Dual National Citizenship vs. Oman Residency (Golden Investor Visa)

What Does Oman Residency by Investment Program Offer

In 2021, Oman first introduced its investor residency program (IRP) to support Vision 2040 and attract foreign investment. The initial program offered two tiers:

• Tier One: This tier required at least OMR 500,000 (≈ $1,3M) investment in Omani LLC, public joint‑stock company, or government bonds, or the creation of a company that employed at least 50 Omani nationals. Instead, the government granted eligible applicants a 10-year residence permit.
• Tier Two: This tier required at least OMR 250,000 (≈ $650,000) investment in a company or real estate. Eligible applicants received a 5-year residence permit.

These residency permits were renewable as long as the applicant met the eligibility criteria and maintained the qualifying investment. While this program granted applicants the right to live and work in Oman, it didn’t provide Omani citizenship, because the government focuses on naturalisation and requires at least 15 years of residence and the renunciation of previous nationality.

To be competitive compared to other Gulf countries, Oman made several adjustments to its investor residency program. In August 2025, the government announced the updated Oman Golden Visa program. The new program lowered the investment threshold to OMR 200,000 (≈ $520,000) and expanded investment routes. Currently, the program offers 7 different pathways to the investors. Here is a breakdown of the main 7 investment routes:

• Establishing a company or expanding an existing business in Oman,
• Buying a property in Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) that allows foreign ownership,
• Investing in publicly traded shares on the Muscat Stock Exchange. The maintained portfolio should be worth at least OMR 200,000.
• Placing funds of at least OMR 200,000 in local banks for five years,
• Owning or expanding a business that employs at least 50 Omani nationals,
• Registering a company under Oman’s foreign investment law,
• Holding government development bonds.

Investors who meet the following Oman residence visa requirements are eligible to apply for the Oman Golden Visa program and receive a 10-year residency:

• Must be at least 21 years old,
• Must have a valid passport,
• Must have no criminal record,
• Must have a net worth of at least OMR 200,000,
• Must maintain the qualifying investment throughout the residency period.

Those who already have an Oman residence visa should be aware of the Oman tax system. The key points are:

• Oman doesn’t have any personal taxes (until 2028),
• The corporate tax is 15%, but if SMEs meet specific capital, revenue, and employment thresholds, they can pay a reduced 3%.
• VAT in Oman is 5% and applies to most goods and services.

What Does the Citizenship by Investment Program Offer

Citizenship by investment (CBI) programs allow foreigners to receive a dual national citizenship (and a second passport) in return for a significant economic contribution to their country. If simple residency by investment programs allow their beneficiaries to live, work, and study in their country, CBI programs give full citizenship rights, such as the ability to vote, work without permits, and obtain a passport. Having a dual national citizenship means that the individual is considered a citizen of two countries simultaneously and implies that the individual has legal rights and obligations in both countries. Many countries, like the United States, Canada, and most of the Caribbean states, allow dual nationality. However, there are some countries, such as Austria, India, Japan, and Norway, that require their applicants to renounce their first citizenship in order to acquire their passport. 

The key benefits of holding two passports include:

• Having greater travel freedom: Dual national citizenship holders can use their passports to have visa‑free access to more countries. For example, those who hold a St. Kitts and Nevis passport have visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries.
• Right to live, work, and study: Second citizenship allows its holders to live and work in either country without any additional residency permits. They can also have access to public services such as healthcare and education, and own property without restrictions.
• Business and investment opportunities: Those who have dual national citizenship can open bank accounts, incorporate companies, and invest across both jurisdictions. Some people even use their second citizenship as a path to markets with more favourable regulatory environments or banking systems.
• Safety and stability: A second passport offers a Plan B during political or economic instability.
• Generational benefits: A second citizenship can be passed on to children.
• Tax optimization: Some countries with CBI programs have a very favourable tax system (like no personal income tax, or taxing only local income). Dual national citizenship holders can choose where to reside to minimize taxes.

CBI programs are typically divided into 2 routes: donation and investment. The Caribbean states like Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Lucia offer citizenship in exchange for a non‑refundable donation to a government fund. The minimum amount of investment for a single applicant typically starts at $200,000, and for a family at $250,000.

European countries also offer CBI programs, but they are typically much more expensive. For example, Malta’s Citizenship for Exceptional Services requires a contribution of min €750,000 and property purchase/rental and due diligence fees. These programs usually don’t require applicants to reside in their country, but applicants need to pass due diligence checks and show the source of their funding.

CBI programs, while offering many benefits, also come with several obligations that investors need to consider, such as:

• Dual citizens must follow the laws of both countries, including taxes, civic duties, and military service. 
• Some countries tax worldwide income. For example, regardless of residency, U.S. citizens must file U.S. taxes. Tax treaties may prevent double taxation, but they require additional paperwork.
• Dual citizens may not be eligible for certain government or security roles.
• Dual citizens need to consider application fees, due diligence checks, and agent fees.
• In countries that don’t allow dual citizenship, investors may have to give up their original passport.

Second Citizenship VS Omani Residency: Side-by-Side Comparison

Here are a few key points about the differences between second citizenship and Oman residency․

Mobility

Second citizenship gives visa-free access to many countries, two passports, and unrestricted re-entry to both countries.

Oman residency gives visa-free travel within the GCC if it’s permitted by bilateral arrangements. 

Investment Threshold

CBI programs require at least a $200,000 donation or purchasing a property valued at least $300,000. Depending on the chosen country, the investment threshold may differ.

Acquiring Oman residency requires investing at least OMR 200,000 (≈ $520,000) in one of the seven pathways.

Rights & Legal Status

With dual national citizenship, you obtain a passport, the right to vote, property ownership, and the ability to live and work in both countries without a permit.

With an Oman residency, you can live, work, and own property in special zones. You don’t have any voting rights and must maintain investment.

Tax Considerations

With a second citizenship, you can choose tax‑friendly jurisdictions, but your worldwide income will be taxed if your home country (e.g., the U.S.) retains tax on citizens.

A key advantage of Oman residency is its tax system. The country has no personal income tax, low VAT, and corporate tax.

Family Inclusion

Citizenship is passed to children. As a citizen, you can also include your spouse and dependents in your application.

Acquiring Oman residency also allows its applicants to include family members in the application, such as spouse, children, and first‑degree relatives.

Revocation Risk

Citizenship is permanent but may be revoked for fraud or severe crimes.

Residency is conditional on maintaining investment and complying with labour laws.

Which Option Suits You Most

There are several points that need to be considered to choose the right option for you. Here are some of them:

• Entrepreneurs whose main goal is global mobility and market access may prefer second citizenship. A Caribbean or European passport can give visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 150 countries. The ability to open bank accounts, hold assets, and incorporate companies internationally is crucial for cross‑border businesses. However, if an investor is interested in the Middle East, acquiring an Oman residency may give easier access to the local market. Residency allows 100% ownership of companies in most sectors. As an investor, you need to choose between global mobility and regional integration.
• Families who are looking for a safe environment, quality healthcare, and education may prefer Oman residency, which enables children to enrol in local schools and universities and gives access to public healthcare. Additionally, applicants can include first‑degree relatives in their applications without age limits.
• Retirees who prioritise the climate and cost of living must make a decision carefully. Oman offers a warm climate and a slow pace of life. Retirees who have at least 2 years of work history in Oman and a monthly OMR 4,000 income can apply for a 5-year retiree residency program. You can learn more about the retirement visa in Oman in this article.

Practical Considerations & Application Process

Here is a breakdown of the steps that you need to take to apply for a second citizenship and Oman residency:

Applying for Citizenship by Investment

Applicants need to follow these steps to be able to hold a dual national citizenship:

• Select a jurisdiction: First of all, investors need to compare CBI programs based on travel freedoms, cost, tax regime, quality of life, and other important factors.
• Contact a licensed agent: Many countries require applicants to work with licensed agents or law firms. Agents collect all the necessary documents, help with the submission process, and liaise with government units.
• Prepare documentation: Applicants need to provide documents, such as a passport, proof of source of funds, medical certificates, police clearance, and references.
• Submit application: Applicants need to submit the application. Depending on the country for which they apply for citizenship, they may also be asked to invest in the initial stage.
• Review and due diligence: After the submission, the government conducts background checks to make sure that the applicant is eligible for their country’s citizenship.
• Approval and passport issuance: Once the authorities have conducted background checks, the government issues a naturalisation certificate and passport. Applicants may need to travel to the country or an embassy to complete formalities.

Applying for the Oman Golden Visa

Here are the main steps for applying for the Oman Golden Visa:

• Choose the investment route: First of all, applicants need to choose one of the seven main pathways to Oman residency. They need to invest at least OMR 200,000 in establishing a company, purchasing real estate in ITCs, holding government development bonds, investing in listed equities on the Muscat stock exchange, placing a fixed deposit in a local bank, owning a company that employs 50 or more Omani nationals, or registering a company under Oman’s foreign investment law.
• Prepare documentation: After choosing the most suitable investment route, applicants need to collect all the essential documents, including a valid passport, health insurance, proof of funds, and a clean criminal record.
• Submit application: Applicants need to submit their application through the Invest Oman portal. To make sure the process goes smoothly, we advise you to book a free consultation with our experts, who will help create a personalized path for you. 
• Review and due diligence: After submitting the application, authorities such as the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, Royal Oman Police, and tax offices examine the application, conduct background checks, and verify investment origins.
• Approval and residency card: After the approval, applicants receive a residency card valid for 10 years. If they don’t maintain the investment in 10 years or don’t follow Omani rules, their residency may be cancelled.