Oman's residency by investment programme has attracted considerable attention since its relaunch in August 2025, recording 56,000 applications at a monthly run rate of 5,500. This places it among the Gulf's fastest-growing investor residence schemes.
What this article covers:
- Application volumes and investor profile since the August 2025 relaunch
- Programme structure: investment thresholds, asset classes, and permit terms
- The 2028 income tax introduction and its implications for bond-parking strategies
- How Oman compares with UAE alternatives for MENA-focused investors
Programme Structure and Applicant Profile
The Oman Golden Residency offers a ten-year renewable permit with no local-sponsor requirement, accessible through four asset classes: property, government bonds, listed shares, or fixed deposits, each requiring a minimum investment of OMR 250,000 (approximately US$650,000). Processing is expected to begin in Q3 2026, with approvals following within roughly three months.
Around 70% of current applicants are existing Oman expatriates, with Indian, British, and Egyptian nationals leading the source countries.
Government bonds within the programme currently yield between 5% and 5.5%, a return profile that has made the bond route particularly attractive for investors seeking yield alongside residency rights. However, Oman's announced 5% personal income tax, effective from January 2028 on annual income above OMR 42,000, changes this calculation materially for investors using the bond-parking strategy.
Advisory Considerations and Timing
For high-net-worth clients weighing MENA residency by investment options, Oman presents a lower-profile, lower-cost alternative to UAE golden visa routes, with a stable governance environment and a historically conservative fiscal framework.
The 2028 income tax introduction makes early-mover positioning relevant: investors who establish residency before the new regime retain greater optionality in how their Omani income is structured.
Those entering after 2028 will need to factor tax exposure into their net yield projections from the outset.
Marlow Bray advises clients on how MENA residency programmes fit within a broader, multi-jurisdictional strategy. If you are considering Oman or UAE options as part of your family's international planning, our team is available to discuss the most appropriate approach for your circumstances.
