Oman visa 2026: 5 Steps & Costs

Key takeaways

Oman visa 2‑year residency costs OMR 150 for the main applicant and OMR 75 per dependent.
A minimum monthly salary of OMR 1,500 (or lower thresholds for specific nationalities) is required.
The e‑visa portal processes applications in 10‑14 business days, with a simple online submission.

Quick answer: Oman visa applicants can secure a 2‑year multi‑entry residency for OMR 150 (main applicant) and OMR 75 per dependent, provided they earn at least OMR 1,500/month, have valid health insurance and a clean criminal record. The e‑visa process typically takes 10‑14 business days and permits work without a local sponsor.

What are the current Oman visa rules for expats in 2026?

The Ministry of Interior launched the Oman 2‑year residency visa in March 2026, replacing the previous 1‑year visa. It is a multi‑entry visa and does not require an Omani sponsor. Key rules (as of October 2026) include:

Minimum monthly salary: OMR 1,500 for most nationals; OMR 1,200 for Pakistani citizens; OMR 2,000 for high‑skill categories.
Valid health insurance covering the entire stay.
Clean police clearance from the applicant’s home country.
Passport validity: at least 12 months for most nationals, 6 months for UK citizens.
Fees: OMR 150 for the primary applicant, OMR 75 per dependent (paid via the Ministry of Interior portal).

Compared with the old 1‑year visa (OMR 100/50), the new fee structure is more transparent and the processing time is faster thanks to the e‑visa platform.

Step 1: Verify eligibility and gather core documents

Before you start the online application, confirm that you meet the salary, insurance and background‑check requirements. Gather the following core documents, which apply to all applicants regardless of nationality:

Recent salary certificate showing a monthly salary of at least OMR 1,500 (or the applicable lower threshold).
Valid health insurance policy covering Oman.
Police clearance certificate (or NOC where required) from your home country.
Passport with the required validity period (12 months for most, 6 months for UK citizens).
Two recent passport‑size photos (white background).

Step 2: Create an account on the Oman e‑visa portal

The new e‑visa portal (moi.gov.om/evisa) is the official channel for all Oman visa applications. Follow these steps:

Visit the portal and click “Register”. Use a valid email address and create a secure password.
Complete the personal information section and upload scanned copies of the core documents collected in Step 1.
Pay the visa fee online using a credit/debit card or Oman e‑payment gateway. The amount is OMR 150 for the main applicant and OMR 75 per dependent.
Submit the application. The system generates a tracking number you can use to monitor progress.
Typical processing time is 10‑14 business days; you will receive an electronic visa approval via email.

Step 3: Nationality‑specific requirements

While the core documents are the same, each nationality has extra items to prepare for the Oman visa.

UAE expatriates

Copy of your valid UAE residence visa (issued by the GDRFA).
Recent salary certificate from your UAE employer.
Passport valid for at least 12 months.
No local Omani sponsor needed; the UAE visa acts as proof of legal status.

UK citizens

Passport valid for at least 6 months.
Bank statement showing a minimum balance of OMR 5,000.
Medical fitness certificate issued by the Oman Health Authority.
Visa fee remains OMR 150.

Pakistani citizens

No‑Objection Certificate (NOC) from the current employer.
Police clearance from Pakistan (authenticated by the Omani embassy).
Salary proof of at least OMR 1,200 per month.
Processing time averages 12‑18 days due to additional verification.

Step 4: Submit the application and track status

After uploading all required documents and paying the fee, click “Submit”. The Ministry of Interior dashboard shows three status stages:

Submitted – files are under initial review.
Under Review – background checks and salary verification are in progress.
Approved – the e‑visa is generated and sent to your email.

If additional information is requested, you will receive a portal notification and an email. Respond promptly to avoid delays.

Step 5: Enter Oman and activate your residency

At Muscat International Airport, present your printed e‑visa and passport. An immigration officer will stamp your passport with a residence entry stamp.

Within 30 days you must:

Register with the Oman Civil Status Department to obtain a Civil ID (QID).
Enroll in a local health insurance scheme if your employer has not already done so.
Open a bank account – most banks require the Civil ID, passport, and a copy of the residence visa.

These steps complete the residency activation and allow you to work, drive, and enjoy full expatriate rights under the Oman visa.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Even experienced applicants can run into delays. Here are the most frequent issues and practical tips:

Missing translations: All documents not originally in Arabic or English must be notarized and translated by an accredited translator. Double‑check the translation before upload.
Insufficient salary proof: Provide a recent payslip (last three months) and an employer‑issued salary certificate on official letterhead. A bank statement alone is rarely accepted.
Health insurance gaps: The insurance policy must be valid for the entire residency period. Short‑term tourist policies are rejected.
Late police clearance: Some countries issue clearance that expires after three months. Request a fresh certificate if your application will exceed that window.

Renewal and extension of the Oman visa

The 2‑year Oman visa can be renewed once for an additional two years, provided the holder continues to meet the salary and insurance criteria. Renewal steps mirror the original application, but you can reuse the existing Civil ID and bank details, which speeds up processing to 5‑7 business days.

Living costs and quality of life for Oman visa holders

Oman offers a relatively low cost of living compared with many GCC states. As of October 2026, average monthly expenses for a single expatriate are:

Housing (one‑bedroom apartment in Muscat): OMR 250‑350
Utilities (electricity, water, internet): OMR 30‑45
Food and groceries: OMR 120‑180
Transportation (fuel & public transport): OMR 40‑60

These figures help you confirm that your salary comfortably exceeds the Oman visa minimum threshold.

How can UAE expats apply for an Oman 2‑year residency visa?

UAE expatriates follow the same five‑step process, with the key difference that the UAE residence visa replaces the need for a local Omani sponsor. After creating an e‑visa account, upload the UAE residence visa copy, salary certificate and passport. The system automatically flags the applicant as a UAE national, and the processing time remains 10‑14 days.

Is Oman banning work visas for expatriates in 2026?

No. Oman continues to issue work permits (employment visas). The new 2‑year residency visa is separate and simply allows multiple entries and longer stays without a sponsor. Work‑permit processing via the e‑visa platform averages 10‑14 business days, down from 20‑25 days before the platform launch.

What are the visa requirements for UK citizens moving to Oman?

Passport with at least 6 months validity.
Bank statement showing a minimum OMR 5,000 balance.
Medical fitness certificate from the Oman Health Authority.
Proof of salary (OMR 1,500/month or higher).
Visa fee of OMR 150 for the main applicant.

All documents are uploaded to the e‑visa portal; processing time remains 10‑14 days.

What documents do Pakistani citizens need for an Oman residency visa?

No‑Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer.
Police clearance certificate from Pakistan, authenticated by the Omani embassy.
Salary proof of at least OMR 1,200 per month.
Valid passport (12 months recommended).
Visa fee OMR 150 (main applicant) and OMR 75 per dependent.

Processing takes 12‑18 days, slightly longer than the general 10‑14‑day window due to extra verification steps.

How long does it take to get an Oman work permit in 2026?

Through the e‑visa platform, the average processing time is 10‑14 business days. Traditional consular processing still exists for certain categories and takes 20‑25 days. Delays can occur if:

Documents are incomplete or illegible.
Background checks reveal discrepancies.
High demand periods (e.g., Ramadan) overload the system.

Tips to expedite:

Double‑check document formats and translations before upload.
Use the portal’s “Pre‑check” feature to catch missing items.
Pay the fee promptly and keep the transaction receipt.

Can I convert my foreign driving licence to an Omani licence in 2026?

Yes. The conversion now requires a 3‑day theory course followed by a practical test. Total cost is OMR 120 (≈ US$312). Required documents:

Valid foreign driving licence (must be non‑expired).
Passport and residence visa.
Medical fitness certificate.
Proof of residency (Civil ID).

Courses are offered by the Oman Police Authority driving centres; you can book online at police.gov.om/driving.

What are the latest changes to Oman’s labour law regarding gratuity?

In June 2026 the Ministry of Labour amended Royal Decree No. 35/2022. The statutory gratuity entitlement for employees with more than 10 years of service increased from 21 months to 24 months of basic salary. This change applies to all expatriate contracts signed after the amendment date and must be reflected in end‑of‑service calculations.

Employers are required to update payroll systems by 30 September 2026 and disclose the new gratuity formula in employee contracts.

Quick comparison of visa fees, processing times, and salary thresholds

Item	New 2‑Year Visa (2026)	Previous 1‑Year Visa
Main applicant fee	OMR 150 (≈ US$390)	OMR 100 (≈ US$260)
Dependent fee	OMR 75 (≈ US$195)	OMR 50 (≈ US$130)
Processing time (e‑visa)	10‑14 business days	20‑25 business days
Minimum salary (general)	OMR 1,500/month	OMR 1,200/month
Minimum salary (Pakistani)	OMR 1,200/month	OMR 1,000/month
High‑skill threshold	OMR 2,000/month	OMR 1,800/month
Expatriate population 2026	~2.1 million (≈ 45 % of total)	~2.0 million (2025 estimate)
Gratuity entitlement	24 months (≥10 yr service)	21 months (≥10 yr service)

For the most up‑to‑date information, always consult the official Ministry of Interior e‑visa portal (moi.gov.om/evisa) and the Oman Ministry of Labour publications (labour.gov.om).

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Oman visa application process take?

The e‑visa platform processes most Oman visa applications in 10‑14 business days; traditional consular routes may take 20‑25 days.

Can dependents be added to my Oman visa?

Yes. Each dependent costs OMR 75 and must meet the same health insurance and background‑check requirements.

No. The Oman visa is sponsor‑free; you only need to meet salary, insurance and police clearance criteria.

Photos: Domenico Convertini / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; Dr. Thomas Liptak / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0