What are types of visas granted to residents, tourists in Oman?

Muscat: Oman will begin granting its Golden Visa on August 31 to attract global investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals seeking long-term residency in the Sultanate of Oman.

The Golden Visa scheme is designed to enhance Oman’s competitiveness as a regional hub for business and investment. Officials said it will create an attractive environment for foreign investors while supporting the national economy and encouraging knowledge transfer. Similar to other Gulf states’ programmes, Oman’s model will provide flexibility to investors seeking both residency and business opportunities in key growth sectors.

Currently, visas in Oman are classified under four main categories: resident-sponsored, resident-unsponsored, visit-sponsored, and visit-unsponsored. Among the most common are employment visas, which allow foreign nationals to live and work in Oman under a local sponsor.

Family joining visas enable spouses and children of residents to live in Oman, while student visas cover foreign students enrolled in higher education institutions.

In recent years, the country has also facilitated property owner visas and investor visas to expand residency opportunities beyond the traditional sponsorship system.

Short-term visit visas continue to serve tourists, business travellers, and family visitors, with options ranging from single-entry permits to multiple-entry visas. Citizens of some countries enjoy visa-free entry for up to 14 days, while GCC residents and holders of valid US, UK, Schengen, Canadian, or Australian permits are also eligible for facilitated entry.

These measures reflect Oman’s efforts to balance openness with structured residency policies.

With the upcoming Golden Visa, Oman takes another step in aligning itself with global investment trends. By offering stability and long-term incentives, the scheme is expected to strengthen the Sultanate of Oman’s position as an emerging destination for investors, innovators, and families seeking to establish deeper ties in the region.