How to Get Residency in Oman has become a crucial question for many Iranians today. In recent years, due to rising inflation, declining job and income opportunities, and growing economic and social instability in the country, the desire to migrate has significantly increased. Oman, with its economic stability, favorable geographic location, and attractive investment conditions, has emerged as one of the most popular destinations for those seeking permanent residency in Oman.
In this article, we will explore the legal steps for how to get residency in Oman, introduce the different types of Oman residency visa, and explain the conditions for acquiring permanent residency in Oman for Iranians in 2025. Stay with us to discover the most effective and secure pathways to immigrate to Oman.
What Are the Advantages of Migrating to Oman and Securing Permanent Residency in Oman?
Oman has a growing economy and maintains strong diplomatic relations with many countries around the world. This growth has created a high demand for labor and citizens, especially due to the country’s low birth rate, both now and in the future. As a result, Oman needs to attract foreign workers to fill this gap.
Additionally, the current stable relationship between Iran and Oman, along with Oman’s relatively high average salaries, has encouraged many Iranians to consider immigration. Another attractive factor is the exemption of investors from paying taxes, making migration to this country even more appealing.
Easiest Ways to Migrate to Oman and Obtain an Oman Residency Visa
- Like many other countries, Oman has its own rules and regulations for immigration. The main legal pathways for immigrating to Oman include:
- Employment-based migration
- Study-based migration
- Birth (citizenship by birth under specific conditions)
- Sports migration (for professional athletes)
- Marriage to an Omani citizen
- Investment or property purchase in Oman
- Business investment and entrepreneurship
Migrating to Oman Through Investment: How to Get Residency in Oman Legally and Efficiently
Investment remains one of the most effective and attractive options looking to migrate to Oman, particularly due to the benefits of long-term residency and tax exemptions for investors.
Employment-Based Migration to Oman and Its Role in Achieving Permanent Residency in Oman
One of the common ways to migrate to any country, including Oman, is through employment and professional expertise. However, Oman requires that individuals obtain a formal job offer from an Omani employer in order to apply for a work visa.
The cost of obtaining a work visa is 20 Omani rials, which is valid for three months. If the visa is not renewed on time, the individual will be fined 50 Omani rials for each month of delay.
How to Obtain a Work Visa and Transition to Oman Residency Visa
To apply for a work visa in Oman, the applicant must be between 21 and 60 years old. They should have at least 2 years of relevant work experience in their field. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree, relevant certifications, and proficiency in Arabic or English are also required to be eligible for a work visa in Oman.
The first step in the migration process is obtaining an NOC (No Objection Certificate), which confirms that the employer in Oman has no objection to hiring the applicant.
For professionals in the medical field who wish to work in Oman, passing the PROMETRIC exam is mandatory, followed by a successful VIVA interview with the Omani Ministry of Health.
What Are the Most In-Demand Jobs in Oman for Those Seeking Permanent Residency?
Oman has high demand for professionals in sectors such as:
- Oil and gas industries
- Medicine and paramedicine
- Education
- Construction
In particular, engineers, IT and computer specialists, managers, and teachers—especially English instructors—are highly sought after in Oman.
How to Find a Job in Oman and Use It as a Path to Get Residency in Oman
- Register and submit job applications on Omani job portals.
- If you’re serious about migrating, it is highly recommended to visit Oman in person, learn about job market conditions, and submit your CV and documents directly to recruitment centers.
- Allocate at least one month for your job search and follow-up.
Studying in Oman as a Pathway to Immigration and Long-Term Residency
Another route for Iranians and others to migrate to Oman is through higher education. Oman’s developing education system, supported by government initiatives, provides modern academic environments for students.
Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Oman include fields such as:
- Arts
- Social Sciences
- Economics
- Education
- Law
- Engineering
- Medical Sciences
These programs generally last 5 years and are available full-time, part-time, or through distance learning. Tuition fees range between $1,000 and $2,500.
Master’s Degree Programs cover:
- Management
- Economics
- Finance
- Communication
- Marketing
- Business and related fields
These programs last 2 years, and tuition ranges between $4,000 and $6,000.
PhD Programs are available in:
- Management
- Accounting
- Engineering
- Technology
- Information Systems
PhD programs usually last 2 to 4 years, with students required to participate in seminars and research projects.
Read more: Residency conditions and investment rules in Oman
Requirements for a Student Visa and How to Get Residency in Oman After Graduation
To obtain a student visa in Oman, the following are essential:
- IELTS score:
- 5.5 for undergraduate
- 6.5 for master’s
- 7.0 for PhD
- A 12-year high school diploma for bachelor’s admission
- For PhD applicants, published ISI articles may be required
Some applicants may be eligible for scholarships, which are typically available to:
- Individuals born in Oman, or
- Children adopted by Omani families, or
- Children whose parents’ nationality is unknown
Birthright and Citizenship in Oman: What It Means for Permanent Residency in Oman
Oman follows the “Law of Blood” (jus sanguinis), not the “Law of Soil” (jus soli). Therefore, a child born in Oman only acquires Omani citizenship if at least one parent is Omani.
Other routes include:
- Adoption by Omani citizens
- Cases where the child’s parents’ nationality is unknown
Immigration to Oman Through Marriage and Eligibility for Oman Residency Visa
Marriage is considered one of the easier legal paths to residency in Oman, but it comes with strict conditions:
- The applicant must be at least 20 years old.
- Both partners must reside in Oman for at least 14 days prior to the official marriage.
- Spouses must have been present in Oman for:
- 6 continuous months, or
- 8 non-consecutive months within 1 year, and
- 18 months within a 3-year period
Additional requirements include:
- The woman must be single, divorced, or widowed.
- Proof of a genuine relationship is required.
- The Omani husband must show financial stability.
- A minimum of 10 years of residency in Oman after marriage.
- Having a son and a good reputation are favorable factors.
Note: A non-Omani man who marries an Omani woman does not automatically acquire Omani citizenship.
Also, applicants must respect local customs and legal procedures, including the presence of two witnesses during the marriage ceremony. The legal systems of Arab countries generally follow similar marriage laws.
Immigration to Oman Through Sports and How to Get Residency in Oman as a Professional Athlete
The Omani government’s interest in attracting professional athletes from other countries stems from its desire to raise the national standard of sports. Oman’s strong economy allows it to offer high salaries and lucrative rewards, making it an appealing destination for many international athletes. In this type of migration, learning the Arabic language is highly important for integration and success.
What Are the Requirements for Obtaining Residency in Oman Through Sports?
To qualify for immigration to Oman as an athlete, one must prove that their sports career has generated substantial income in their home country. This often requires documentation related to self-employment in sports in Iran. The key factors evaluated by Omani immigration authorities include:
- At least 2 years of relevant experience in the athlete’s specific sport.
- Minimum 2 years of global-level activity in their field.
- The athlete must demonstrate at least one year of domestic activity and one year of international participation in sports.
- It is critical to prove the intent to continue developing and expanding their sports career in Oman, both locally and internationally.
Note: Migrating via this route has its own complexities. A job offer or invitation from an Omani employer is typically required.
Asylum in Oman and Its Relationship with the Path Toward Permanent Residency
People who fear returning to their home country due to racial, political, religious, or social reasons are considered asylum seekers. However, asylum is not recommended as a safe or stable migration route.
Upon entering Oman (whether by land or air), asylum seekers must report themselves to the police and comply with specific legal protocols.
It’s important to note that asylum seekers in Oman are not permitted to work, either within Oman or in other countries.
Investment Pathways: Immigration to Oman and the Steps to Secure Permanent Residency in Oman
Another popular immigration route for Iranians is through investment.
Thanks to Oman’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, growing economy, political and economic stability, personal income tax exemptions, government support for new businesses, and positive diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, investment immigration is an increasingly attractive option.
Investment in Oman can take place through:
- Real estate purchases
- Business registration (company formation)
- Bank deposits
- Buying government bonds or shares
However, it’s essential to understand that investment in Oman carries certain risks, especially due to the high value of the Omani Rial compared to the Iranian Rial, which may limit the competitiveness of Iranian capital.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended to consult with our experts before making any final decisions in this area.
Residency in Oman Through Property Purchase: How to Get an Oman Residency Visa via Real Estate
One of the best ways to immigrate to and invest in Oman is through real estate purchase. The Omani government allows foreign nationals to obtain a mortgage loan covering up to 80% of the property value, with a repayment period of 25 years.
The interest rate on these loans varies depending on the nationality, creditworthiness, and property value of the applicant.
The HSBC international bank is responsible for issuing these loans to foreign nationals.
As part of its effort to reduce dependence on oil revenues, the Omani government welcomes 100% foreign ownership of companies, including by Iranian investors. However, it does not grant permanent residency or citizenship in return.
Types of Companies for Registration in Oman and Their Impact on How to Get Residency in Oman
When registering a company in Oman, two factors determine the company type:
- The percentage of your ownership in total shares.
- The initial capital invested to establish the business.
Omani companies are categorized into two types:
- Local companies
- Premium base companies
Company registration in Oman does not require a local sponsor, and 100% ownership can be held in the name of the foreign applicant.
Registering a company not only provides a 2-year residency and allows you to open a personal bank account, but also lets you apply for residency for your family, your partners, and their families.
Freelance or Independent Immigration to Oman and Your Chances of Getting Permanent Residency
Immigrating to Oman independently does not require job placement, company registration, or investment.
This type of residency is obtained through a simple process: a company already operating in Oman lists your name as one of their employees, enabling you to obtain a residence permit. This option is ideal for:
- Traders and businesspersons operating freely between Iran and Oman who need frequent travel. With this residency, you won’t need a visa each time, and your exit taxes from Iran will be waived, since you’ll hold a professional work permit.
- Individuals seeking additional benefits of residency, such as:
- Obtaining a Visa Card
- Building overseas residence history for future immigration to Europe
- Postponing military service in Iran
Most Migrant-Friendly Cities in Oman for Those Seeking Long-Term or Permanent Residency in Oman
The capital city, Muscat, is the most important hub for foreign residents and tourists. The second-largest city, Salalah, located in the southern coastal region, is also a popular destination due to its mountainous north, sandy beaches in the south, and peaceful atmosphere.
As in many other countries, the cost of living in the capital is higher than in other cities.
Muscat ranks 96th out of 209 global cities in terms of living expenses. This means the cost of living in Muscat is lower than in Rome or Madrid, but higher than in Toronto.
Summary
This article briefly highlighted some key points about the requirements for obtaining permanent residency in Oman for Iranian nationals. If you or someone you know is considering immigrating to Oman, this guide offers practical and valuable insights.
By using the specialized services of Flamingo Immigration Institute, you can gain complete awareness of the different residency options and understand how to legally and safely pursue your immigration journey to Oman.
Simply fill out the consultation form to receive your first free consultation.
