Oman (OM)

Oman is one of the most welcoming and stable expat destinations in the Middle East, offering a unique blend of ancient Arabian heritage, dramatic natural landscapes, and a rapidly modernising economy.

Capital: Muscat

Region: Middle East

Language: Arabic

Currency: OMR (ر.ع.)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 58)

Emergency: 9999

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Oman.

Visa-Free Access

Citizens of all GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) may enter Oman without a visa for indefinite stays. Citizens of approximately 103 nationalities can obtain an eVisa or visa-on-arrival for tourism. Countries with free-access or eVisa include: all EU/EEA countries, UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and many others. Citizens of most countries receive free 30-day visit visas. Check the Royal Oman Police (ROP) eVisa portal (evisa.rop.gov.om) for the current list as it expands regularly under Vision 2040 tourism targets.

All foreign nationals in Oman must register with the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and obtain a Civil ID card (Residence Card) within 30 days of arrival on a long-term visa. The kafala (sponsorship) system links most expats to their employer/sponsor — changing employers, taking additional work, or leaving the country may require sponsor approval or notification. Overstaying any visa is a criminal offence in Oman, with fines of OMR 10/day up to OMR 500 and deportation. Those deported may face a 2-year entry ban. Visit evisa.rop.gov.om for current visa information and to apply for eVisas. The OmanPASS app is the national digital identity system for all residents.

Tourist eVisa (Single Entry)

تأشيرة سياحية إلكترونية - دخول واحد

OMR 5 (approx. USD 13) for most nationalities; free for some GCC-linked countries

Duration: 30 days, single entry; extendable once for another 30 days at ROP

Eligibility

Most nationalities (100+ countries). Check evisa.rop.gov.om for eligible nationalities.

Processing time

24–72 hours online; instant for some nationalities

Requirements

✓Passport valid 6+ months
✓Return/onward flight booking
✓Hotel/accommodation confirmation
✓Sufficient funds (OMR 200+ recommended)
✓Travel insurance recommended

💡 Apply at evisa.rop.gov.om at least 3 days before travel. Print or save on phone. Can be extended once by visiting ROP office (OMR 5 fee). Do NOT overstay — fine OMR 10/day up to OMR 500 then deportation.

Tourist eVisa (Multiple Entry, 1 Year)

تأشيرة سياحية متعددة الدخول - سنة

OMR 50 (approx. USD 130)

Duration: 1 year, each stay max 90 days

Eligibility

Available to most nationalities; expanded list under tourism push

Processing time

24–72 hours

Requirements

✓Passport valid 6+ months
✓Bank statements
✓Accommodation proof first visit

💡 Excellent for those visiting Oman regularly. Frequent-visiting remote workers sometimes use this visa type; overstaying the 90-day per-entry limit is an offence.

Employment / Work Visa

تأشيرة عمل

OMR 100–200 (employer typically covers this); visa fee paid by employer

Duration: 2 years initially; renewable

Eligibility

Non-Omani nationals with a valid job offer from a licensed Omani employer. Employer applies on behalf of employee.

Processing time

2–6 weeks from Ministry of Labour submission

Requirements

✓Job offer/employment contract
✓Medical fitness certificate (from approved clinic)
✓Police clearance certificate from home country (apostilled)
✓Educational certificates (attested)
✓Passport valid 2+ years
✓Biometric photo
✓Blood type certificate

💡 Employee cannot change employers within 2 years without current employer NOC (No Objection Certificate) or Labour Ministry approval. After 2 years, can transfer with ministerial approval. Tied to employer (kafala). Residence card (Civil ID) must be obtained within 30 days of arrival.

Family/Dependent Residence Visa

تأشيرة إقامة عائلية

OMR 50–100 per person

Duration: 2 years, tied to sponsor's work permit

Eligibility

Spouse and children of resident work permit holder earning minimum OMR 300/month. New minimum from 2024: OMR 400/month for family visa eligibility.

Processing time

2–4 weeks

Requirements

✓Sponsor's valid work permit
✓Marriage certificate (apostilled + Arabic translation)
✓Children's birth certificates (apostilled + translation)
✓Health insurance for dependents
✓Medical fitness certificates
✓Accommodation proof

💡 Dependent spouse can work only if separately obtaining own work permit (requires NOC from family sponsor employer). Children can study at school on family visa. Visa tied to sponsor — if sponsor leaves Oman, family must leave or transfer.

Oman Golden Visa (10-Year Residency)

الإقامة المتميزة - التأشيرة الذهبية

OMR 100–500 processing fee; investment requirement is the real cost

Duration: 10 years, self-renewable

Eligibility

Four categories: (1) Investors with OMR 500,000+ in Oman real estate, business or government bonds; (2) Retirees aged 55+ with proven income of OMR 4,000/month or OMR 250,000 in bank deposits; (3) Specialised Talents: scientists, researchers, doctors, engineers, artists, athletes with exceptional global standing; (4) Entrepreneurs with approved business plan and OMR 150,000 minimum invested.

Processing time

4–12 weeks

Requirements

✓Proof of investment/income/qualification
✓Medical insurance
✓Clean criminal record
✓Application via Ministry of Commerce or RIDA (Oman Investment Authority)

💡 Introduced 2021, expanded 2024. Golden Visa holders can sponsor family members, own property in designated areas, start businesses with up to 100% foreign ownership in approved sectors. Does NOT lead to citizenship (Oman citizenship is not available to most foreigners).

Student Visa

تأشيرة طالب

OMR 50–100

Duration: 1 year, annually renewable

Eligibility

Enrolled students at Oman-accredited universities or language institutes; university acts as sponsor

Processing time

2–4 weeks

Requirements

✓Acceptance letter from Oman university
✓Previous educational certificates
✓Health insurance
✓Medical fitness certificate
✓Bank statements or scholarship proof

💡 University assists with visa processing. No work permitted on student visa. Must depart within 30 days of completing course. Can convert to work visa if employer obtained.

No Dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (Oman)

Digital Nomad

لا توجد تأشيرة خاصة لرواد العمل الرقمي

Tourist eVisa: OMR 5 single / OMR 50 multiple-entry. Golden Visa: OMR 100–500 processing fee plus qualifying investment.

Duration: Tourist eVisa: 30–60 days (single) or 1 year / max 90 days per stay (multiple-entry). Golden Visa: 10 years.

Eligibility

Oman does not offer a dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Remote workers can use the tourist eVisa (single entry 30 days extendable to 60 days; or multiple-entry 1-year visa with max 90 days per stay) while working for foreign employers. The Oman Golden Visa (10 years) is available to investors with OMR 500,000+ in Omani assets, retirees aged 55+ with OMR 4,000/month income or OMR 250,000 deposits, or approved specialised talent.

Processing time

Tourist eVisa: 24–72 hours online. Golden Visa: 4–12 weeks via Ministry of Commerce or RIDA.

Requirements

✓Tourist eVisa: valid passport (6+ months); apply online at evisa.rop.gov.om
✓Golden Visa: OMR 500,000+ investment in Oman real estate/business/government bonds OR aged 55+ with OMR 4,000/month proven income or OMR 250,000 bank deposits; clean criminal record; medical insurance

💡 Oman has no dedicated digital nomad visa as of 2026. Short-to-medium stays for remote workers use the tourist eVisa; the 90-day per-stay limit on multiple-entry eVisas means continuous extended stays are not possible without qualifying for another category. Oman Vision 2040 includes tourism diversification — a dedicated remote-worker programme may be introduced. Always check evisa.rop.gov.om for the latest visa categories and fee schedules.

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