MUSCAT : Designed to attract quality investments and top global talent, the initiative is a cornerstone of the Sultanate’s Vision 2040 strategy and sets itself apart from similar programs in the region through its flexible, multi-pathway approach.

“The aim is basically to enhance Oman’s position as a leading destination for large-scale quality investments. So, the programme basically differentiates itself from the other GCC countries or other residency programmes in the region in terms of being able to mix between more than one pathway,” said Bushra Wahaibi.

Its key differentiator is flexibility: investors must commit at least RO 200,000 but can fulfil this through a mix of seven different pathways, avoiding the strict “one particular pathway” seen elsewhere.

The seven investment-based routes include real estate purchases in Integrated Tourism Complexes (residential, commercial, or hospitality), company formation within Oman, acquisition of Government Development Bonds, or shares traded on the Muscat Stock Exchange. Other routes include maintaining a fixed-term deposit with a licensed bank in Oman, operating a business that employs a minimum of 50 Omani citizens, or receiving a nomination by a company regulated under the Foreign Capital Investment Law for key personnel or partners.

Bushra Wahaibi emphasised that the Golden Residency is more than just long-term residency; it is a gateway to Oman’s investment ecosystem. Residency holders will gain direct access to investment opportunities, facilitated by Invest Oman, the government’s investment promotion arm. Each applicant will be assigned a dedicated account manager to assist with paperwork, licensing, and navigating the local market.

She also pointed out that by prioritising the ease of movement for residents, the Golden Visa aims to fill a major gap and create a sustainable business environment. “We are trying to create a more like sustainable business environment so you can live, do a business in the same place,” she added.

Explaining further, she indicated that whether one is already an investor or simply choosing Oman as a residence, access to a full support system is open to all, including direct engagement with government officials and tailored investment guidance.

Residency holders are also entitled to family benefits and domestic worker permits, making it easier to relocate and settle in Oman. “Who wouldn’t love to come to Oman and enjoy the beautiful beaches and at the same time have their families go to school… We try to cover all aspects of the investor journey,” noted Bushra Wahaibi.

To ensure a transparent and efficient application process, Oman has partnered with Migrate World, a global firm with a presence in over 20 countries. The company will manage application processing to ensure fair evaluation and timely responses.

While the current Golden Residency is focused on investors, Al Wahaibi confirmed that Oman plans to extend similar schemes to attract professionals and highly skilled individuals, such as doctors, engineers, and academics.

“We want Oman to be a hub for talent. We want to attract talents because we believe that it will basically make Oman a very attractive destination…” she noted.

All investment activities under the residency program are aligned with Oman Vision 2040, targeting strategic sectors such as green hydrogen and renewable energy, technology and innovation, tourism and hospitality, logistics and manufacturing, agriculture and fisheries, and healthcare and education (as enabling sectors).

In her final message to prospective investors, Al Wahaibi gave a strong assurance: “First of all, we will assure you that you’ll be taken care of from day one – from entry, through execution and beyond. That’s why Ministry of Commerce Industry and Investment Promotion has created Invest Oman. It is more than a one-stop shop; it is the starting point for your investments.”

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