If you are moving to Oman, it is important to be aware of the country's visa options and entry requirements before booking travel. A visa may be required if you are from outside the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Visas can be obtained in advance, either through the country's e-visa portal, or through your local consulate.
What you need to know before traveling to Oman
Oman's eVisa framework permits travelers to apply for and accept their visas electronically without the requirement for actual stamps. This framework covers different visa types, including tourism and employment, and that's only the tip of the iceberg. Upon arrival, immigration authorities can electronically verify the visa status.
E-Visas can be issued on the same day if all documents were correctly uploaded, or the applicant will receive a note requesting them to provide additional information.
Good to know:
Do not forget to carry a printed or computerized duplicate of your eVisa. Upon arrival, Omani officials can get to the electronic visa information base to check the legitimacy and subtleties of the eVisa. However, if you don't have a return ticket to your home country, airlines will require proof of residency in Oman before allowing you to board.
Types of visas in Oman
There are two main categories of visas in Oman: those sponsored by a local company or individual and those unsponsored (mainly tourist visas).
Good to know:
Oman has signed a fair trade agreement with the United States of America for many years to enhance trade and collaboration between the countries. Therefore, US citizens are treated as locals and mostly do not require visas.
Tourist visas
The Omani tourist visa is only valid for 30 days if it is not sponsored by a local and up to 90 days for a sponsored one. Indeed, tourist visas can either be sponsored by a local company or by a local (see below). It requires a passport valid for more than 6 months, along with a passport-sized photo. Most people who are not eligible for an E-visa or a visa on arrival can apply for a sponsored one when visiting friends and family in Oman. The 30-day tourist visa can, however, be extended to 90 days directly at Muscat International Airport or at immigration offices.
To boost tourism after COVID, Oman has also introduced a free 14-day tourist visa, but only for certain nationalities (GCC citizens, Australians, Canadians, Americans, British, New Zealanders, Japanese, South Koreans, Malaysians, Singaporeans, Taiwanese, and citizens of all European Union member states). It doesn't require any application, and it will be automatically granted at the border if the travel falls into the right category (sponsored or unsponsored). Otherwise, tourist visas are essentially based on the passport you have, and different rules and regulations can apply.
Important:
It is highly recommended that you have international health insurance when moving to Oman, as expatriates are only generally treated in private hospitals or clinics.
Tourist multi-entry visa
Oman has also introduced multi-entry visas valid for 12 months. It has the same requirements as the regular 30-day tourist visa (valid passport and ID picture). However, this visa type can't be extended or renewed in Oman. With this visa type, each stay can only be 30 days maximum. You will be entitled to visit the country several times within the same year without the need to apply for a new visa.
Important:
As regulations in Oman are constantly changing, we strongly advise you to visit the Royal Oman Police website to ensure you're up to date before your trip.
Short-visit sponsored visas
There are many reasons other than tourism to get you a short-stay visa in Oman. It can be for a family visit, but it could also be to attend an exhibition or an event, to do some local research, or even to visit potential business associates. If you know of any local company, it is always recommended that you check with them to see if they could sponsor your visa. This would allow you to stay longer and generally for a lower price than an unsponsored visa. In this case, you will simply have to send your papers to the local company, which will submit them directly online on your behalf.
Important:
Regardless of the type of visa you have, you should make sure you strictly follow the activities you are entitled to as per your visa.
Resident-sponsored visas in Oman
Employment visa
A work permit in Oman is only issued once you have signed your contract with the local company and your certificates have been approved for the position. In Oman, certificates are always checked before a work permit is granted. The original document is always required, no matter how old it is. Sometimes, the certificate also needs to be approved in the home country before being approved in Oman.
Some positions in Oman have very specific and strict requirements in terms of qualifications. For example, to be a teacher, a bachelor's degree in education is mandatory, no matter which grade they teach.
Make sure to have a degree from an Oman-approved institution. Ensure you have authenticated and validated documents ready, especially if your credentials are from another country.
Good to know:
Many degrees earned online aren't valid in Oman.
Domestic worker visas
Domestic worker visas follow the same rules as employment visas. It is illegal in Oman to be a freelance domestic worker or to provide any kind of freelance work without a proper company registered to do so. Many domestic workers are directly hired through manpower supply agencies but remain sponsored by independent families.
Finding work in Oman https://www.expat.com/en/guide/middle-east/oman/19072-finding-work-in-oman.html
Family joining visas
Family joining visas are also issued for two years. It allows close family members to join a worker in Oman and is usually granted to spouses, children, and parents. The dates of this visa can vary from the visa dates of the relative in Oman, but it will remain valid until its expiration date.
After your children reach 21, the holder of the main visa won't be in a position to sponsor them anymore. Therefore, after turning 21, an interesting option is to enroll in a local college to get a student visa. Others simply move back to their home country.
Oman Immigration has recently decided to stop stamping visas on passports, but residents for two years or more will be granted an Omani ID card valid for the visa duration. This card will be the key to all transactions in Oman, including banking ones. It is also a proof of residency approved everywhere around the world.
Important:
People with a family visa are not allowed to work in Oman, even as freelancers or part-timers.
Investor visas in Oman
Investor visas in Oman were initially created for expatriates who purchased property in one of the integrated tourism complexes around the country. After COVID, the investor visa was extended to investors interested in opening their company in Oman, regardless of the investment involved. Unfortunately, this move didn't help more projects happen in Oman.
This visa is mainly intended for Omani nationals living abroad who wish to put resources into the nation's economy. Investors can live and manage their investments in Oman thanks to it. The applicant is required to invest a significant amount of money in Oman. As of 2024, it should be at least 250,000 OMR. Real estate, investing in an existing business, or starting a new business are all examples of investments. The amount required may differ depending on the kind of venture and area.
The application process
The application ordinarily begins with presenting an application and expected reports to the relevant Omani authorities or a local business consultant. The investor visa can be issued once the investment and business plan are approved. This process includes coordinating with different government substances and may incorporate personal investigations.
Feasibility study
A field-tested strategy is frequently required, including the general framing of the idea of the business, the venture sum and timeframe to be invested in Oman, and the projected future developments and realistic commitments to the economy. The new business venture should be authorized and endorsed by the applicable Omani specialists, like the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This might entail registering a business and acquiring the necessary licenses for a business.
Proof of funds
Verification of monetary solidity and the wellspring of venture assets might be expected to guarantee that the assets are real and adequate for the proposed speculation. Additionally, the investor may be required to demonstrate how the investment will benefit the local economy and the employment of Omani nationals.
Hiring local workforce
Employing a local labor force is one of the primary keys to having a project approved. It is, therefore, recommended to prepare a five-year Omanization plan detailing the number of locals and their positions to be employed at each stage of the project.
Investor visa duration
The investor visa is typically granted for a set amount of time, typically one to two years, with the option to extend it. The renewal procedure will require all expected employees to be hired and the funds injected into the local economy as per the initial plan. The dependents of the investor visa holder may also be eligible for family residency permits. Under certain conditions, long-term investors who continue to support the Omani economy may be eligible to apply for long-term residency (5 to 10 years). All Omani laws and regulations, such as employment laws, tax obligations, and business regulations, must be adhered to by investors.
It is prudent to look for legitimate and proficient guidance while applying for an investor visa to guarantee compliance with every single lawful prerequisite and to follow the application easily. Visa regulations and requirements may change, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest rules.
Good to know:
In the event you want to start a company in Oman but don't intend to invest the minimum required funds for getting an investor visa, you will be given an admin partner visa, which can also entitle you to sponsor some of your family members. This visa is valid for up to 2 years and can be renewed if your company meets the Omanization criteria.
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