Investment property: Oman
Oman opens its property market to foreigners selectively.
A foreigner can buy a home freehold in government-approved integrated tourism complexes and certain permitted projects, while the rest of the market is closed to non-residents. Such complexes exist around Muscat, for example Al Mouj, Muscat Bay and Jebel Sifah, and near Salalah in the south. Buying a home here combines well with residence: the owner receives a visa, and a large investment brings a 5- or 10-year investor residence permit.
What a foreigner can do
| Question | How it works |
|---|---|
| Where you can buy | in integrated tourism complexes and permitted projects |
| Form of title | freehold or long-term usufruct, under the law on foreign ownership in tourism complexes |
| Registration fee for foreigners | 3% of the value, paid to the housing ministry |
| Owner's visa | two years, renewable while the property is owned, for the owner and family |
| Investor residence | 5 years from 250,000 rials, ~$650,200; 10 years from 500,000 rials, ~$1,300,400 |
| Income tax | none now; from 2028, 5% on annual income above 42,000 rials, ~$109,300 |
The rial is pegged to the US dollar, 1 rial is about 2.60 dollars; dollar amounts are rounded up. Since the currency does not move against the dollar, a buyer with dollar savings carries no currency risk.
How a purchase works
- Choice of complex and property for the goal: a home for yourself, rental, a basis for a visa or investor residence.
- Developer and property check: the complex permit, land rights, construction schedule, management rules and running costs.
- Reservation and sale agreement with the developer or seller, a payment schedule for off-plan purchases.
- Payment through a bank with proof of source of funds.
- Registration with the housing ministry, payment of the 3% fee, issue of the title document.
- Application for the owner's visa or investor residence.
A completed home is usually registered within a few weeks. For off-plan purchases the title document is issued after construction is finished, so we check the payment schedule and handover dates especially carefully.
Whose name to register the home in
The law allows purchases in complexes both by foreign individuals and by companies. If the goal is an owner's visa or investor residence, the home is usually registered to the individual who will apply. Buying in the names of several family members or through a company is discussed before the agreement: it affects the right to a visa, resale and inheritance. A will covering the Omani property is best prepared right after registration.
What to budget on top of the price
- The registration fee of 3% of the value.
- Complex service charges: security, cleaning, common areas, pools.
- Lawyer's fees and translation of agreements.
- If the home is rented out, the complex management company's fees.
We will calculate online the full purchase cost for your budget: taxes, fees and transaction costs.
Risks to know about
- The market is small and young, and resale can take time.
- You can buy only in permitted complexes and projects: a property outside them cannot be registered to a foreigner.
- For off-plan purchases the developer's reliability and real handover dates matter.
- Service charges in resort complexes are higher than in ordinary buildings.
- From 2028 a tax on high incomes will apply, which is worth factoring into rental yield calculations.
What we do
Murblz specialists select a complex and property for your goal, check the developer and land documents, support the agreement, payment and registration with the ministry, open an account with an Omani bank and handle the application for the owner's visa or investor residence. We fix the estimate in writing.
What we do
- Property shortlist for your investment goal
- Legal due diligence on the property
- End-to-end transaction support
- Ownership structuring (company, trust)
- Property management and letting
See also
Company formation · Business account · Personal account
FAQ
Can a foreigner buy property in Oman?
Does buying property give residence in Oman?
What taxes and fees apply on purchase?
Where in Oman do foreigners buy?
How long does a purchase take?
How much does deal support cost?
Choosing property in Oman?
We check which Omani complexes allow freehold purchases by foreigners and when a purchase gives residence, and vet the developer. Every country is in the searchable catalogue.
The Murblz consultant replies straight away in the chat on this page. Describe your situation and we will work it out together.
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