Muscat – Oman has officially rolled out its 10-year Golden Residency programme, a strategic initiative aimed at drawing foreign investment and highly skilled professionals. The long-term visa is a key part of the country’s Vision 2040 reform plan, designed to enhance private sector growth, create jobs, and encourage knowledge transfer.
The programme was unveiled during the “Sustainable Business Environment” forum in Salalah, under the patronage of Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and attended by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP).
Lower Investment Threshold
To qualify, investors must meet a minimum requirement of 200,000 Omani rials (approximately $520,000). Successful applicants will receive renewable decade-long residency permits, which also extend to spouses, children, and first-degree relatives—without limits on age or number.
Exclusive Benefits for Residents
Golden Residency holders will enjoy:
Fast-track airport services
The right to employ up to three domestic workers
Permission to own one property outside integrated tourism complexes in areas open to foreign ownership
Multiple Investment Routes
Applicants can qualify through seven pathways, including:
Establishing companies worth RO200,000+
Purchasing property in integrated tourism complexes
Investing in listed equities of at least RO200,000
Holding five-year fixed bank deposits of RO200,000
Buying government development bonds with two or more years’ maturity
Owning firms employing 50+ Omani workers and with capital of RO200,000
Being nominated under the Foreign Investment Law by eligible companies
A Push for Global Competitiveness
According to Nasima bint Yahya Al Balushi, Director General of the Investors Services Centre, the scheme reflects Oman’s promise of stability, opportunity, and quality of life. She noted that Oman ranked fourth globally in the 2024 Quality of Life Index.
MoCIIP highlighted that the reduced investment threshold from RO250,000 to RO200,000 strengthens Oman’s competitive edge against other Gulf states offering similar long-term residency schemes.
Supporting Reforms and Recognition
Alongside the Golden Residency launch, authorities introduced the “Distinguished Companies” initiative to recognise high-performing Omani firms based on governance, Omanisation, revenue, and export performance.
Additionally, Oman rolled out a new digital service for transferring commercial registration ownership via the Oman Business Platform, initially covering sole proprietorships and one-person companies.
To promote the residency programme internationally, Oman has partnered with Alam Al Hijrah (Migration World), a government-accredited consultancy with a global presence in over 60 locations. Their campaigns will focus on investor outreach, global forums, and strategic partnerships.
