Oman Allows Residency for Foreigners Without Sponsors

Oman has enacted new immigration regulations through Decision No. 87/2026, published in Official Gazette issue No. 1653, allowing three categories of foreigners to obtain residency without needing a local sponsor. The Royal Oman Police outlined that eligible groups include foreigners licensed to invest in Oman, owners of real estate units, and foreign employees working with Omani government entities.

For property buyers, the rules permit a foreigner who purchases land for construction or a real estate unit in registration to obtain a visa based solely on a certificate from the relevant authority. This visa, valid for six months to one year and renewable, allows stays of up to three months per visit.

The regulations also specify that ownership changes will terminate the residency status for property owners and their relatives. Additionally, age exemption rules for family-joining residency linked to investors or property owners have been revised, with specific controls left to the discretion of the Director-General.