A Strategic Launch for Vision 2040
On August 31, 2025, Oman officially launched its Golden Residency program, signaling a new era in the country’s investment migration landscape. Announced at the “Sustainable Business Environment” forum in Salalah, the initiative grants renewable 10-year visas to investors and their families. This bold move aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040, a national blueprint designed to diversify the economy away from hydrocarbons and toward private-sector growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.
For investors, the Oman Residency program opens a door to long-term stability in a region that continues to position itself as a gateway between Asia, Africa, and Europe. For Oman, the program provides a channel to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), generate employment for citizens, and expand its private sector’s global reach.
Lowered Thresholds: Accessibility Without Compromising Value
A key feature that has drawn immediate attention is the lowered investment threshold. Previously higher, Oman now requires a minimum investment of OMR 200,000 (about USD 520,000). This recalibrated entry point makes the program more accessible to a broader spectrum of global investors while retaining exclusivity.
This is significant for entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and international families looking for a stable, long-term residency option in the Gulf. By lowering the barrier to entry, Oman demonstrates its commitment to balancing inclusivity with strategic selectivity. Investors gain the reassurance that they are entering a jurisdiction that values both foreign capital and the responsibility that comes with it.
Seven Pathways to Residency
The Oman Golden Residency isn’t a one-size-fits-all framework. Instead, it offers seven investment routes, giving applicants flexibility based on their financial strategies and preferences:
- Establishing or Expanding a Company – Launching a new enterprise or expanding operations within Oman.
- Real Estate Acquisition – Purchasing property in Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), specialized zones allowing foreign ownership.
- Government Bonds or Listed Equities – Investing in Omani capital markets, contributing directly to financial stability.
- Fixed Deposits – Placing capital in secure, long-term deposits within the banking system.
- Employment Generation – Building or scaling a business that employs at least 50 Omani nationals.
- Corporate Nomination – Companies registered under Oman’s foreign investment law can nominate key partners or senior professionals for residency.
- Other Strategic Ventures – Discretionary projects aligned with the government’s diversification priorities.
This variety not only encourages capital inflows but also ensures that investors can align their residency route with broader portfolio strategies. Whether through real estate, equity markets, or business expansion, investors can integrate Oman into their global wealth planning.
Investor Benefits: A Competitive Offering
Residency programs often succeed or fail based on the benefits attached, and Oman has crafted a package that rivals its Gulf neighbors. The Golden Residency offers:
- Family Sponsorship – No age or number restrictions for dependent family members.
- Property Ownership – Rights to own one property outside designated tourism complexes.
- Household Support – Permission to employ up to three domestic workers.
- Streamlined Travel – Access to fast-track services at airports and borders.
- Extended Family Visas – Sponsorship for visitor visas for relatives.
By combining family inclusivity with tangible lifestyle and business advantages, Oman creates a residency option that appeals to high-net-worth families who prioritize both opportunity and quality of life.
Complementary Initiatives: Building an Investor-Friendly Ecosystem
The Golden Residency didn’t arrive in isolation. Oman launched it alongside complementary reforms designed to improve the business climate:
- The Elite Companies scheme, which recognizes high-performing local firms and integrates them into global value chains.
- Digital registration and transfer platforms, which reduce bureaucratic friction and enhance transparency.
- Global outreach programs, promoting Oman Residency through international investment migration channels in more than 60 countries.
Together, these initiatives show that Oman is not simply offering a visa—it is curating an entire ecosystem where foreign investors can confidently deploy capital.
Oman vs. Its Gulf Neighbors
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has become a hotspot for golden visas. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain have already positioned themselves as magnets for expatriates and entrepreneurs. Oman’s entry adds a new dimension.
Unlike Dubai, where the market often skews toward real estate speculation, Oman offers a measured, diversified model. Its blend of company establishment, financial instruments, and employment creation routes appeal to investors who seek structural stability rather than short-term gains.
Furthermore, Oman provides something rare: an authentic, unhurried lifestyle. Investors who prefer a less frenetic environment than Dubai or Riyadh may find Oman’s balance of tradition and modernity compelling.
Vision 2040: The Long Game
The Oman Residency program serves a larger purpose than attracting immediate capital. It is a strategic instrument for Vision 2040, which seeks to:
- Diversify the economy beyond oil and gas.
- Increase the contribution of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to GDP.
- Expand employment opportunities for Omani citizens.
- Strengthen global trade partnerships.
Residency programs, when well-structured, channel capital into long-term development rather than short-term speculation. By tying eligibility to business creation and employment, Oman ensures that investors contribute to the real economy.
Why Oman Stands Out for Global Investors
For international investors evaluating second residencies, Oman offers a unique blend of advantages:
- Strategic Geography – Situated at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean, Oman connects to Asia, Africa, and Europe.
- Political Stability – Oman has long been recognized for its diplomatic balance in a region often marked by volatility.
- Lifestyle Appeal – Investors gain access to pristine coastlines, historic cities, and a family-friendly environment.
- Long-Term Residency Security – The 10-year renewable visa provides stability unmatched by short-term permits.
In an era where mobility and diversification are critical, the Oman Residency becomes not only a lifestyle choice but also a portfolio hedge against geopolitical and economic uncertainty.
The Role of Global Advisors
Residency by investment requires more than just capital—it demands navigation of regulatory frameworks, due diligence, and government processes. Here, experienced advisors play a crucial role. Apex Capital Partners, with over three decades in the investment migration industry, exemplifies firms that guide investors through these complexities. Their global presence and track record position them as trusted partners for high-net-worth individuals evaluating programs like Oman’s.
By relying on seasoned expertise, investors can streamline the application process and focus on the bigger picture: integrating Oman into their long-term mobility and wealth strategies.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Risks
Like all investment residency schemes, the Oman program carries both opportunities and challenges.
- Opportunities: Diversified entry routes, lower thresholds, and a competitive benefits package make Oman a compelling choice. The government’s Vision 2040 framework suggests strong policy support for continuity.
- Risks: Investors must monitor regional dynamics, currency stability, and the pace of Oman’s economic diversification. Real estate and corporate investments, in particular, require thorough due diligence.
By carefully balancing these factors, investors can position themselves for long-term growth and security.
A Gateway to the Gulf’s Next Growth Chapter
The Oman Residency program arrives at a pivotal time in the global investment migration market. As governments worldwide recalibrate their visa schemes—tightening requirements in Europe, raising thresholds in the Caribbean, and shifting priorities in Asia—Oman’s offering reflects a thoughtful balance.
It combines competitive thresholds, genuine economic integration, and long-term security. Investors seeking diversification, stability, and access to Gulf markets should place Oman on their radar.
For families and entrepreneurs alike, Oman Residency is not just about securing a visa—it is about securing a role in the Gulf’s next growth chapter.
