanate plans to introduce a personal income tax of 5% on annual earnings above 42,000 rials starting in 2028. This adjustment reflects the government’s efforts to diversify income streams while maintaining investment appeal.
for UAE-Based Investors
For entrepreneurs and residents in the UAE, Oman’s golden residency scheme provides an option to expand their footprint in the Gulf. The long-term visa offers greater security, enabling investors to develop assets, explore real estate opportunities, and participate in non-oil sectors in a market that is positioning itself as both stable and growth-oriented.
Combined with the digitisation of business services and targeted support for Omani companies, the initiative signals a more open and investor-friendly environment.
Oman’s introduction of the Golden Residency Programme on 31 August 2025 is not only about visas but also about creating a welcoming space for investors, retirees, and businesses. With flexible investment pathways, digital platforms, and support for local firms, the Sultanate is aligning itself with the wider Gulf strategy of diversification and long-term growth.
For Dubai and UAE-based residents considering regional opportunities, Oman’s move offers an additional gateway worth exploring.
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