Oman is poised to unveil a major overhaul of its Golden Visa programme, aiming to attract foreign investors with expanded options tied to property investments. The announcement comes as the country experiences a notable uptick in high-value real estate transactions, including the recent record-breaking sale of its most expensive penthouse.
Senior officials are set to reveal details of the updated programme on August 31. According to Matt Boyd, Business Development Manager at Sovereign Group, "The Golden Visa in Oman is not new – these categories for longer-term residency have existed since 2021. This may represent a relaunch of the programme with a stronger focus on promotion."
Aiming for Regional Competitiveness
While Oman currently offers long-term residency permits tied to business or property investments, Boyd highlighted that high investment thresholds have limited the programme’s uptake compared to neighbouring countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia. For instance, the UAE requires property investments of Dh2 million for comparable residency options, whereas Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme mandates minimum investments of SR7 million or SR4 million.
The revamped Golden Visa programme aims to change this dynamic and position Oman as a more attractive destination for investors. The initiative is supported by broader economic projects, including the transformation of Salalah, the development of new free zones, and targeted infrastructure upgrades intended to create additional investment opportunities.
New Residency Options
Under the updated programme, individuals can now obtain a 10-year residency visa through various channels, provided they meet specific investment thresholds. These include:
- Purchasing a fully constructed residential property valued at a minimum of OR500,000
- Holding shares in a company valued at OR500,000 or more
- Owning stock in publicly listed Omani companies worth at least OR500,000
- Employing at least 50 Omani nationals
- Purchasing government development bonds with a value of at least OR500,000
Additionally, a shorter 5-year residency visa will be available for those making investments at half these thresholds.
Moving Beyond Transactional Incentives
Industry experts have noted that Oman’s approach to foreign investment is deliberately designed to foster long-term partnerships. Irina Cotescu, co-founder of Oliviri Consultancy, remarked, "Oman is clearly charting its own course – one that’s slower by design, but far more integrated. What stands out is the shift from transactional incentives to a long-term partnership model." She further noted, "By combining regulatory clarity, digital infrastructure, and targeted investor programs, Oman is signaling that it values not just capital, but commitment. That positions Oman as one of the most thoughtfully structured gateways for foreign investment in the Gulf."
As Oman prepares to relaunch its Golden Visa programme, the country appears to be taking significant steps to reshape its investment landscape and attract a greater share of international interest. By offering more accessible residency options and supporting investor confidence through targeted infrastructure development, Oman is making a strong case for its place in the competitive Gulf investment market.
