Oman has clarified how the long-term investor residency programme applies to property buyers, removing several grey areas that had slowed applications from expatriate purchasers in Muscat and Salalah.
The property route in practice
A registered purchase of 250,000 OMR or above inside an approved Integrated Tourism Complex qualifies the owner for a ten-year renewable residency. The value is taken from the title deed, not the asking price, and the property must be retained for the duration of the permit.
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 are included in the family permit.
- The permit is multi-entry and does not require a local sponsor.
- Buyers may rent the property out while holding the residency.
Where applications stall
Most delays come from documents rather than eligibility. The title deed, a recent valuation from an approved surveyor, the developer no-objection certificate and proof of funds must all match the applicant name exactly. For off-plan purchases, the clock starts when the title is registered, which is typically at handover.
Buyers combining a mortgage with the residency route should note that only the equity portion counts toward the threshold. A 250,000 OMR villa with a 180,000 OMR mortgage does not meet the property test on its own.
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