Oman Golden Residency averages 5,500 applications a month since relaunch

Oman’s Golden Residency programme received an average of around 5,500 applications a month over the first five months of 2026, bringing the total to some 56,000 since its relaunch in August 2025. According to AGBI, citing Oman Ministry of Economy figures, around 70% of applicants are foreign nationals already living in Oman.

Most applications come from existing residents

According to the Oman Ministry of Economy, the three most common nationalities are Indian, British and Egyptian. That foreign nationals already resident in Oman make up the bulk of applicants suggests the volume reflects existing residents moving to long-term status rather than an influx of new arrivals.

The Ministry of Economy will begin processing applications in the third quarter of 2026 and expects to issue approvals within three months of that. To date it has granted no approvals and has not begun processing.

Conditions and length of residence

The programme grants a renewable residence visa valid for five or ten years to foreign investors, entrepreneurs and retirees. According to the Omani government portal, applicants can qualify through several routes: establishing or investing in a business, owning property in a tourism zone, buying listed bonds or shares, placing a term deposit, employing 50 or more Omani workers, or being nominated by a company that has already invested.

According to AGBI, property and living costs lower than in other Gulf states are part of the appeal. “Smart city” projects such as Sultan Haitham City are also attracting applicant interest.

Regional context and appeal

Application volumes have risen during a period of Gulf instability. The Iran war that broke out on 28 February 2026 has affected the region, but Oman less so than the UAE, Bahrain or Qatar.

According to AGBI, Mohammed Al Kharusi, chairman of the recruitment firm InterSearch ME Oman, said application numbers are still rising and that the war has not deterred applicants, as Oman is largely shielded from the regional conflict.

Personal income tax from 2028

Oman currently levies no personal income tax. From 1 January 2028, however, it will apply a 5% tax on annual income above 42,000 Omani rial (about US$109,000) under Royal Decree 56/2025 — the first personal income tax in the Gulf.

According to the Omani tax authority, the exemption threshold is high enough that only around 1% of the population will pay. Oman has a population of about 5.4 million, of whom roughly 2.3 million are foreign nationals.