Moving abroad

Moving to Oman From Europe: Checklist and Tips

October 17, 2025
Moving to Oman From Europe: Checklist and Tips
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Relocating to a new country can be both exciting and challenging. Moving from Europe to Oman offers benefits such as beautiful natural landscapes, a high quality of life, and investor-friendly policies. However, this journey also presents challenges. For those seeking new career opportunities and a luxurious lifestyle, proper preparation is crucial for a seamless transition.

Key Takeaways

  • The main benefits of moving to Oman from Europe include Oman’s stable economy and strong growth potential, the golden visa program, high quality of life, safe environment, tax-friendly environment, and real estate opportunities.
  • The main steps that you need to take while relocating to Oman are applying for a visa, acquiring a residence permit, and registering with the local Immigration Office. You could also obtain a work permit (if you aim to work there), have a TIN, and open a bank account.

Top Benefits of Moving to Oman From Europe

Oman stands out among Gulf countries for its political stability, welcoming society, and balanced lifestyle. The key reasons for Europeans to move to Oman include:

Stable Economy and Strong Growth Potential

Oman started diversifying its economy, especially after the acceptance of Vision 2040, which aims to reduce its dependence on oil and encourage foreign investment in tourism, technology, renewable energy, and real estate. For Europeans, this means business-friendly policies, new job markets, and strong long-term opportunities.

Golden Visa Program

Investors can acquire a 10-year residence permit for investors, property buyers, and highly skilled professionals, allowing Europeans to:

  • Live and work in Oman without a local sponsor
  • Sponsor family members
  • Invest in property or start a business

High Quality of Life

Having great healthcare and education systems, clean cities, and modern infrastructure, Oman meets top European standards. International schools, world-class hospitals, and modern shopping centers make it easy for families to settle.

Safe Environment 

According to Numbeo, the safety index in Oman is 81.54, which is a very high indicator. This makes a welcoming and safe environment for Europeans.

Tax-Friendly Environment 

Oman doesn’t have any personal income tax or inheritance tax. The country also offers competitive corporate tax rates. For Europeans moving from high-tax countries, this can mean significant savings and greater financial freedom.

Real Estate Opportunities

European citizens can buy real estate from the Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), which will make them eligible for residency (if it meets the required criteria).

Step-by-Step Relocation Checklist

Before booking your flight, you need to follow this comprehensive checklist:

Visa Application

Most Europeans need a residence visa or work visa to stay long-term. There are several visa pathways:

  • Employment Visa, which is sponsored by an Omani employer.
  • Investor Visa, which is designed for those who establish a business or invest in property.
  • Family Visa, which is for dependents of a resident.
  • Golden Visa, which offers 5- or 10-year residency for investors, property owners, or highly skilled professionals.

Tip: Apply online through Oman’s official eVisa portal or via the Royal Oman Police (ROP) website. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

Residence Permit

Once you get a visa, you need to obtain a residence permit from the Immigration Office. The main required documents are:

  • Valid passport and visa
  • Employment or investment documents
  • Medical fitness certificate
  • Passport-size photographs
  • Fingerprint registration

After getting the residence permit, you’ll have open doors to opening a bank account, signing rental contracts, and accessing healthcare.

Registration Form & Immigration Office

All expats must register with the local Immigration Office within 30 days of arrival. This process confirms your legal residency status and provides you with an Oman Resident Card, which you’ll need for daily transactions like signing contracts or obtaining utilities.

Work Permit (if applicable)

If you are relocating to work in Oman, your employer should handle the work permit application.

The main requirements are:

  • A signed job offer
  • Educational certificates attested by your home country and the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • A medical fitness test

Tax Identification Number (TIN)

As we have already mentioned before, Oman doesn’t have a personal income tax. However, it’s important to have a TIN for:

  • Business owners
  • Property investors
  • Individuals importing/exporting goods

Bank Account Opening

We also suggest that you open a local bank account, as it will make the payment processes easier.

The most important documents are:

  • Valid residence card
  • Passport and visa
  • Proof of address (rental contract or utility bill)
  • Employment letter (if applicable)

Housing & Property Considerations

Before relocating, research the neighbourhood and sign a housing rental contract. This step can be a bit difficult, so we advise you to have expert guidance

Some of the most popular expat areas in Muscat include:

  • Al Mouj, which is well-known for its luxury waterfront apartments and villas.
  • Qurum, which is family-friendly with parks and schools.
  • Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, which has a central location with European-style cafes and shops.

Additionally, you should know that rental agreements usually require:

  • Passport copy and residence card
  • One or two months’ rent as a deposit
  • Proof of employment or income

Also, it’s important to mention that European citizens can own property in Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) such as Al Mouj, Muscat Hills, and Barr Al Jissah.

Benefits of property ownership include:

  • Eligibility for the Oman Golden Visa (with minimum investment requirements starting around OMR 200,000 (USD 520,000).
  • Potential for long-term appreciation as Oman’s real estate market recovers post-pandemic.
  • Access to luxury amenities like marinas, golf courses, and private beaches.

Healthcare & Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all residents. As an expat, you should know that:

  • Employers typically provide coverage for employees.
  • Private plans for families start at approximately OMR 300–600 (USD 300 - 1600) per year, depending on coverage.

Oman’s healthcare system has high-quality public hospitals with world-class private clinics. European expats often choose private insurance for faster service and broader coverage.

Education & Family Considerations

If you’re relocating with children, Oman offers a variety of international schools following British, American, French, and IB curricula.

Tuition fees typically range from OMR 3,000 - 8,000 (USD 8,000 - 21,000) per year, depending on grade level.

Cost of Living in Oman for Europeans

Here are several key points that we bring here to help you have a clearer understanding of the cost of living in Oman:

  • The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are USD 2,624.4, excluding rent.
  • The estimated monthly costs for a single person are USD 754.8, excluding rent.

Additionally, we’d like to create a little comparison between Germany (as a European country) and Oman:

  • The cost of living in Oman is 39.8% lower than in Germany (excluding rent)
  • The cost of living, including rent in Oman, is 42.7% lower than in Germany
  • Rent prices in Oman are 52.5% lower than in Germany
  • Restaurant prices in Oman are 39.0% lower than in Germany
  • Grocery prices in Oman are 37.1% lower than in Germany
  • Local purchasing power in Oman is 17.6% higher than in Germany

Integration & Lifestyle Tips

Prepare the following before departure:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Birth and marriage certificates
  • Educational diplomas (attested)
  • Medical records and vaccination certificates
  • International driver’s license (if planning to drive)

Additionally, remember to:

  • Book international movers familiar with customs regulations.
  • Obtain quotes for shipping furniture and vehicles.
  • Notify European tax authorities to avoid double taxation.
  • Arrange temporary accommodation if permanent housing is not secured.

Remember that Oman is an Islamic country, but it is known for its tolerant and welcoming society. The key cultural tips are:

  • Dress modestly in public (shoulders and knees covered).
  • Alcohol is available in licensed venues, but drinking in public is prohibited.
  • Respect local customs, especially during Ramadan.

It’s important for you to know that Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly in business and tourism sectors. Learning a few Arabic greetings can go a long way in building relationships.

Also, keep in mind that as a European, you can enjoy:

  • Freedom of religion
  • Legal protections under the Omani labor law
  • The ability to own 100% of certain businesses under the new Foreign Capital Investment Law.

Conclusion

Moving from Oman to Europe is an exciting, yet challenging opportunity. By carefully following this checklist, where we cover the main aspects as visas, housing, healthcare, banking, and cultural adaptation, you can make sure that you’ll have a smooth and successful relocation.

FAQ

What are the key visa options for Europeans moving to Oman?

Europeans relocating to Oman can choose from several visa types depending on their purpose of stay:

Employment Visa – Sponsored by an Omani employer for professionals hired to work in Oman.

Investor or Business Visa – For entrepreneurs or investors establishing a company in Oman.

Family Visa – For spouses and dependents of residents or citizens.

Golden Visa – A premium 10-year residency program for investors, property owners, and highly skilled professionals.

What is the weather like in Oman?

Oman has hot summers and mild winters. From October to April, the weather is pleasant (20–30°C), while summer temperatures can rise above 40°C, especially inland. Coastal areas like Muscat are cooler thanks to sea breezes.

Can I drive with a European license?

You can use an international or European driving license for a short time, but for long-term residency, you’ll need to switch to an Omani license.

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