Oman
Oman Extends Residency Card Validity to 10 Years Under New Decision: In a major development aimed at simplifying residency procedures, Oman has extended the validity of its residence cards to 10 years, up from the previous three-year limit. The announcement, based on Decision No. 157/2025, amends certain provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Civil Status Law, according to reports citing the Royal Oman Police (ROP).
Under the new regulations, cardholders must renew their residency within 30 days after issuance. The decision applies to specific categories as outlined by the Director General. The fee for the residency card has been set at 5 Omani riyals per year, while those seeking a replacement card will need to pay 20 Omani riyals.
This policy change is expected to streamline long-term residency management and encourage stability for expatriates and investors in Oman.
Earlier, Oman had announced a visa amnesty scheme, active until December 31, 2025, providing a significant opportunity for visa violators to regularise their status and settle outstanding fines.
According to the Royal Oman Police, the amnesty allows:
- Foreign nationals renewing their residence permits or transferring employment within Oman to be exempt from all fines resulting from the expiry of entry or residence permits (for holders of work residence permits), once the Ministry of Labour verifies their status correction.
- Foreign nationals planning to leave Oman permanently to be exempted from all fines related to the termination of any non-work-related visas.
These reforms underline Oman’s ongoing efforts to enhance its immigration system, attract foreign talent, and support expatriate communities through streamlined legal frameworks.
