Expats who have been residing in Oman for more than 20 years can now apply for Omani citizenship if they fall within the outlined prerequisites of the Citizenship Law of Oman. Full requirements, in addition to terms and conditions of foreigner citizenship are outlined in the Citizenship Law of the Sultanate of Oman by Royal Decree No 38 of 2014 and the latest Ministerial Decision No, 92 of 2019 of the Ministry of Internal Affairs

Who can apply?

Individuals who wish to apply must have lived in Oman consecutively for 20 years, or, if married to, divorced from or widowed by an Omani, the applicant must have lived in Oman for 15 years, this relates to both male and female persons.

How can you apply?

Below are some guidelines and key considerations on the application process:

Step One: A detailed application form must be completed which can be obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step Two: Supporting documents must be submitted with the completed application form, these include:

• Passport copy
• Valid visa copy
• Details of the first entry to Oman
• Photo ID card copy or a valid resident card
• Police clearance certificate
• Copy of a valid health certificate
• Salary certificate
• Certificate copy authorising the individual to renounce nationality
• Written declaration to relinquish nationality
• A copy of the marriage certificate (if married to an Omani)
• Passport copy of spouse (if married to an Omani)

KEY NOTE: If a foreigner is married to an Omani, prior permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs must be granted for their marriage. This also applies for widowed or divorced individuals.

Step Three: Make application fee payment. Individuals who have been living in Oman for a minimum of 20 years must pay OMR 600 and individuals who are married to, divorced from or widowed by an Omani citizen must pay OMR 300.

Step Four: Once all documents have been submitted the application will be reviewed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. If the applicant falls within the outlined rules and regulation, a decision will be made if citizenship is granted.

What are the next steps?

After Omani citizenship has been approved and granted, the individual the must swear before the President of the Court of First Instance to obey the customs, laws, statutes and traditions of Oman and be a respectful citizen. In addition, the foreigner must not reside outside of Oman for more than six months within the first ten years after obtaining citizenship. However, in special circumstances where the individual must exit the country for a period extending beyond six months, special approvals can be granted from the Ministry of Internal Affairs.