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.

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How to apply for a residence permit in Oman?

1. Apply to any of the Civil Registry Offices in Oman.
2. Submit all the required documents along with the applicant's identity card.
3. Get an ID card and activate it with your fingerprint.

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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.

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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).

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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.

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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.

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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.

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How do I apply for an investor visa to Oman?

To get an investor visa to Oman, you need to follow several steps:

1. Apply for an investment permit from the Omani Ministry of Trade and Industry;
2. Apply for an employment permit at the Ministry of Manpower of Oman (MOM);
3. An investor or entrepreneur applies for an entry visa at the nearest Omani embassy/consulate;
4. An investor or entrepreneur applies for a residence permit upon arrival in Oman.

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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;

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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 foreigner can obtain citizenship if they had accomplished the following:
  • A foreigner has resided in Oman for 20 years;
  • If a foreigner is married to an Omani woman, he has to reside in Oman for 15 years under the condition that they have a son with the Omani spouse, and that the marriage happened with the permission of the Omani Ministry;
  • A foreigner is mentally healthy;
  • A foreigner is willing to give a foreign citizenship up.

A foreign woman who married an Omani man is entitled to Omani citizenship if:

1. The marriage happened with the permission of the Ministry of Oman;
2. She gave birth to a son to an Omani man;
3. Lived with her husband for 10 years in Oman;
4. Speaks Arabic;
5. Has a good profile and has not been convicted.