Author profile photo

This article was written by Emma Marshall — Community Manager

We believe this article is accurate at the time of writing, but regulations evolve. We'd welcome you to contact us for a quick, up-to-date confirmation—we're always glad to help.

Table of Contents
 
 
 
 

Oman has enacted sweeping changes to its property ownership framework, opening the market to foreign nationals and introducing a new sponsor-free residence pathway for buyers.

What this article covers:

  • The scope of Oman's new Real Estate Registry Law and what it permits foreign buyers to do
  • The new Owner residence permit and how it differs from existing investor residency routes
  • How the permit benchmarks against other GCC property-linked residency programmes
  • What this means for HNW clients considering a Gulf base

{{target-banner="/resource-article-components"}}

What Has Changed

Oman's new Real Estate Registry Law removes the restrictions that previously confined foreign ownership to designated tourism developments, allowing non-Omanis, foreign companies, and legal entities to purchase property nationwide. Alongside this, Royal Oman Police Decision No. 87/2026, in force from 22 June 2026, introduces the Owner residence permit: a sponsor-free visa granting foreign property holders and their first-degree relatives the right to reside in Oman on renewable six-month to one-year terms. The new registry also recognises off-plan purchases and confers electronic title records full legal force.

The Advisory Angle for HNW Clients

Oman's Owner permit sits separately from its Investor Residency programme, which carries thresholds of OMR 250,000 to 500,000 and additional rights including GCC visa-free travel and domestic staff sponsorship. For clients exploring residency by investment in the Gulf, the new Owner permit offers a lower entry point into a jurisdiction with no personal income tax until 2028 and a political neutrality that the UAE cannot replicate. The relevant comparison is Dubai's AED 2 million golden visa: Oman's route may appeal to clients seeking a quieter Gulf base with equivalent sponsor-free status at a potentially lower threshold.

If you are advising clients on GCC residency structures or comparing Gulf property-linked pathways, Marlow Bray can provide a bespoke analysis. Get in touch to arrange a consultation.

Contributors
Emma Marshall