MUSCAT : The regulations, outlined in Chapter Three of the Law, provide specific criteria for foreigners seeking to acquire Omani nationality.

Key Provisions:

Eligibility for foreign nationals (Article 17):

A foreigner may apply for Omani citizenship if he meets the following conditions:

1. The application must be preceded by his lawful and continuous residence in the Sultanate of Oman for a period of no less than 15 fifteen years, and his absence during one year for a period not exceeding 90 ninety days shall not prevent his residence from being considered continuous.
2. Must be fluent in reading and writing Arabic.
3. Must possess good conduct and behaviour.
4. He must not have been previously sentenced to a final penalty for a felony or a crime that violates honour or trust, even if his reputation has been restored.
5. Must be in good health and free from infectious diseases, as specified in the regulations.
6. Must have a legitimate source of income that provides him with enough to meet his needs and the needs of those he supports.
7. Must declare in writing his desire to renounce the nationality of the country of which he holds nationality, and that he does not hold the nationality of another country other than the country of which he will renounce nationality.
8. Minor children will acquire Omani nationality according to their father, if they were born in the Sultanate of Oman or their normal residence is in it.
   Special Conditions for Spouses:
   
   Omani husband and foreign wife (Article 19):
   
   A foreign woman married to an Omani man may apply for citizenship if:
   
9. They have been married for at least 8 years, with continuous residence in Oman.
10. They have a child together.
11. Fluency in spoken Arabic, good conduct, and no criminal record.
12. Renunciation of the foreign nationality is required.
    
    Foreign Husband of Omani Woman (Article 18):
    
    A foreign man married to an Omani woman may apply if:
    
13. The couple has been married for at least 10 years with continuous residence in Oman.
14. They have a child together.
15. He meets similar requirements (as per Article 17) regarding language, behaviour, health, and renunciation of foreign nationality.
    
    Widowed or divorced foreign women (Articles 20 and 21):
    
    A widow or divorced foreign woman of an Omani may apply for citizenship under specific conditions, such as:
    
16. At least 6 years of residence in Oman after widowhood, or 8 years of marriage before divorce.
17. She must have a child with the Omani spouse.
18. Meets similar requirements (as per Article 17) regarding language, behaviour, health, and renunciation of foreign nationality.
    
    Minor Children (Article 22):
    
    Citizenship may be granted to minor children born to an Omani mother and a foreign father under specific circumstances:
    
    • The mother must be widowed or divorced for at least 5 years, or her husband must be absent or have abandoned her for at least 10 years (proven by court ruling).
    • The mother must have custody of the child.
    • Residency in Oman for at least 5 years (if the mother is widowed or divorced) or 10 years (if the husband is absent or has abandoned her).
    • Good conduct and behaviour.
    • No prior convictions for felonies or crimes of dishonour or breach of trust.
    • Written consent of the minor’s guardian (if any).

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