Nationality of Oman: all obtaining pathways
Oman requires twenty years of residence for ordinary naturalization — fifteen for Arabs and ten for League of Arab States nationals — with a marriage route of fifteen years of union, reduced to ten with children. Nationality is transmitted by descent — ius sanguinis — free of requirements.
1Naturalisation by residence (Omani Nationality Law 2025, RD 17/2025, art. 17)
Naturalisation by residence (Omani Nationality Law 2025, RD 17/2025, art. 17)
Requirements
- Lawful and continuous residence in the Sultanate for at least 15 YEARS (the 2025 law reduced the previous 20-year term)
- Absences within a year do not break continuity if below the regulation threshold
- Renounce the previous nationality (Oman does not allow dual citizenship on this route)
- Lawful means of support, good conduct, no criminal convictions
- Sufficient knowledge of Arabic
- Royal approval by decree (discretionary)
Documentation
- Foreign passport with an Omani residence card
- Criminal record certificate
- Arabic-knowledge certificate
- Certificate of Muslim faith
- Proof of income and employment
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
- Formal application to the Royal Oman Police
2By descent (ius sanguinis)
By descent (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- The child of an Omani father obtains citizenship automatically
- The child of an Omani mother and a foreign father can apply under special conditions
- Registration in the Omani civil register
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Omani father's ID card
- Omani father's passport
3By marriage to an Omani (Law 2025, arts. 18-21)
By marriage to an Omani (Law 2025, arts. 18-21)
Requirements
- HUSBAND of an Omani woman (art. 18): at least 10 YEARS of marriage and joint residence in Oman
- WIFE of an Omani man (art. 19): at least 8 YEARS of marriage and joint residence in Oman
- WIDOW of an Omani (art. 20): 6 years of residence after widowhood (with prior marriage)
- DIVORCED woman (art. 21): 8 years of marriage and marital residence before the divorce
- Renounce the previous nationality; the husband naturalised on this route LOSES Omani nationality if the marriage ends within 5 years of the grant (art. 24)
- Royal approval by decree (discretionary)
Documentation
- Marriage certificate registered in Oman
- Spouse's Omani ID card
- Residence certificate
- Certificate of Muslim faith
- Declaration of renunciation of the previous citizenship
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Oman
How many years of residence does Oman require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Oman (Naturalisation by residence (Omani Nationality Law 2025, RD 17/2025, art. 17)), the term is 15 years of lawful continuous residence (RD 17/2025). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Oman allow dual nationality?
Renounce the previous nationality (Oman does not allow dual citizenship on this route)
Can the nationality of Oman be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the By marriage to an Omani pathway (Wife 8 years / husband 10 years of marriage and residence). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Oman require?
The Naturalisation by residence pathway requires: Foreign passport with an Omani residence card; Criminal record certificate; Arabic-knowledge certificate; Certificate of Muslim faith; Proof of income and employment; among 2 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Oman?
Oman provides 3 pathways: Naturalisation by residence, By descent, By marriage to an Omani.
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