Residence in Oman: permits and requirements
Living legally in Oman is possible through 5 permit types: work, investment, family, retiree. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Work Residence / Iqama
Residence type #1 of 5
Residence permit for foreign workers under the kafala system in Oman
Requirements
- Work visa issued by the Ministry of Labor
- Sponsorship of an Omani company or sponsor
- Work contract registered with the Ministry of Labor
- Medical exam in Oman
- Biometric registration with the Royal Oman Police (ROP)
Documentation
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months)
- Work visa
- Registered work contract
- Omani medical certificate (includes HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis)
- Registration of the employing company
- Passport-size photos (4 units)
- Residence application form (ROP)
Frequently asked questions about residence in Oman
How many types of residence permits are there in Oman?
Oman offers 5 residence permit types, grouped into the categories work, investment, family, retiree. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Oman last?
Durations vary by permit type: 1 year (coextensive with the work contract), renewable; Up to 10 years renewable (investment programmes; 10-year Golden Residency, omanresidence.gov.om); 1 year renewable (coextensive with the holder's Iqama); 1 year, renewable annually. The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Oman be renewed?
Yes. All residence permit types of Oman (5 in total) are renewable before their expiration, according to the rules of each program.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Oman?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Oman lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Naturalisation by residence pathway, which requires 15 years of lawful continuous residence (RD 17/2025). The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Oman.
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Anything to correct or add about Oman?
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