Muscat – Royal Oman Police (ROP) has issued amendments to the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners Residence Law, introducing new provisions that facilitate residency for foreign property owners and investors in the sultanate.

The amendments were issued through Decision No 87/2026 by Lt Gen Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, on Sunday  and will come into effect following its publication in the Official Gazette.

Among the key amendments is introduction of residency permits for foreign nationals who own land designated for construction or residential units that have not yet completed registration procedures. Such permits may be granted without the need of a local sponsor, based on certification from the competent authority.

The revised regulations also extend residency benefits to first-degree family members of property owners, as well as legal representatives of corporate entities that own property in Oman.

Under the new provisions, residency permits linked to unregistered properties will be valid for periods ranging from six months to one year and may be renewed for similar periods. Permit holders will be allowed to enter and stay in Oman for up to three months per visit.

The amendments further clarify conditions for obtaining property owner residency visas, allowing foreign nationals who own residential units in Oman to obtain residency, provided they enter the country within three months of visa issuance.

The updated rules also broaden the categories of individuals eligible to sponsor family members, including Omani citizens, GCC nationals, foreign investors licensed to invest in Oman, owners of residential units and foreign employees working for government entities.

Residency linked to property ownership will remain valid as long as ownership is maintained. The regulations stipulate that such residency permits, including those issued to accompanying family members, will automatically expire upon transfer of ownership of the property through any legal transaction.

The amendments are expected to boost Oman’s attractiveness as a destination for real estate investment by providing greater clarity and flexibility in residency arrangements for foreign property owners and investors.