Oman vs UAE Golden Visa: Key Differences for Investors

Overview of Oman’s Golden Visa Programme

Oman officially introduced its long-term investor visa in September 2021 to attract foreign capital. The original program had 2 tiers. The first one offered a 5-year residency and required at least OMR 250,000 (≈ $650K). The second one offered a 10-year residency and required at least OMR 500,000 (≈ $1.3M). In August 2025, the government updated the Oman Golden Visa program. Now the entry threshold is even lower. Investors can contribute at least OMR 200,000 (≈ $520K) in one of the 7 different pathways to get a 10-year residency. In the Oman vs UAE context, this updated structure positions Oman to compete directly with the UAE’s golden visa programme.

The updated program offers the following investment options:

• Establishing or acquiring a company whose assets are worth at least OMR 200,000 and that has operated for at least a year.
• Buying real estate that’s in the ITCs (Integrated Tourism Complexes), and is valued at least OMR 200,000.
• Buying government development bonds that have at least a 2-year maturity and are worth at least OMR 200,000.
• Investing at least OMR 200,000 in listed equities on the Muscat stock exchange.
• Placing a fixed deposit of at least OMR 200,000 in a local bank.
• Owning a company that has at least 50 Omani nationals and whose capital is above OMR 200,000.
• Registering a company under Oman’s foreign investment law.

When you consider Oman vs UAE pathways, these kinds of diversified investment options highlight Oman’s flexibility. To make sure you stay updated on all the changes in the program, contact our experts for your free consultation.

Fees and the Processing Time

Besides the OMR 200,000 investment, there are several costs that each applicant needs to consider. Keep in mind the application fee. For the previous program, the fee for the 10-year residence permit was OMR 551 (≈ $1,430), while the fee for a 5-year permit was OMR 326 (≈ $848). For the updated program, the fees haven’t been published yet. However, considering the lowered investment threshold, it’s expected that the application fee will also be competitive.

The processing time in Oman usually takes 3 months.

Family Inclusion and Residency Rules

Continuing our Oman vs UAE comparison, it’s worth mentioning that Oman requires its Golden Visa holders to visit the country once every two years, while the UAE requires them to enter the country at least once every six months. This makes Oman more flexible.

Those who apply for Oman’s Golden Visa program can include their first-degree family members (spouse, children, and dependent parents) without any age or number restriction in the application as well.

The applicants are allowed to employ up to three domestic workers and issue visit visas for extended relatives. 

The visa holders need to visit the country only once every 2 years to maintain their residency. 

Benefits and Rights

Here are some benefits that the new Golden Visa program offers:

• The visa holders don’t need any local sponsor to live, work, or run a business in Oman.
• Those who buy real estate in ITCs have full ownership rights for the asset.
• Those who run a business in free zones can have 100% foreign ownership, enjoy no personal income tax, and have duty exemptions.
• Golden Visa holders can freely travel and stay outside Oman for extended periods without jeopardising their visa.
• Investors can open bank accounts, receive tax exemptions, and use the Invest Easy platform for easier company formation.

These benefits show how Oman positions itself in the Oman vs UAE debate.

Overview of the UAE Golden Visa Programme

The UAE introduced the Golden Visa program in 2019. The program aims to attract investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptional talents. It offers either a 5-year or a 10-year residency without the need for an employer sponsor. People who are eligible for the application can be investors, real‑estate owners, entrepreneurs, professionals, scientists, students, humanitarian pioneers, athletes, and other specialised talents.

The UAE Cabinet updated the scheme in October 2022. The update made the qualification process easier and expanded the list of eligible professionals. The official government portal has published requirements for all categories. Applications are processed through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai.

The UAE offers the following investment pathways:

• The public investment fund route is for applicants who want to obtain a 10-year residency. For this option, they need to prove a deposit of AED 2 million in an accredited investment fund or own a company or own a company that has more than AED 2 million capital. Applicants also need to provide a letter from the Federal Tax Authority, which confirms payment of at least AED 250,000 (≈ $68K) in tax annually.
• Another pathway of obtaining a 10-year residency is being an outstanding specialised talent. This category includes doctors, scientists, creative professionals, inventors, executives, athletes, engineers, and PhD holders. Each professional needs to provide supporting documents like certification from the UAE Ministry of Health (for doctors) or patent letters from the Ministry of Economy (for inventors).
• Applicants can invest in real estate to own a 5-year renewable residency permit.
• Entrepreneurs who want to receive a 5-year residency need to have an existing project that is worth more than AED 500,000 (≈ $136K). They also need to acquire approval from a recognised incubator or emirate authority

Fees and the Processing Time

The application cost (including the processing fees) is approximately AED 10,400 (≈ $2,830) per applicant. There are also additional expenses like registration fees, medical exams, and health insurance. The processing time usually takes 2-3 months.

Family Inclusion and Residency Rules

Continuing our Oman vs UAE comparison, it’s worth mentioning that the UAE also offers generous family inclusion benefits. Golden Visa holders in the UAE can sponsor their spouse and children of any age. Additionally, domestic staff like drivers, nannies, or housekeepers can also be sponsored. However, the UAE has stricter residency rules. Visa holders need to visit the country at least once every six months to keep the visa active.

Benefits and Rights

Here are some of the UAE Golden Visa benefits:

• The visa holders don’t need an employer sponsor.
• The residency visa is valid for 5 years or 10 years and is easily renewable.
•  Investors can sponsor their spouses, children, and domestic workers with no age or number limit.
• Families that have a Golden Visa can enrol in government schools and public health services.
• There are no income taxes, capital gains, or inheritance taxes.
• Investors have 100 % ownership of mainland companies and can purchase property in freehold zones.

Key Differences: Oman vs UAE

Here are the key differences between Oman and the UAE:

Minimum Amount of Investment and Routes

To obtain the Oman Golden Visa, the applicant needs to invest at least OMR 200,000 (≈ $520k) for a 10-year residency. There are seven routes: establishing or acquiring a company, purchasing real estate, buying bonds or listed equities, bank deposit, employing 50 Omanis, or holding a foreign‑investment law company. 

To obtain the UAE Golden Visa, applicants need AED 2 million (≈ $545k) for a 10‑year public‑investment visa, or invest AED 2 million in property for a 5‑year real‑estate visa, or invest AED 500k (≈ $136K)  in entrepreneurial projects, or as a professional, have at least AED 30,000 (≈ $8,000) monthly income. The main categories to acquire the Golden Visa are investment fund, real estate, entrepreneurship, specialised talent, professionals, students, and humanitarian work. 

Residency Rules and Family Sponsorship

Here are several points that applicants need to consider:

• Oman requires its Golden Visa holders to visit the country at least once every 2 years, whereas the UAE requires its Golden Visa holders to visit the country every 6 months.
• Both programs allow applicants to include their first-degree family members in the application. The UAE also allows sponsorship of an unlimited number of domestic workers.
• Oman permits the issuance of visit visas for extended relatives, while the UAE typically restricts long‑term sponsorship to immediate family. 

Pros & Cons for Investors in Each Country

Now, let’s summarize the Oman vs UAE pros and cons.

Oman

Pros:

• Oman offers affordable living. In fact, it has the lowest cost of living in the GCC. According to a study, its living expenses are about 26.5 % lower than in the UAE, and rent is 71.7 % cheaper. A person in Oman spends about $737 a month (excluding rent).
• Oman offers a 10-year residency with 7 different paths.
• Oman requires its Golden Visa holders to visit the country only once every 2 years.
• Residents pay no personal tax and 5% VAT.
• The crime rate is very low (18.40), and the safety index is high (81.60).

Cons:

• Oman’s economy is smaller and less diversified than the UAE’s; global flight connections and high‑tech sectors are limited.
• While improving rapidly, Oman’s business infrastructure is not yet as mature as Dubai’s.

UAE

Pros:

• The UAE has more than 40 free zones with sector‑specific infrastructure, and provides 100% foreign ownership and quick company formation. 
• There are multiple pathways that allow obtaining a Golden Visa not only for investors, but also for professionals, scientists, students, and humanitarian workers to qualify.
• Dubai and Abu Dhabi are regional financial centres with world‑class entertainment, healthcare, and education.
• The UAE has no personal income tax or capital gains.

Cons:

• Golden Visa holders must visit the UAE at least once every six months
• The UAE is one of the costliest GCC countries. A person in Dubai spends approximately $958 monthly (excluding rent). 

Lifestyle & Cultural Experience

Now that we’ve already talked about family inclusion, residency rules, benefits, and rights, let’s have a look at the Oman vs UAE lifestyle.

The UAE is known for its futuristic cities. Dubai’s skyscrapers and Abu Dhabi’s cultural institutions attract millions of tourists. Nomad Capitalist notes that the UAE is a “global crossroads” where ambition and wealth converge, resulting in a modern, busy environment. 

In Oman, life moves more slowly. Residents hike in the Hajar Mountains, explore desert wadis, and fish on pristine coasts. The country retains its heritage through traditional souqs and forts, and Omanis are known for their hospitality.

Business Setup & Investment Opportunities

Oman

Oman’s government has mostly prioritised investment in logistics, manufacturing, renewable energy, and tourism. Free zones such as Sohar, Salalah, and Duqm offer 0% corporate tax, customs duty exemptions, and 100% foreign ownership. Vision 2040 encourages diversifying the economy beyond oil. 

UAE

The UAE is a regional business powerhouse. It hosts more than 40 free zones in industries like finance (DIFC), media (DMC), technology (Dubai Internet City), and logistics (Jebel Ali Free Zone). Company formation costs are higher. Business networking opportunities include fintech, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, logistics, and tourism.

Tax Environment

This Oman vs UAE tax comparison shows that both jurisdictions remain highly competitive for individuals. Both Oman and the UAE offer no income tax, no capital gains, and 5% VAT. The main differences are in corporate taxes:

• The UAE introduced a 9 % federal corporate tax in June 2023 on profits above AED 375,000 (≈ $102,000). Free‑zone companies may remain exempt if they meet qualifying requirements; however, OECD Pillar Two rules will require multinationals to pay at least 15 % effective tax from 2025.
• Corporate income tax is generally 15 %, but companies in free zones can obtain tax holidays and customs exemptions. Small businesses may pay 3 % corporate tax if they meet turnover and shareholding criteria. You can learn more about Oman’s tax system in our guide.

Cost of Living for Each Country

According to Numbeo, here is the summary of the cost of living in Oman:

• The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $2,624, excluding rent.
• The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $737, excluding rent.
• A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $5.20.
• A one-way ticket in the local transport costs $1.30.
• Basic utilities for an 85 square meter apartment (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) cost $99.65.
• Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $517.90.
• The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is $1,455.

As for the UAE, here’s the summary of the cost of living:

• The estimated monthly costs for a family of four are $3,379, excluding rent.
• The estimated monthly costs for a single person are $958, excluding rent.
• A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is $8.17.
• A one-way ticket in the local transport costs $1.36.
• Basic utilities for an 85 square meter apartment (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) cost $178.
• Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs $1,662.
• The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city center is $6,449.

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