New decision: Facilities regarding the residence of foreigners and property owners in the Sultanate of Oman

The Official Gazette in its issue published today, Sunday, No. 1653 published the details of Decision No. 2026/87 issued by the Royal Oman Police, regarding the amendment of certain provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law. This is based on the Foreigners’ Residence Law issued by Royal Decree No. 16/95, the Executive Regulations issued by Decision No. 63/96, and in accordance with public interest requirements.

The new amendments include clear facilities for foreigners involved in real estate ownership in the Sultanate of Oman. Paragraph (c) of item (5) of Article (10) has been amended to allow the issuance of visas to a foreigner who purchases a plot of land prepared for construction or a real estate unit that has not yet been registered, without requiring a sponsor. The visa may include the spouse and first-degree relatives, as well as the legal representatives of the corporate owner.

According to the published text, this visa is valid for a period not less than six months and not more than one year, renewable for a similar period, and entitles its holder to enter and reside in the country for a period not exceeding three months at a time.

The decision also stipulates the replacement of item (15) of Article (10), regulating the “Owner Visa” for foreigners who own a real estate unit, without a sponsor, whether the unit is registered or its registration procedures are not yet completed, provided that entry into the Sultanate of Oman takes place within three months from the date of visa issuance.

The amendments also include updating item (1) of Article (14), so that residency is also granted to a foreigner licensed to invest funds in the country, or an owner of a real estate unit in the Sultanate of Oman, or a foreign employee working for government entities.

Read also: Real Estate Residency in the Sultanate of Oman: Your Comprehensive Guide

In the same context, the text of item (6) of Article (19) concerning “Owner Residency” was replaced, allowing it to be granted without a sponsor to a foreigner who owns a registered or unregistered real estate unit, in addition to the legal representative of the corporate owner of the real estate unit.

Article (26) was also amended to exempt those with residency by joining an investor or residency by joining an owner from the age requirement according to regulations set by the Director General. It also stipulates the termination of residency for the foreign owner of the real estate unit and the legal representative of the corporate owner in the event of the transfer of ownership of the unit by any legal action transferring ownership, resulting in the termination of residency for the spouse and accompanying relatives.

The decision confirmed that the amendments come into effect the day after their publication in the Official Gazette, and all that contradicts or conflicts with its provisions shall be canceled.