Expats who want to bring their family to Oman for reunification can apply for a family visa.
A family visa is granted to the spouse of a foreigner residing in Oman, as well as to their children under the age of 21. A visa is also granted to the foreign spouse of an Omani citizen upon their request and in accordance with a certificate from the Ministry of Internal Relations confirming their marriage.
—
A family visa is issued by the General Directorate of Passports and Residence at its own discretion, at the request of and under the responsibility of the local sponsor.
—
What is the validity period of a family visa?
The visa gives the right to stay in the country for two years from the date of entry or the date of stamping in the passport. It can be used for entry within six months from the date of issue.
—
Rules you must follow before obtaining a family visa to Oman:
- As soon as the applicant's residence permit expires, the validity of the family visa also expires;
- Applicants' children must be under 21 years of age. If they turn 21, the residence permit for children expires;
- The minimum salary for a family visa in Oman is OMR 600;
- A mother can sponsor her child in Oman provided she earns a minimum salary of 600 OMR.
—
What documents must be submitted to obtain a family visa?
List of main documents:
- 1. Visa application form, printed, approved and certified by the seal of the sponsor;
- For Arabs with passports issued in Arab countries, the visa application form must be completed in Arabic.
- For non-Arabs with passports issued in non-Arab countries, the visa application form must be completed in English.
- 2. Two photos (4 x 6).
- 3. A copy of the passport of a foreigner who resides in Oman and wants his family to join him, as well as a copy of the employment card or a copy of the identity card;
- 4. The standard form of undertaking specified for family joining visa applications. The commitment form must be jointly signed by the sponsor and the foreigner.
- 5. If the names and passport details do not indicate kinship between the foreigner residing in Oman and the person joining him, proof of their kinship must be attached.
- 6. A marriage certificate certified by the expatriate wife's embassy and certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman must be provided.
- 7. A copy of the sample signature of authorized persons issued by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. In the case of individual sponsors, a copy of the sponsor's ID must be attached to authenticate the signature.
- 8. For foreigners who have reached the age of 15 and who come from India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria and Nepal, a health certificate is required.
The visa application must be submitted by the sponsor in person, or by an authorized representative in the case of companies.
If a family reunification visa is requested for the foreign spouse of an Omani citizen, a certificate from the Ministry of Internal Relations confirming the status of the marriage must be provided.
—
The process of applying for a family visa to Oman
Take all the necessary documents with you and visit the nearest ROP (Royal Oman Police) visa office.
—
What is the processing time for a family visa?
The total visa processing time is from 2 to 15 days.
—
What is the cost of the visa fee?
The cost of obtaining a family visa in Oman is 30 OMR. A fine of OMR 50 will be charged for delay in extension or registration of residence permit.
Every foreigner residing in the Sultanate of Oman must have a resident ID card.
Resident ID card is an electronic card that contains all the basic data of its owner. It is drawn up for foreigners regardless of whether they work or not.
—
How to apply for a residence permit in Oman?
- Apply to any of the Civil Registry Offices in Oman.
- Submit all the required documents along with the applicant's identity card.
- Get an ID card and activate it with your fingerprint.
—
What documents must be submitted together with the application for obtaining a resident card?
Residents working in the private and public sectors must provide the following documents:
- Application form for obtaining a resident card;
- A letter from the employer for those working in the private sector indicating the position of the employee;
- A copy of the employment application form together with the original for public sector employees;
- A copy of the passport together with the original;
- One photograph on a blue background;
- For private sector employees: statement from the Ministry of Labor.
How long does it take to issue a resident card?
Issuing a card takes about 15 minutes from the start of data registration in the system to the moment the card is delivered.
What is the Oman Investment Residency Program (IRP)?
The Oman Investment Residency Program (IRP) is a new initiative that was launched in September 2021. The scheme is designed to encourage greater inward investment in tourism, mining, logistics, agriculture, fisheries, education, health and information technology (IT). One of the main reasons for implementing the IRP is to encourage a greener circular economy in Oman. Those eligible for this program can obtain a long-term five-year or ten-year renewable residence permit.
—
The Oman Investor Visa is specifically designed to allow eligible foreign entrepreneurs and investors to reside in the Sultanate of Oman to establish and operate a business. Foreigners can also invest in an existing business in Oman (i.e., become a shareholder in an existing Omani company).
—
Am I eligible for an investor visa to Oman?
To obtain an investor visa, the following requirements must be met:
- The investor or entrepreneur must have permission from the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Oman. Applicants will also be required to provide details of the planned investment: amount, type of business/industry and investment plan.
- An employment permit will also be required from the Omani Ministry of Manpower (MOM).
- A residence permit is required to invest in Oman.
—
The right to obtain a permit for 10 years.
Foreign citizens over the age of 21 have the right to obtain a residence permit for 10 years if they:
- Invest at least 500 000 OMR in a limited liability company, or a closed joint stock company (both must be registered in Oman), or in government bonds;
- Establish a company in Oman employing at least 50 Omani citizens (no minimum investment threshold);
- Purchase real estate with a minimum cost of 500 000 OMR.
—
The right to obtain a permit for 5 years.
Foreign citizens over the age of 21 have the right to obtain a residence permit for 5 years if they:
Invest a minimum of 250 000 OMR in government bonds;
Purchase real estate with a minimum value of 250 000 OMR;
Retire after working in Oman for at least two years, with a fixed monthly income of at least 4000 OMR and permanent residence in Oman.
—
How do I apply for an investor visa to Oman?
To get an investor visa to Oman, you need to follow several steps:
- Apply for an investment permit from the Omani Ministry of Trade and Industry;
- Apply for an employment permit at the Ministry of Manpower of Oman (MOM);
- An investor or entrepreneur applies for an entry visa at the nearest Omani embassy/consulate;
- An investor or entrepreneur applies for a residence permit upon arrival in Oman.
—
What documents are required for an investor visa to Oman?
In order to apply for an investor visa, you must provide the following documents:
- Two passport photos (6 x 4 cm);
- A copy of the applicant's passport, valid for at least six months;
- A copy of the partnership agreement if you are investing in an existing Omani business;
- If you are investing in an existing business: a copy of the commercial registration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, a copy of the membership card of the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry;
- Detailed investment plan;
- Confirmation of the availability of investment funds;
- Permission of the Ministry of Trade and Industry;
- Work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor;
- Original and copy of medical certificate for those arriving from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria and Nepal;
- If the foreign worker wants to bring his wife with him, a copy of the marriage certificate certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman is required;
—
Can I extend my investor visa?
Yes, investor visas can be extended in Oman before they expire. In order to successfully apply for renewal, it is necessary to provide evidence that the applicant continues to invest in the country.
A foreign woman who married an Omani man is entitled to Omani citizenship if:
- The marriage happened with the permission of the Ministry of Oman;
- She gave birth to a son to an Omani man;
- Lived with her husband for 10 years in Oman;
- Speaks Arabic;
- Has a good profile and has not been convicted.