Oman has introduced significant changes to its residency rules through Decision No. 87/2026 by the Royal Oman Police, published in the Official Gazette. According to reports from Business Standard, the revised framework removes sponsor requirements for eligible foreign investors and property owners, making it easier for expatriates to bring their families to the country. The changes are specifically aimed at attracting more foreign investment and strengthening Oman's real estate sector.
Under the new rules, foreign nationals who own residential units and authorized representatives of companies that own property can now apply for residency based on ownership certification without requiring a sponsor. As reported by Business Standard, foreign property owners get a more direct route to residency, eliminating the complex sponsorship requirements and administrative procedures that previously made residency applications more challenging for some categories of expatriates. Applicants must enter Oman within three months from the date of visa issuance to activate the residency process.
The revised rules significantly widen the categories of people who can sponsor family members for residency. According to Business Standard, the expanded provisions allow GCC nationals, licensed foreign investors, foreign property owners, and foreign workers employed by government entities to sponsor dependants. The expanded provisions will mainly benefit first-degree family members, including spouses and children, making Oman more attractive for families considering relocation to the West Asia region.
The revised rules establish a clear connection between property ownership and residency status. As reported by Business Standard, if the property linked to the residency permit is sold or transferred through a legal transaction, the residency permits issued to the property owner and accompanying family members will automatically expire. This means investors must maintain ownership of the qualifying property to continue benefiting from the residency arrangement, providing greater clarity on residency eligibility for foreign buyers.
The residency reforms come as West Asian countries compete to attract foreign investors, skilled professionals and high-net-worth individuals through easier residency pathways and investment-linked programmes. According to Business Standard, countries across the region have introduced property-based residency schemes and investor-friendly policies to diversify their economies beyond oil revenues. The competition intensifies as Saudi Arabia has also opened its property market to foreign buyers through its Saudi Properties portal, which allows non-Saudis to acquire property across different regions while restricting ownership in Mecca and Medina to Saudi companies and Muslim individuals. For Indian investors and expatriates considering Oman, the changes provide greater appeal as a destination for investment and family relocation, though applicants must verify the latest procedures through the Royal Oman Police or authorized immigration advisers before applying.
