MUSCAT – The changes were issued through Decision No. 87/2026 by Lt Gen Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, and published in the recently issued Official Gazette.
Under the revised regulations, foreign nationals who purchase land designated for construction or real estate units that are still undergoing registration procedures will be eligible to apply for visas and residency permits based on certification from the competent authority, without requiring an Omani sponsor.
The new provisions also extend sponsor-free visa benefits to spouses and first-degree relatives of eligible property owners, as well as legal representatives of companies that own land plots or real estate units in Oman. These visas will be issued for periods ranging from six months to one year and may be renewed for similar durations. Holders will be allowed to stay in the Sultanate for up to three months per visit.
In a further move to streamline procedures, Oman has amended the rules governing the Owner Visa, enabling foreign property owners and authorised representatives of corporate property owners to obtain visas directly through the relevant authority without sponsorship requirements.
The amendments also broaden the categories eligible to act as sponsors, including GCC nationals, licensed foreign investors, foreign owners of real estate units and foreign employees working in government entities.
Additionally, residency permits can now be granted to foreigners who own registered real estate units as well as properties that have not yet completed registration formalities, provided they obtain approval from the relevant authority. The updated rules also exempt dependents of investors and property owners from certain age-related conditions for family residency permits.
While the law significantly eases entry barriers, it introduces a strict clause regarding property transfers. If a real estate unit is sold or transferred through any legal transaction, the residency permit for both the foreign owner (or corporate representative) and all accompanying family members will be automatically terminated.