Oman Extends Expat Residency Card Validity to 10 Years Under New Regulation
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Dubai: In a major reform to its residency regulations, Oman has announced that expatriate residency cards will now be valid for up to 10 years, a significant increase from the previous three-year limit.
The decision was issued by Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsin Al Shuraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, and officially amends the executive regulations of the Civil Status Law, according to a report by Atheer newspaper.
10-Year Validity and New Fees
Under the new rule, expat residency cards will carry a 10-year validity period, streamlining the renewal process for long-term residents and investors.
Cardholders are required to renew their IDs within 30 days of expiry to maintain legal status.
The updated regulation also specifies new issuance and renewal fees, set at five Omani rials per year. In the case of a lost or damaged card, a replacement fee of 20 rials will apply.
Previously, under a decision made in August 2024, residency cards were only valid for one, two, or three years, depending on the holder’s status.
A Step Toward Simplified Residency Procedures
The new regulation is expected to simplify administrative procedures for expatriates living in Oman and strengthen the Sultanate’s appeal as a destination for long-term residency, business, and investment.
By extending validity to a decade, the initiative aligns with Oman’s ongoing efforts to enhance efficiency, digital governance, and investor confidence as part of Vision 2040.
