Oman is preparing a reset of its Golden Visa programme, offering foreign investors broader property-linked residency options than previously available, Gulf News reported. The move coincides with a surge in high-value real estate transactions, including the record-setting sale of the country’s most expensive penthouse to date.
Senior officials have scheduled August 31 to unveil the revamped programme. Matt Boyd, Business Development Manager at Sovereign Group, noted, “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.”
Boyd added that while Oman has long allowed extended visas tied to business or property investments, high investment thresholds have limited uptake compared to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. For context, the UAE requires Dh2 million for property-linked residency, while Saudi Arabia’s Premium Residency programme sets minimums of SR7 million or SR4 million.
Oman aims to change that narrative, supported by infrastructure projects like the transformation of Salalah, new free zones, and targeted development initiatives that create more investor opportunities.
Under the updated programme, a 10-year residency visa can be secured through multiple channels:
- Owning a fully constructed residential property worth at least OR500,000
- Holding shares in a company valued at OR500,000 or more
- Owning stock in listed Omani companies worth OR500,000 or more
- Employing at least 50 Omani nationals
- Purchasing government development bonds worth OR500,000
A 5-year residency permit will also be available, with investment thresholds halved.
Irina Cotescu, co-founder of Oliviri Consultancy, commented, “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 added, “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.”
