Oman's Golden Residency Programme Offers New Opportunities For Foreign Investors And Entrepreneurs
Oman has just introduced a new 10-year Golden Residency programme aimed at foreign investors and entrepreneurs. Announced on August 31, 2025, in Salalah by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), this initiative is part of Oman's economic reforms under Oman Vision 2040. The program reduces the investment threshold to OMR 200,000, offering long-term stability for investors and their families.
The Golden Residency replaces previous investor residency programmes that required higher investments. Earlier, Oman offered a five-year permit with an OMR 250,000 investment requirement and a 10-year permit tied to either an OMR 500,000 investment or creating jobs for at least 50 Omani nationals. These were limited to company equity, real estate, or government bonds.
Investment Pathways for Golden Residency
The new program offers seven investment routes with a minimum capital requirement of OMR 200,000. Investors can establish a company operating for at least one year with assets valued at OMR 200,000 or more. They can also purchase real estate in Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) covering residential, commercial, or tourism units with valid title deeds.
Other options include holding government development bonds worth at least OMR 200,000 with a minimum maturity of two years or investing in listed equities meeting the same threshold. Additionally, placing a fixed deposit of OMR 200,000 or more in a local bank for at least five years is another route.
Lifestyle and Business Benefits
Golden Residency holders enjoy numerous benefits such as fast-track lanes at airports and border crossings. They can include first-degree family members without age or number restrictions and own real estate beyond ITC zones within legal limits. Holders are also allowed to employ up to three domestic workers and issue visit visas for extended family members.
The Invest in Oman platform provides residency holders access to government-backed services for establishing companies and obtaining licenses easily in Oman. This initiative aims to enhance the ease of doing business in the country.
Elite Companies Programme
Alongside the Golden Residency, MoCIIP launched the Elite Companies programme to support high-performing Omani firms. Developed with the Ministry of Labor, Tax Authority, Royal Oman Police, and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it classifies companies based on governance and economic performance.
Eligibility requires legal registration in Oman, employing at least one Omani national, and compliance with local laws. Evaluation considers company age, revenue, Omanization levels, export performance, and market presence. The initiative aims to provide incentives for expansion both locally and internationally.
Global Competitiveness
Oman ranks fourth globally in the 2024 Quality of Life Index. Competing with neighbors like UAE and Saudi Arabia using similar Golden visa offerings helps attract high-net-worth individuals. The new visas offer safe environments along with access to education and healthcare for families within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
To attract global investors, Oman has partnered with Alam Al Hijrah (Migration World), an accredited consultancy operating in over 60 locations worldwide. The firm will promote the program through digital campaigns and investor summits across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The launch of both programmes aligns with Oman's Vision 2040 agenda aimed at diversifying its economy beyond hydrocarbons while attracting knowledge-intensive industries.
The Golden Residency simplifies entry requirements while adding lifestyle advantages compared to previous two-tier residency visa programmes. The Elite Companies initiative complements this by providing recognition for local businesses which can help them access credit and venture capital.
Sign in with Google