Oman eases residency rules for foreign investors, expands family sponsorship eligibility

Oman has rolled out a series of reforms to its residency framework aimed at strengthening its appeal among foreign investors and property buyers, while making it easier for eligible residents to bring family members into the country, according to a report by Gulf News.

The reforms simplify procedures for obtaining the "Owner Visa", allowing foreign owners of residential units and authorised representatives of property-owning companies to secure residency without sponsorship requirements. As reported by Gulf News, applicants will be required to enter Oman within three months of the visa's issuance.

The amendments, issued by the Royal Oman Police and published in the official gazette, also broaden the categories of individuals eligible to sponsor family members.


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GCC nationals, licensed foreign investors, foreign property owners and foreign workers employed by government entities will now be able to sponsor dependents, expanding access to family residency under the revised rules.

The changes are part of Oman's wider efforts to enhance its investment climate and attract greater foreign participation in the country's real estate market.

The revised regulations further provide flexibility for investors by allowing residency permits to be granted for both registered properties and certain unregistered properties, subject to approval by the competent authorities.

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Dependants of investors and property owners will also benefit from exemptions from some age-related residency requirements, making it easier for families to qualify for residency.

However, the new framework also establishes a direct link between residency status and continued property ownership.

Residence permits granted to property owners, along with those issued to accompanying family members, will automatically expire if ownership of the property is transferred through sale or any other legal transaction.