- Oman launched a 10-year gold residence program for foreign investors and skilled professionals.
- The announcement was published at Salalah’s “Sustainable Business Environment” forum.
- The initiative is part of Oman’s Vision 2040 plan.
Oman officially unveiled a 10-year gold residence program and joined other Gulf countries, providing long-term residence options for foreign investors and skilled professionals.
The announcement was published at Salalah’s “Sustainable Business Environment” forum. The plan is a core part of Oman’s Vision 2040, aiming to promote private sector growth, attract foreign investment, and reduce reliance on oil revenues.
Unlike standard short-term work or business visas, the golden residence provides foreign nationals and their families with a renewable 10-year residence. It extends to spouses, children, and first-degree relatives without restrictions on age or family size, which makes the program more flexible than many similar Gulf initiatives that typically limit dependents or qualifications.
Qualification criteria
Applicants must make a minimum investment of 200,000 Omani Rials (approximately USD 520,000). The government has identified seven main eligibility pathways:
- Establish or own a company with a capital and assets of at least 200,000.
- Purchase property in a comprehensive tourism complex.
- Invest in government development bonds for a maturity of at least two years.
- Buy stocks worth 200,000 or more.
- Maintain a fixed bank deposit of 200,000 for five years.
- A company with OMR 200,000 capital with at least 50 Omanian nationals.
- Nominated based on a company that qualifies and may receive multiple nominations.
Applicants must also be at least 21 years of age, hold a valid passport, demonstrate financial solvency and have a clean criminal record.
Application process and documentation
The required documents include a certificate of investment (property deeds, business licenses or bond certificates), bank statements, health insurance, police licenses, and documents that demonstrate family relationships, such as marriage or birth certificates.
Applications can be submitted through the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP). Once approved, the residence permit can be renewed every 10 years as long as the qualification standards are maintained.
Benefits of Gold Residence
The program offers several advantages to investors and their families:
- Fast-channel airport service for easier travel.
- Permits that allow hiring up to three domestic workers.
- The ability to own a property outside the integrated tourism complex is usually subject to foreign ownership.
- Long-term business security and confidence planning capabilities.
- Received an enhanced lifestyle, Oman ranked fourth in the world in the 2024 Quality of Life Index.
significance
Gold residence in Oman is aligned with the broader Gulf trend after plans launched by countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to attract global talent and investment.
The initiative highlights Oman’s goal is to establish itself as a safe, investor-friendly destination and to have one of the most flexible, item-by-item residential frameworks in the region. By providing financial incentives and lifestyle benefits, the program is designed to attract international entrepreneurs, professionals and investors seeking long-term stability.
Ultimately, gold residence is expected to promote foreign capital inflows, generate employment, and support the overall goal of Vision 2040, which is to build a diversified and sustainable economy.
