Oman Opens Door for 3 Categories of Foreigners to Get Residence Permit Without Sponsor

• The Royal Oman Police issued Decision No. 87/2026 on June 25, 2026, amending the country's Foreigners' Residence Law
• The new rules cover three categories of foreigners, including property buyers, real estate owners and licensed investors in Oman
• Foreign employees working with government entities in Oman also gained eligibility for residency under the updated regulations

Oman has opened a new pathway for foreigners to obtain residency in the country without needing a local sponsor.

The publication highlighted three distinct categories of people now qualifying under updated immigration rules.

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) announced the changes through Decision No. 87/2026, which amends parts of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners' Residence Law.

The decision appeared in Official Gazette issue No. 1653 and introduces revised conditions for property-linked visas and residency permits.

3 Categories Now Eligible for Sponsor-Free Residency

Under the new regulations, three groups of foreigners qualify for residency without sponsorship: foreigners licensed by the relevant authority to invest funds in Oman, owners of real estate units in the country, and foreign employees working with Omani government entities.

For property buyers specifically, the rules allow a foreigner who purchases a plot of land earmarked for construction, or a real estate unit whose registration is still being processed, to obtain a visa on the strength of a certificate from the competent authority alone.

That visa benefit can also extend to the buyer's spouse, first-degree relatives, and legal representatives of a corporate entity that owns the property.

The visa issued under this category runs for between six months and one year, is renewable for a similar duration, and permits the holder to stay in Oman for up to three months per visit.

Property Owner Residency Rules and Conditions

The decision also introduces specific conditions around what is being called the "Property Owner Residency."

A foreigner who owns a registered real estate unit, or one still going through registration, can apply for this residency status without a sponsor. Corporate legal representatives linked to the property are equally eligible.

However, the residency comes with a clear condition: it ends the moment ownership of the unit changes hands through any legal transfer.

When that happens, residency granted to accompanying spouses and relatives also lapses automatically.

The updated regulations additionally revise age exemption rules for those on family-joining residency tied to an investor or property owner, with specific controls left to the discretion of the Director-General.

The amendments reflect Oman's broader effort to attract foreign capital and make the country more accessible to international investors and workers operating within its borders.

UK lists conditions for health and care worker visa

Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that UK government published the eligibility conditions foreigners must meet to qualify for a Health and Care Worker visa in 2026.

Applicants must secure a confirmed job offer and obtain a certificate of sponsorship before submitting their visa application.