Freehold Areas in the Sultanate of Oman: A Guide for Foreigners

Although there are areas designated for freehold ownership in the Sultanate of Oman for foreigners, they do not all operate under the same rules. The areas are divided into three different official categories, each supervised by a different authority with distinct purchase conditions, types of properties, and projects. Understanding this division is the right starting point before any purchase decision. This guide covers the complete and updated list of all areas and projects available in the Sultanate today, with clarifications on the conditions of each category.

The Concept of Freehold Ownership in Muscat for Non-Omanis

Freehold ownership refers to allowing non-Omani citizens to fully own real estate (full ownership), whether they reside inside the Sultanate or abroad, within specific licensed real estate projects for this purpose. Freehold is not limited to residential properties only; in some cases, it also includes commercial and service properties, depending on the nature of the licensed real estate project.

The Omani government has legislated this type of ownership under specific regulations that guarantee the buyer's rights, protect national sovereignty, and at the same time encourage attracting foreign capital. Foreigners who buy property in these areas are granted full ownership, including rights to sell, inherit, or lease, as stipulated in the official contracts and relevant laws.

Who Is Eligible to Own Property in the Sultanate of Oman?

Anyone in the world, regardless of nationality or country of residence, has the right to own property in the freehold licensed areas for foreigners in the Sultanate of Oman, provided they are over 18 years old and hold a valid passport. These conditions apply to all categories that will be specifically mentioned.

Freehold Ownership Areas in the Sultanate of Oman

Below are three categories regarding areas where non-Omanis can own property within the Sultanate of Oman:

1. Integrated Tourist Complexes (ITC)

The Integrated Tourist Complexes represent the oldest and most mature category in the freehold market in the Sultanate of Oman. They are affiliated with Omran, and here the property must be fully constructed to officially register ownership. There is no minimum property price, and the owner receives a full official title deed. Among the most prominent projects in the region that provide full freehold ownership for foreigners of all nationalities are:

Muscat Hills

Muscat Hills is the first ITC freehold area in the history of the Sultanate of Oman, centered around a golf course (the first grass course in the Sultanate) and is considered one of the finest residential and tourist destinations in the Omani capital. It includes modern residential complexes and commercial facilities and is located centrally, connecting old and new Muscat. Some of the most notable projects currently available in Muscat Hills are:

• Golf Hills Project: Residential units with direct views of the course starting from 70,000 Omani Rials, offering a high-end living experience with a fully serviced modern style, available with freehold ownership for all nationalities.
• Opal Residence Project: Apartments for sale in Muscat Hills developed by Al Namaa Real Estate, with prices starting from 46,000 Omani Rials for studios. The area features advanced infrastructure, high-quality European kitchens with all electrical appliances, and an energy-saving VRF air conditioning system. It offers freehold ownership available to all nationalities, allowing the owner and their family residence in the Sultanate of Oman.
• Business Tower 2 Project: Its distinguished location is a strong attraction for investors, especially in the retail sector. The project offers freehold ownership of various commercial units including shops with attractive facades and offices equipped with the latest technologies, with prices starting from 97,000 Omani Rials, along with the possibility of obtaining residency in Oman for the owner and their family.
  
  Also read: Freehold Properties for Sale in Muscat for Foreigners

Muscat Yiti

A fully integrated tourist plan on the southeastern coast of Muscat, with all projects mentioned here offering freehold ownership for foreigners from all nationalities. These include several projects with apartments for sale in Muscat Yiti, the most important of which are:

• Aida Project: Covers about 3.5 million square meters within a fully integrated residential, hotel, and recreational project. The city is considered one of the most beautiful in the world thanks to its traditional and exceptional architecture. Housing types vary between one-, two-, and three-bedroom hotel suites, independent villas, and spacious palaces, with prices starting from 199,000 Omani Rials.
• Aida Project - Nickelodeon Hotel and Resort: Represents an investment opportunity for full ownership under a global hospitality brand, supported by a strategic partnership between Dar Global and Omran Group. It overlooks the integrated Aida community, offering a new tourist experience that redefines upscale family travel, with prices starting from 83,000 Omani Rials.
  
• Aida Project - The Great Escape 2: Investment apartments in a luxurious residential complex in Muscat consisting of two buildings, 9 floors high, with 248 luxury apartments designed to modern standards, with sports and recreational facilities exclusively for the project, priced from 78,000 Omani Rials.
• Trump International Oman Project: Offers unique features including exclusive membership in the Trump International Golf Club and access to world-class facilities. Each villa owner will be gifted a golf cart bearing the "Trump Club" brand, with the opportunity to obtain residence in the Sultanate of Oman for the property owner and their family, with prices starting from 134,000 Omani Rials.
• Sustainable City Project: The largest real estate project in the Yiti area in Muscat with a 5% down payment upon booking. It includes five-star hotels according to international standards, several entertainment and sports facilities, and offers luxury residential apartments for sale in the plaza complex, ranging from studios up to four-bedroom units, with prices starting from 80,000 Omani Rials.
  
  Also read: Freehold Properties for Sale in Yiti for Foreigners

Jabal Sifah

• Raya Project: A part of the large Jabal Sifah urban development project, located attractively amid beautiful nature and close to major transportation routes. The complex provides all necessary daily services and recreational facilities for residents, with prices starting from 167,000 Omani Rials.
  

  Al Mouj Muscat

• Vestal Project: One of the most prestigious coastal residential destinations in the Sultanate of Oman, featuring a seaside location with open sea views. It is characterized by architectural design inspired by wave movements and the fluidity of marine nature. The project is planned for family living and long-term investment, with delivery expected in the second quarter of 2029. It offers a flexible payment plan starting with a 10% down payment, installments during construction phases, and a final payment upon delivery and ownership transfer, with prices starting from 134,000 Omani Rials.

Muscat Bay

• Muscat Bay Project: Apartments and villas for sale nestled in nature with breathtaking views. One of the largest real estate projects in the suburbs of Muscat, on the shores of its sparkling bay. It offers luxury villas with 4 and 5-bedroom configurations and various size options. Villas are delivered with furnished kitchens equipped with electrical appliances. It also offers an opportunity to obtain residence in the Sultanate of Oman for the owner and their family members.

Salalah (Dhofar Governorate)

• Amazigh Huana Salalah: One of the largest and most prominent ambitious real estate projects in the Sultanate, where it provides residents with high-quality essential services, recreational services, and other facilities. It offers an opportunity to live and invest in one of the most beautiful natural tourist areas worldwide, alongside obtaining real estate residency.

2. Future Cities

The Sultanate of Oman is witnessing a qualitative shift towards building sustainable and smart cities in line with Oman Vision 2040. This category differs from integrated tourist complexes in that its projects are sold under construction. Here, there is no minimum price for the property itself — projects like Wadi Zaha and January Residences start below 50,000 rials. At least 30% of the property's price must be paid to qualify for real estate residency. Note that the value of 50,000 rials is the threshold defining family inclusion: below it, residency is granted only to the owner; above it, residency includes the spouse and children.

Sultan Haitham City

Sultan Haitham City is the largest urban development project in Oman's modern history, located in Wilayat Al Seeb, Muscat. It is an urban plan aimed at providing a modern environment with all facilities and services that meet the needs of individuals and families.

• Al Sarooj Oasis: Located in Sultan Haitham City, designed as a model smart city combining advanced technology with green spaces along with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Thanks to its strategic location and excellent connectivity network, prices start from 49,000 Omani Rials.
• January Residences: One of the most prominent and upscale urban projects offering an ideal residential environment. It features an advanced road network ensuring easy access to all parts of the city. All units are delivered semi-furnished with basic kitchen appliances, with an option to receive fully luxurious furnished units for an additional fee. Prices start from 45,000 Omani Rials.
• Wadi Zaha: A golden opportunity for living and investment offering luxury penthouse apartments and standalone villas and townhouses, making it an ideal destination for family living or real estate investment. The project offers a diverse range of excellent social, recreational, and sports facilities aimed at enhancing residents' quality of life, including areas dedicated to entertainment and relaxation. Prices start from 46,000 Omani Rials.
  
• Hay Al Wafaa: One of the most important and upscale urban development projects in Muscat, characterized by a wonderful balance between natural beauty and urban development, making it an ideal destination to live and enjoy an exceptional quality of life. It offers residents a range of distinguished facilities including a central park and a valley extending over an area exceeding one million square meters, with prices starting from 49,000 Omani Rials.

• Hay Al Ahlam: The newest district launched in Sultan Haitham City, with prices starting from 182,000 Omani Rials.

  
  
  Also read: Properties for Sale for Foreigners in Sultan Haitham City Muscat

3. Integrated Residential Neighborhoods (Sorouh)

Sorouh also operates the 30%/50,000 Rial rule for under-construction properties, but attention must be paid that not all Sorouh projects offer freehold ownership to foreigners. Each project must be verified individually. The projects currently available for foreigners are:

• South Al Batinah Governorate: The Al Laban district project located in Halban city on the outskirts of the capital. It is considered part of Greater Muscat and features design inspired by the Omani environment.
• North Al Batinah Governorate: Plumeria Project Hay Al Majd is located approximately midway between Muscat, the historical capital of Oman, and Dubai, the global financial capital of the UAE. Sohar enjoys a strategic location, connected by three main roads to the UAE, facilitating direct access and enhancing Sohar's position as a vibrant trade and transport hub.

Quick Comparison Between the Three Classifications

Real Estate Residency in the Sultanate of Oman Linked to Property Ownership

Any property purchased within the three categories above qualifies its owner to apply for real estate residency. The residency covers the owner + the spouse + all children, grants the freedom to enter and exit without visas, and remains valid as long as the property is owned by the holder. In some cases, residency is granted to two natural persons legally representing the owner if the owner is a legal entity (company).

Also read: Obtaining Residency via Property Ownership in Sultan Haitham City

Advantages of Freehold Property Ownership in Muscat for Foreigners

The advantages include a high-class lifestyle, long-term investment, and a place of residence in a stable and safe country, in addition to several benefits that make freehold property ownership in Muscat a strategic choice, including:

First, the political and economic stability enjoyed by the Sultanate of Oman, which directly reflects on the real estate market in terms of steady growth and stable demand. Foreign investors always seek a safe environment to secure their investments, which Oman excellently provides.

Second, the advanced infrastructure, as Muscat includes a modern network of highways, advanced educational and medical facilities, integrated logistics services, in addition to a modern international airport facilitating mobility and investment.

Third, the availability of modern freehold ownership models within upscale real estate complexes built according to international standards, offering attractive residential and commercial options with innovative designs.

Fourth, the possibility of obtaining long-term residency for foreign investors who own property of a certain value, opening up opportunities to settle with their families and benefit from local services.

Legal Conditions for Non-Omanis Ownership in Muscat

Despite the great openness the Sultanate of Oman witnesses in real estate ownership, this ownership is carried out within an organized legal framework ensuring the rights of all parties. The most prominent of these conditions include:

• The property must be within an approved project falling under the freehold ownership system.
• In some cases, a sales prohibition period of several years is imposed after purchase to encourage long-term investment.
• The property must be registered with the relevant governmental authorities and official contracts must be concluded.
• Inheritance of the property is permitted according to Omani law provided proof of legal relationship with the heirs is submitted.

It is important that the foreign investor cooperates with a reliable real estate entity to understand all details related to ownership and required procedures to ensure transparency and smoothness of the process.

Also read: Conditions for Foreigners' Ownership of Real Estate in the Sultanate of Oman 2026: June Updates

The Future of Real Estate Investment for Non-Omanis in Muscat

Indicators show that the real estate market in Muscat is witnessing gradual growth driven by economic reforms, legislative openness, and improved business environment. The government plans to launch new freehold projects in additional areas of the capital, including the waterfront and the new Al Khuwair district.

Granting long-term residency to investors also contributes to stabilizing real estate demand and encourages many foreigners to establish permanent residence in Muscat for themselves and their families.

Considering current prices, legislation level, and advanced infrastructure, real estate investment in Muscat is a promising investment opportunity for those planning for the future.

Own Your Property in Muscat with Imtilak Global

Given these exceptional opportunities, there is no doubt that owning real estate in Muscat has become a smart choice for anyone seeking comfort and investment opportunities. With diverse options and multiple projects, investors need a trusted partner to guide and facilitate procedures.

This is where Imtilak Global comes in, the leading company in real estate marketing in the Sultanate of Oman, offering comprehensive services including free legal consultation on the freehold ownership system, on-site or virtual tours of real estate projects, assistance in negotiation, registration, and contract documentation, along with flexible payment options and exclusive offers from developers.

Do not miss the opportunity to own your dream property in Muscat, and contact Imtilak Global experts for free. Let us accompany you step by step towards secure investment and upscale living in the heart of the Omani capital.

Edited by: Imtilak Global ©