Expats in Oman Can Now Get Resident Cards Valid for 10 Years

  • Publish date: Thursday، 13 November 2025 Reading time: two min read

Oman extends residency card validity up to 10 years as part of broader reform for expatriates

Oman has introduced a significant reform for expatriates with the launch of resident cards valid for up to ten years.

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According to a decision issued by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) amending the executive regulations of the Civil Status Law, residence cards for foreign residents may now carry a maximum validity of 10 years, subject to categories and director-general controls. 

Under the new rules, the residence card issuance and renewal fee for expatriates is set at OMR 5 per year, up to the maximum validity. For lost or damaged cards, the replacement fee is OMR 20. Renewal must take place within 30 days after expiry.

Previously the validity period for these cards was significantly shorter—typically one to three years—making this a major shift in policy. 

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The change is touted as bringing greater stability and convenience for expatriates living and working in Oman. Longer-term validity reduces the administrative burden of frequent renewals and contributes to a more predictable residency framework. Observers note the move also aligns with broader efforts by Oman to attract foreign talent and investment. 

The regulation applies not only to expatriate residence cards but also extends to the personal identification cards used by citizens, which will now have a validity of up to 10 years in the case of Omani nationals. 

This dual-track reform underscores a general trend in Oman towards modernising civil status documentation and making life easier for foreign residents and citizens alike.

For expatriates, the new policy means they can plan for longer-term stays in the Sultanate without the hassle of renewal every few years. Employers and businesses stand to benefit too—fewer administrative disruptions, more workforce stability, and potentially easier long-term planning. 

In practice, expats eligible for the maximum ten-year card will still need to meet the relevant category criteria and controls set by the Director General of Civil Status. The policy rollout will likely involve updates to existing processes, notification to employers, and coordination with immigration and visa-support systems.