Oman – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Oman?

All visa and immigration matters for visitors to Oman fall under the remit of the Royal Oman Police (ROP). Whether you are required to obtain a visa depends on your nationality, your reason for travelling, and how long you intend to stay. Nationals of GCC member states — Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates — are permitted to enter Oman without a visa.

As part of Oman’s broader commitment to growing its tourism sector, nationals of more than 100 countries and territories are permitted to enter without a visa for stays not exceeding 14 days. These countries fall into two distinct groups. The first group encompasses nationals of countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States, and numerous others, all of whom qualify for unconditional 14-day visa-free access.

The second group — which includes nationals of countries such as India, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Mexico, and Vietnam — may also benefit from a 14-day visa-free stay, but only under certain conditions. To qualify, nationals of these countries must hold a valid residence permit or entry visa for the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, a Schengen Area country, or Japan, or must be legal residents of a GCC state.

It is essential to recognise that visa-free admission and short-stay visitor entry do not confer the right to reside or take up employment in Oman. An eVisa is issued exclusively for tourism and business travel purposes and does not authorise any form of paid work. Anyone wishing to work in Oman must hold a work visa issued through the Royal Oman Police. Entitlement to specific visa types differs by nationality and personal circumstance; always verify your individual eligibility with the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal or the Oman Foreign Ministry prior to making any travel or relocation decisions.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Oman?

Oman operates four principal visa categories: Resident Sponsored Visa, Resident Unsponsored Visa, Visit Sponsored Visa, and Visit Unsponsored Visa. The appropriate category and subcategory for your application will depend on your purpose of travel and whether you have an Omani sponsor. The following outlines the main visa types most relevant to expatriates planning a move to Oman.

Employment (Work) Visa: The employment visa is a compulsory permit for foreign nationals who have received a confirmed job offer from a company registered in Oman. It grants them the legal right to both reside and work within the Sultanate under the sponsorship of their employer. Unlike visitor or business visas, it explicitly authorises employment. This is the most widely used route for expatriates and is broadly comparable to employer-sponsored work visas in other jurisdictions, in that a confirmed offer from a registered Omani company is a non-negotiable prerequisite.

Family Residence Visa: Expatriates employed in Oman are able to sponsor their spouse and children for family residency. The sponsoring applicant must satisfy a minimum monthly income requirement as set by the Omani authorities. The family residence visa is valid for up to two years and can be renewed provided the sponsor continues in employment.

Student Visa: Foreign nationals enrolled at an accredited Omani university or educational institution may apply for a student visa. The institution assumes sponsorship responsibility for the residency permit, and the visa remains valid throughout the duration of the academic programme.

Investor / Golden Residency Visa: Oman relaunched its Golden Visa programme, effective from 31 August 2025, offering long-term residency to investors, entrepreneurs, retirees, and highly skilled professionals through a two-tier framework administered via Invest Oman. Tier one requires an investment of OMR 500,000 or more in a limited liability company, public joint-stock company, government bonds, or property; or the establishment of a company employing at least 50 Omani nationals. For retirees, the qualifying threshold is a fixed monthly income of OMR 4,000 or more (as of 2025).

Retirement Residency: The Omani government has introduced provisions that allow retired expatriates to secure long-term residency in the country. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that they are financially independent and meet defined savings or pension income criteria. The Golden Visa relaunch has formalised this pathway with a clear monthly income threshold, as noted above.

Tourist / Visit eVisa: Several different visitor visa options are available. For those travelling to Oman purely for leisure, the Tourist Visit Visa (Unsponsored) is typically the most suitable choice, though specific purposes may call for an alternative category. This is a short-stay visa only and does not authorise employment or long-term residence in Oman.

How do I apply for a visa for Oman?

Travellers who do not qualify for visa-free entry, or who plan to remain in Oman beyond the 14-day exemption period, can take advantage of the straightforward electronic visa (eVisa) system. Applications are submitted through the official Royal Oman Police portal at evisa.rop.gov.om. The majority of tourist and short-stay applications are completed entirely online, with no requirement to attend an embassy or consulate in person.

For employment visas, the process is driven by the employer. The sponsoring Omani company first secures a Labour Licence from the Ministry of Labour on behalf of the foreign national, confirming authorisation to hire overseas workers and demonstrating compliance with Omanization requirements and relevant job specifications. Once this licence is in place, the employer lodges the employment visa application with the Immigration Department of the Royal Oman Police, typically via the online application facility on the ROP website.

The step-by-step process for applying for a tourist or visitor eVisa online is as follows:

1. Check eligibility: Use the ROP’s eVisa website to establish which visa types are available for your nationality. The eligibility checker at evisa.rop.gov.om/visa-eligibility will guide you to the correct category.
2. Create an account: Register on the ROP eVisa portal using your email address and passport details. You must log in to begin an application.
3. Select your visa type: Choose from the available classes — Resident Sponsored, Resident Unsponsored, Visit Sponsored, or Visit Unsponsored — and select the specific subcategory that matches your intended purpose.
4. Complete the application form: Provide accurate personal, travel, and passport details on the Oman visa application form.
5. Upload documents: Submit the required supporting documents — generally a scanned passport and a passport photograph — through the portal. Those applying for a work visa must additionally upload employment-related paperwork.
6. Pay the fee: Make payment online using a valid credit or debit card.
7. Track your application and receive your visa: Once your application has been successfully reviewed and approved, the eVisa will be delivered to the email address provided on your application form.
8. Travel and present your visa: On arrival at the border, present a printed copy of your approved eVisa together with the passport used for your application — which must carry a minimum of six months’ remaining validity — along with confirmation of your accommodation arrangements.

Applicants based in the United States can contact the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in Washington, D.C. for consular queries. Those based in the United Kingdom can contact the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman in London. Applicants elsewhere should reach out to the nearest Omani embassy or consulate. Anyone unable to obtain an eVisa should contact the relevant Omani embassy or the immigration authorities directly to enquire about paper visa options.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Oman?

The documentation required will depend on the type of visa being sought, but the following represent the baseline requirements common to most applications. All visitors must hold a passport with at least six months’ validity, a return or onward ticket, confirmed accommodation, health insurance, and sufficient financial means to cover their expenses during the stay.

For a standard tourist or visitor eVisa, you will typically need:

• A valid passport retaining at least six months’ validity from the intended date of arrival
• A recent passport-sized photograph
• A fully completed online application form
• Proof of onward or return travel (such as a flight booking confirmation)
• Evidence of accommodation in Oman (hotel reservation or host’s contact details)
• Proof of travel health insurance coverage
• Evidence of adequate financial means for the duration of the visit

For an employment (work) visa, further documentation is required. According to the Royal Oman Police, these include:

• Two photographs (6×4 cm); a copy of the passport, valid for not less than six months; and the Ministry of Labour’s labour permit and a copy for each individual application.
• For nationals of certain countries — including India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria, and Nepal — an original and copy of a medical certificate attested by the Ministry of Health is also required.
• For certain occupations — such as teaching, religious, media, and medical roles — a copy of approval from the relevant organisation is also needed.
• Attested qualification certificates and a signed employment contract

For a family residence visa, you will also need to provide attested marriage and birth certificates. Submitting incomplete documentation or certificates that have not been properly attested is among the most frequent causes of delays and refusals. Documents issued in languages other than Arabic or English will generally require an official translation; consult the ROP or a qualified immigration adviser to confirm the required standard of translation for your specific case.

Document requirements are subject to change and may differ depending on nationality. Always refer to the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal for the authoritative and current checklist applicable to your particular visa category.

How long does a visa application for Oman take to process?

The time taken to process a visa application depends on the application method and visa type. For eVisa applications where all required documents have been submitted correctly, processing can be completed in as little as one to three business days (as of 2025). However, some sources — including the ROP itself — indicate that standard processing may take longer.

According to the ROP eVisa platform, the standard processing window is four to five working days, though the actual duration may vary depending on the nature of the application (as of 2025). A minimum of four days should be anticipated for eVisa processing. While every effort is made to handle applications promptly, timelines can fluctuate, and it is always prudent to apply well ahead of your planned departure date.

For employment visas, processing times can vary considerably, with most taking anywhere from seven to fifteen business days. Some sources suggest the overall process may extend to a month in certain cases (as of 2025). Upon arriving in Oman on a work visa, the employee must obtain a residence card from the Civil Status Department of the Royal Oman Police within 30 days of entry.

Once you have entered Oman on your entry visa and completed the required medical examination, residence permit processing typically takes between one and four weeks (as of 2025). It is advisable to plan your relocation well in advance and to monitor the ROP eVisa portal for updated processing time estimates, as these are subject to change.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Oman?

The cost of an Omani visa is determined by the visa category, the intended length of stay, and the number of permitted entries. All government fees are set by the Royal Oman Police and may be revised at any time; always confirm the current fee schedule on the official ROP eVisa portal before submitting your application.

A single-entry visa is priced at 5 OMR for a 10-day stay or 20 OMR for a 30-day stay, while a one-year multiple-entry visa costs 50 OMR and permits stays of up to 30 days on each visit (as of 2025). The work visa application fee stands at 20 Omani Rials (as of 2025, per the ROP).

In addition to the headline government charges, a number of supplementary costs may arise during the application process. These can include attestation fees, translation expenses, mandatory medical examination fees, and Resident Card charges. Government fees for residence permit applications generally fall between OMR 20 and OMR 50 depending on the category (as of 2025). Should you engage a licensed immigration agent or legal adviser to manage your application, their professional fees will represent a further cost on top of all official government charges.

Can my family members join me in Oman on a visa?

Expatriates holding employment-based residency in Oman are eligible to sponsor their spouse and children for a family residency visa. Each dependant requires a separate application, and the primary visa holder must satisfy income and sponsorship conditions before the applications will be considered.

According to official guidance, the family joining visa covers the spouse and children under 21 of expatriate workers. Parents may also be eligible for sponsorship under certain conditions, though this is generally evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

The minimum salary required to qualify for a family visa in Oman varies according to the applicant’s occupation and the number of dependants being sponsored. As a general guide, a monthly income of OMR 350–450 is typically sufficient to sponsor a spouse and one child, while sponsoring a spouse alongside multiple children usually requires earnings of OMR 500–600. Sponsoring parents or members of the extended family generally necessitates an income exceeding OMR 600 per month, subject to individual assessment (as of 2025).

Dependants holding a family residence visa are not permitted to work. If a dependant secures employment, they must apply for a separate employment visa and have their sponsorship transferred to their new employer. Children may attend school while residing in Oman under a family residence permit.

The family residence visa is valid for up to two years and is renewable provided the sponsor remains in employment and continues to meet the applicable income requirements. Renewal involves maintaining valid sponsorship, undergoing medical clearance, and submitting current employment and family documentation. For holders of an investor Golden Visa, residency under both tiers extends to spouses, children, and dependent parents.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Oman?

Oman’s immigration framework operates primarily on a renewal basis rather than offering a conventional permanent residency pathway for most expatriates. Oman does not as a rule grant permanent residence; permits are instead renewed under ongoing sponsorship arrangements. This marks a significant distinction from countries such as Canada or Germany, where long-term residents may ultimately progress to a status that is independent of any employer or sponsor.

Residence permits are generally valid for a period of two years. Renewal proceedings should be started one to two months before the expiry date to avoid any financial penalties. Residency tied to employment remains valid only for as long as the employment contract is active, which means that changing or losing a job will have direct consequences for your residency status and must be addressed without delay.

For those who have made substantial investments in Oman, the Golden Visa programme offers a more durable alternative. First launched in 2021 and updated in 2025, the programme provides two long-term residency options: a 10-year renewable residency and a 5-year renewable residency, both accessible through investment-based pathways. Golden Visa holders are entitled to own businesses and property in Oman, sponsor domestic employees, and benefit from simplified immigration processes.

Although a direct route to citizenship is rare and demanding, sustained long-term residency and meaningful contributions to Oman could in specific circumstances open the door to naturalisation in the future. Oman does not offer citizenship through property investment. The country’s nationality laws are strict, and dual citizenship is generally not recognised. For the latest information on renewals, extensions, and long-term residency eligibility, refer to the Royal Oman Police eVisa portal or take advice from a qualified immigration specialist.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Oman are refused?

Familiarising yourself with the most frequent grounds for refusal is one of the best ways to safeguard your application. Even where the rules appear straightforward, many applications are rejected due to avoidable errors. Typical problem areas include incomplete paperwork, documents that have not been properly attested, sponsors who fall short of the required income threshold, and expired residence permits.

Any inaccuracies, omissions, or errors in your application may result in it being rejected. Common grounds for refusal include:

• Incomplete documentation: Missing, unattested, or improperly translated documents — particularly in the context of family or employment visa applications
• Insufficient funds or income: Failing to meet the minimum salary requirement for family sponsorship, or being unable to demonstrate adequate finances for a visitor stay
• Passport validity: Applications are liable to be rejected if the passport will not retain at least six months’ validity from the intended date of arrival in Oman
• Criminal record: A criminal history may result in refusal; a clean criminal record certificate is generally required for investor and residency-based applications
• Ineligible visa category: Applying under an inappropriate visa type for your intended purpose — for instance, attempting to use a tourist eVisa to take up paid employment
• Employer non-compliance: A lapse in valid sponsorship — such as a terminated employment contract — can result in the loss of residency status
• Previous overstay: Any outstanding offences, including unpaid overstay fines, must be fully resolved before a new application can be processed

If your application is refused, contact the ROP eVisa system or the nearest Omani embassy or consulate for guidance on whether reapplication or an appeal is an option. Thorough preparation before submitting your application is the most effective defence against refusal and the expense of reapplying. Where your situation is complicated, it is worth seeking advice from a qualified immigration lawyer with expertise in Omani immigration law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for an Oman visa without a job offer?

Yes — for short-stay tourist or visitor eVisas, no job offer or sponsor is required. The most widely used visa for short-term visitors is the unsponsored visit visa, which is single entry and valid for 30 days. If, however, you plan to live and work in Oman on a long-term basis, you will require a sponsored employment visa arranged through an Omani employer. Visit the ROP eVisa portal to explore the full range of options available to nationals of your country.

Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa while inside Oman?

Entering Oman on a tourist visa with the intention of converting it to a residency permit is among the most frequent errors made by expats. In reality, this is not a recognised pathway. Employment visa applications are employer-driven and must typically be initiated from abroad. If you find yourself in this position, seek advice from a qualified immigration professional without delay.

Does Oman offer visa on arrival?

Oman phased out standard visas on arrival in 2019, which means that foreign nationals who do not benefit from visa exemptions must secure their travel authorisation before departing for Oman. Certain limited visa-on-arrival provisions continue to exist for GCC residents at specific ports of entry, but the eVisa system is now the primary mechanism for the overwhelming majority of travellers. Always confirm your individual situation with the ROP before you travel.

How long can I stay in Oman on a tourist eVisa?

The standard tourist visa permits stays of up to 30 days, with both single-entry and multiple-entry options available depending on your needs. A 10-day single-entry option is also offered for shorter visits. The multiple-entry visa carries a one-year validity but restricts individual stays to no more than 30 days. Work of any kind is prohibited on all visitor visa types.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Oman?

Where a visa lapses without being renewed, the sponsoring party is required to renew it without delay. Remaining in the country beyond your permitted stay can attract fines, visa cancellation, or entry restrictions on future visits. Overstaying without applying for an extension may result in a fine of up to ten Rials for each day of overstay. Always begin the renewal process well before your visa expiry date.

Can I change employers in Oman without losing my visa?

Previously, expatriates were required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their former employer before changing jobs within a two-year period. This two-year restriction and the NOC requirement were abolished with effect from 1 January 2021, making it considerably easier for expatriate workers to move to a new employer once their contract has been fulfilled. Bear in mind, however, that your residence permit is linked to your sponsoring employer, so any change of job will require a transfer of sponsorship and the relevant updates to your immigration documentation.

Do children of expats born in Oman automatically get residency?

Children born in Oman to expatriate parents do not automatically obtain Omani citizenship or residency rights. They must be registered under the primary visa holder’s family residence sponsorship. The family joining visa encompasses children under the age of 21 of expatriate workers. For guidance on registering a newborn under your existing residency permit, consult the Royal Oman Police or a qualified immigration adviser.

Is there a language requirement for Oman visa applications?

Applications must be completed in Arabic for Arab nationals and in English for non-Arab applicants. Supporting documents issued in a language other than Arabic or English — for example, birth certificates or marriage certificates from third countries — should generally be accompanied by a certified translation. Consult the ROP eVisa portal or the relevant Omani embassy for detailed guidance on document and translation requirements specific to your nationality.