Salalah – Oman has unveiled a landmark 10-year Golden Residency Visa for foreign investors, underscoring the Sultanate’s intent to position itself as a long-term hub for global capital and enterprise.
The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) in Salalah under the patronage of H.H. Sayyid Marwan bin Turki Al Said, Governor of Dhofar, is designed to provide security, stability, and renewed confidence for international investors and their families seeking to build futures in Oman.
The Golden Residency forms part of a wider package of reforms and programmes aimed at creating a more competitive business ecosystem. Alongside the visa, MoCIIP also introduced:
• Elite Companies Initiative – A scheme developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour, Royal Oman Police, Tax Authority, and Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry to recognise high-performing Omani companies. Businesses will be classified into categories (A, B, and C) based on governance standards, workforce Omanisation, revenues, and exports, with incentives ranging from customs benefits to policy engagement opportunities.
• Digital Ownership Transfer for Commercial Registrations – A new feature on the Oman Business Platform that enables investors to transfer commercial registry ownership online for sole proprietorships and one-person companies, eliminating paperwork and improving transparency.
In parallel, MoCIIP signed strategic agreements with key institutions to accelerate innovation and sustainability in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Partners include Sultan Qaboos University, the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech), eBinaa Professional Services, and the Oman Energy Association (OPAL). These collaborations will focus on sustainable building technologies, safety standards, and digital transformation across the built environment.
Officials say the new residency programme is not just about attracting foreign capital but also about reinforcing Oman’s reputation as a modern, investor-friendly economy.
Nasima bint Yahya Al Balushi, Director General of the Investors Services Centre, said the Golden Residency provides “a balanced environment that ensures long-term security for investors while creating opportunities aligned with Oman’s vision for sustainable growth.”
The Undersecretary for Investment Promotion, H.E. Ibtisam bint Ahmed Al Farooji, stressed that the initiatives together represent “a qualitative shift” in how Oman positions itself globally — signalling confidence, competitiveness, and a clear alignment with Vision 2040.