Salalah – A ten-year Golden Residency programme with a minimum investment of RO200,000 has been introduced as part of a package of initiatives to enhance Oman’s business environment and attract long-term capital.

The announcement was made on Sunday in Salalah during an event hosted by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) under the theme ‘Sustainable Business Environment’. It was held under the patronage of H H Sayyid Marwan bin Turki al Said, Governor of Dhofar, and attended by senior officials from the public and private sectors.

Residency holders will be supported through the Invest in Oman platform, which provides unified services ranging from establishment to expansion.

Nasima bint Yahya al Balushi, Director General of Investors Services Centre, said the  programme reflects Oman’s long-term approach to investment. “The Golden Residency is not merely a residence permit; it is Oman’s commitment to creating a balanced environment for investors that combines opportunity, stability and a quality lifestyle,” she said. Oman ranked fourth globally in the 2024 Quality of Life Index.

The earlier minimum investment for long-term residency was RO250,000.

MoCIIP also launched an initiative called Elite Companies in cooperation with Ministry of Labour, Tax Authority, Royal Oman Police and Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The initiative aims to recognise high-performing Omani companies, support their local and international expansion, and promote innovation and competitiveness.

Companies will be classified into three categories based on governance, efficiency and contribution to the economy. To qualify, a company must be registered in Oman, comply with regulations, and employ at least one Omani national. Additional criteria include company age, revenue, exports, Omanisation rate and market presence.

The event also saw the launch of an electronic service for transferring commercial registration ownership through the Oman Business Platform. Initially covering one-person companies and sole proprietorships, the service is part of the government’s digital transformation efforts.