How To Get Omani Citizenship Step By Step
The Sultanate of Oman recently granted citizenship to 156 expats, following a royal decree by Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik. This move comes after the introduction of a new nationality law in February that replaces the 2014 legislation. The updated law outlines clearer, stricter, and more transparent pathways for foreigners who want to become Omani citizens.
Join our FREE WhatsApp channel to dive into a world of real-time engagement!
If you’re curious about how to qualify for Omani citizenship, here’s everything you need to know in one straightforward guide.
What Changed in the New Law?
The new nationality law aligns with Oman’s current constitution and clearly lays out who qualifies for citizenship, how to apply, and the rules for renunciation, restoration, or revocation. It aims to protect the country's national identity while still welcoming those who positively contribute to Oman’s development.
Who Is an Omani Citizen by Origin?
You are considered Omani by origin if:
- You were born to an Omani father (regardless of where you were born).
- You are a grandchild of an Omani citizen (in specific cases), and are over 50.
- You were born to an Omani father but became stateless, your mother’s nationality doesn’t matter.
Can You Have Dual Nationality?
Generally, Oman does not allow dual nationality. However, exceptions can be made with a royal decree if recommended by the Minister of Interior. If you want to give up your Omani citizenship, it must be approved by the minister and all obligations to the state must be fulfilled first.
Can You Lose Omani Citizenship?
Yes, under specific conditions:
- Automatically, if you take another nationality without Omani approval.
- If citizenship was gained by marriage, and the marriage ends in less than five years or the spouse remarries outside Omani nationality.
- If you commit serious crimes, insult the sultanate, work with hostile groups, or live outside Oman without justification.
- If you lied during the citizenship process.
The good news? Citizenship can be restored if the reasons for its revocation no longer apply.
How Can Foreigners Get Omani Citizenship?
Here are the main conditions you need to meet:
- Live legally in Oman for 15 consecutive years (you can be out of the country for up to 90 days per year).
- Read and write Arabic.
- Have a clean criminal record and good behavior.
- Be in good health, with no infectious diseases.
- Have a legitimate income that can support you and your dependents.
- Agree to give up your previous nationality in writing.
Citizenship Through Family Ties
There are easier paths if you're married to an Omani:
- Foreign husbands of Omani women: Eligible after 10 years of marriage and residency, with a child from the marriage.
- Foreign wives of Omani men: Eligible after 8 years, also with a child from the marriage, plus Arabic and good conduct requirements.
- Divorced or widowed spouses of Omanis can still apply under special conditions.
- Minor children of Omani mothers (and foreign fathers) may qualify, especially if the father is absent, deceased, or the couple is divorced and the child lives in Oman.
What About Restoration?
If you were originally an Omani and gave up your citizenship, you may apply to get it back if:
- You now live in Oman or intend to settle permanently.
- You have no serious criminal record.
- You’re ready to renounce any other nationality.
- Your children can regain it with you.
Even if you're a child who lost citizenship because your father renounced it, you can apply to restore it within five years of becoming an adult.
Enforcement and Penalties
Applying for citizenship is a serious process. Anyone who lies, submits fake documents, or tries to cheat the system could face:
- Up to 3 years in prison
- Fines from OMR 5,000 to 10,000
- Or both
Becoming an Omani citizen isn’t easy, and that’s by design. The process is structured to ensure that only individuals who genuinely respect the culture, contribute to the country, and meet strict criteria are welcomed into the national fold.
Whether you're considering applying or just curious about the rules, this new law offers more clarity than ever before. If you're committed to making Oman your long-term home, and you meet the qualifications, citizenship is now a more transparent (but still selective) process.