Oman has taken a major step to strengthen its position as an investment hub by unveiling a 10-year Golden Residency programme, designed to attract foreign investors, skilled professionals, and their families.
The scheme, part of the country’s Vision 2040 reform agenda, was announced at the “Sustainable Business Environment” forum in Salalah, attended by senior officials including Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP).
Officials explained that the programme is more than a visa policy—it is a strategic tool to drive private sector growth, create jobs for Omanis, and encourage knowledge transfer. It also offers expatriates the long-term stability that has often been missing in traditional short-term Gulf residency systems.
Key Benefits for Residents
Golden Residency holders will enjoy renewable 10-year permits that cover spouses, children, and even first-degree relatives—without restrictions on age or number. Other perks include fast-track airport services, permission to hire up to three domestic workers, and property ownership rights in designated zones outside integrated tourism complexes.
To qualify, applicants must invest a minimum of RO200,000 (USD 520,000). Options include setting up companies, purchasing property, buying government bonds, investing in listed equities, or maintaining long-term deposits.
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Companies with at least 50 Omani employees and RO200,000 in capital also qualify. Importantly, the investment threshold has been lowered from RO250,000, making Oman’s programme more competitive with regional rivals like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Beyond Residency: Recognizing Excellence
Alongside the residency launch, Oman introduced a “Distinguished Companies” initiative to recognize firms excelling in governance, Omanisation, exports, and tax compliance. This marks a shift toward rewarding businesses that actively support the national economy.
In line with its modernization drive, Oman also rolled out a digital service for transferring commercial registrations through the Oman Business Platform. This will initially benefit sole proprietorships and one-person companies, reflecting the government’s push for ease of doing business.
Global Outreach
To market the scheme worldwide, Oman has partnered with Alam Al Hijrah (Migration World), a consultancy with a presence in over 60 countries. Campaigns will include international investor forums, strategic partnerships, and digital promotion.
As Nasima bint Yahya Al Balushi, Director General of the Investors Services Centre, put it: “The Golden Residency is not just a permit—it is a commitment to opportunity, security, and quality of life.”