Comprehensive Guide to Oman Investor Residency Visa (IRP)
Full Guide to Oman’s Investor Residency Visa (IRP) Program
The Sultanate of Oman introduced the Investor Residency Visa (IRP) Program in 2021 as part of its strategic vision to diversify the economy, attract foreign investment, and promote sustainable development. Administered under the “Invest Oman” initiative, this program offers qualified investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees the opportunity to obtain long-term residency (5 or 10 years) in exchange for meeting specific investment criteria. Successful applicants benefit from a host of legal, economic, and lifestyle advantages, making Oman an increasingly attractive destination for global investors.
Types of Investor Residency Visas in Oman
1. 5- and 10-Year Investor Residency Visa (IRP)
This visa is categorized into two tiers based on investment value:
Tier 1: 10-Year Residency Visa
Minimum Investment: OMR 500,000 (~USD 1.3 million)
Benefits:
Full property ownership rights across Oman
Visa renewal option upon expiry
Family inclusion (spouse & children)
No requirement for a local sponsor
Tier 2: 5-Year Residency Visa
Minimum Investment: OMR 250,000 (~USD 650,000)
Benefits:
Property ownership within Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs)
Visa renewal option
Family inclusion (spouse & children)
Eligible Investment Forms:
✔ Purchase of residential, commercial, or industrial property (inside or outside ITCs)
✔ Investment in shares of Omani-registered companies
✔ Long-term deposits in Omani banks (minimum 3-year term)
✔ Purchase of government bonds or investment funds
2. Partner Visa
Eligibility: Ownership of at least 25% shares in an Omani-registered company
Duration: 2 years (renewable)
Requirement: Active involvement in company operations
3. Retiree Residency Visa
Eligibility: Applicants aged 60+ with a minimum monthly income of OMR 4,000 (~USD 10,400)
Benefits:
No business or property ownership obligations
Long-term residency without employment requirements
Section 2: Conditions for Obtaining Residency in Oman Through Property Purchase
By purchasing property in authorized projects, the buyer and their immediate family (spouse and children under 21) can apply for residency in Oman. The conditions are as follows:
- 2-Year Residency: Purchase property worth at least 100,000 Omani Rials.
- 5-Year Residency: Purchase property worth at least 250,000 Omani Rials.
- 10-Year Residency: Purchase property worth at least 500,000 Omani Rials.
Residencies are renewable, subject to maintaining investment conditions. Issuance of residency is subject to approval by Omani authorities and is not guaranteed by the seller.
Steps to Establish a Business for an Investor Residency Visa in Oman
Select Company Structure (e.g., Limited Liability Company – LLC)
Obtain Trade Name Approval (Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion)
Prepare & Register Company Documents (Notarized company charter & contracts)
Obtain Company Registration Certificate (CR) via Oman Business Portal
Acquire Necessary Business Licenses (Sector-specific approvals)
Secure Investment License (Mandatory for IRP eligibility)
Open a Corporate Bank Account (For financial transactions)
Key Benefits of Oman’s Investor Residency Visa
✅ Long-term residency without a local sponsor
✅ Property ownership rights (residential, commercial, industrial)
✅ Access to premium healthcare & education
✅ Visa-free travel within GCC countries
✅ Tax exemptions (No personal income tax)
✅ Pathway to business expansion in the Gulf region
General Visa Requirements in oman
✔ Age: Primary applicant must be 21+
✔ Valid Investment: Compliant with Oman’s Ministry of Investment regulations
✔ Clean Criminal Record: Police clearance certificate required
✔ Health Insurance: Mandatory for applicant & dependents
✔ Proof of Investment: Property deeds, share certificates, or bank deposit confirmations
Application Process for the Investor Residency Visa in Oman
Register on the Invest Oman Portal
Complete Online Form & Upload Documents
Application Review (45-60 days processing time)
Issuance of Residency Card (Upon approval)
Visa Renewal (Subject to maintained investment)
Important Considerations
⚠ Fees: Residency card costs exclude medical exams, police clearance, and company registration fees.
⚠ Investment Thresholds:
OMR 250,000 for 5-year visa
OMR 500,000 for 10-year visa
⚠ Dependent Eligibility: Spouse & children (no age limit for kids)
⚠ Parents & Adult Children (21+): Must apply separately under dependent/visitor visas
Foreign Property Ownership in Oman
Foreign investors can own property in designated Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), including:
Al Mouj Muscat
Muscat Hills
Saraya Bandar Jissah
Yiti Sustainable City
Sultan Haitham City
Aida
- ……
Tier 1 (10-year visa) investors may purchase property anywhere in Oman.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Tax Structure & Hidden Costs
Personal Income Tax: 0%
Corporate Tax: 15% (on business profits)
VAT: 5% (on goods & services)
International Comparison of Residency Programs
| Country | Minimum Investment | Residency Duration | Income Tax | Property Ownership Rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oman | OMR 250K-500K | 5-10 years | No | Full rights in ITCs & beyond (Tier 1) |
| UAE | AED 2M (~OMR 190K) | 10 years | No | Restricted to freehold areas |
| Greece | €250K (~OMR 105K) | 5 years | Yes | Unrestricted |
| Portugal | €500K (~OMR 210K) | 5 years | Yes | Unrestricted |
Estimated Visa Processing Timeline
| Step | Duration |
|---|---|
| Document Preparation | 2 weeks |
| Company Registration & CR Issuance | 3 weeks |
| Investment License Approval | 2 weeks |
| IRP Committee Review | 4-6 weeks |
| Residency Card Issuance | 1 week |
Pro Tips for Foreign Investors
🔹 Fund Transfers: Use trusted exchange services or intermediary accounts.
🔹 Remote Registration: Leverage virtual setup services & power of attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Oman Investor Residency Visa (IRP)
5-Year Visa: Only in Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) such as Al Mouj, Muscat Hills, etc.
10-Year Visa: Anywhere in Oman with no restrictions
Yes, spouse and children (with no age limit) are covered under the main visa.
No. One of the advantages of this visa is that no Omani sponsor is required.
Zero percent. Oman does not impose personal income tax.
Yes, it can be renewed as long as the investment conditions are maintained.
No, only spouse and children are included under the main visa. For parents or children over 21, a separate visa application is required.
No, the visa provides temporary residency and does not offer a direct path to citizenship.
Valid passport
Certificate of good conduct
Health insurance
Investment documents (property deed, bank statement, company shares, etc.)
Conclusion
Oman’s Investor Residency Visa (IRP) Program stands out as one of the most transparent, investor-friendly, and cost-effective residency schemes in the Gulf. With no personal income tax, flexible property ownership, long-term stability, and government-backed incentives, Oman presents a compelling opportunity for entrepreneurs, retirees, and families seeking a secure and prosperous future in the Middle East.
