Buying Property in Oman: A Guide for Expats and Investors

Purchasing property in a foreign country is a big decision. And what can be better than Oman? With Oman's stable economy, friendly policies towards foreigners, and natural scenery, it is becoming a foreign investor hotspot by the day. Another major attraction of Oman is the luxurious real estate properties of DarGlobal that make it an irresistible place to invest in developments like The Great Escape and Marriott Residences.

Therefore, whether you are moving or looking to diversify your real estate portfolio, Oman has something for everyone. However, the key is to understand the property buying process in Oman to avoid any mistakes. So, let’s get into the details of buying property in Oman.

Key Takeaways

• Foreigners are allowed to purchase property in ITC zones with complete ownership rights, except in restricted areas.
• The process of buying property involves choosing a suitable property, managing your finances, and finally registering your property.
• The real estate industry in Oman is booming with rising property values and high demand for housing units.
• Foreign investors are drawn to affordable property prices, tax benefits, infrastructural development, and proximity to luxury developments.
• By investing in eligible properties, foreigners can benefit from Oman's Golden Visa, granting 5/10 years' residency with family.

Can Expats Buy Property in Oman?

Foreigners can purchase and own property in Oman, but only in designated areas known as Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs). Oman's Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning designs and approves these areas, allowing foreigners to hold full ownership. 

Expats can invest in residential and commercial plots in these areas with 100% ownership. However, they must complete the building within four years, or the government will intervene and auction the land.  Restricted zones like border zones, military zones, and zones of archaeological significance are out of bounds to foreign buyers. 

How to Buy Property in Oman: Step-By-Step Guide

To buy a property in Oman as a foreigner, you need to follow a step-by-step process so that there are no pitfalls and you can acquire your property with confidence:

Step 1: Select a Property

Select a property in an approved Integrated Tourism Complex (ITC). Make sure that the property is investment-worthy for residency if that is included in your plan.

Step 2: Partner with a Professional

Partner with a professional property advisor or legal advisor who is well versed in the Omani market and can guide you through the selection and documentation process.

Step 3: Conduct Due Diligence

Inspect the property thoroughly and also verify the property's ownership history and check all the documents. Do not miss on cross-verifying Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and associated financials. 

Step 4: Consider Financial Aspects

Explore financing options with Omani banks and check the payment plan and associated fees. 

Step 5: Get the Registration

Submit all the required documents to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. Finally get your registration done, and get the official title deed.  When buying property in Oman consider luxury apartments, offering luxury living, stunning views, and suitability for the Oman Investment Visa. 

Thus, one of the major steps of buying a property in Oman is financial considerations. Let us look at the financial aspect of buying a home in Oman in detail.

House Price in Oman: Market Overview

Oman's real estate sector is gradually on an uptrend. The real estate sector is expected to be worth USD 310.74 billion by the end of 2025, with residential property accounting for more than USD 226 billion. 

The increase in these prices reflects the increasing demand, particularly of sea-view and high-end properties. Residential land prices increased by 6.5% in Q1 2025, and apartment prices increased by 17%.

Muscat is the top investment city in Oman, Salalah and Sohar, along with other prominent cities, offer low prices with high appreciation potential. Apart from golf communities, cliff-front view luxury apartments are in great demand too as they are high return on investment for early buyers.

Benefits of Buying Property in Oman for Foreigners

Investing in real property in Oman has several benefits, some of which we have listed below:

High Qualifying Living Standards

Oman has extremely high-quality living standards, from its modern infrastructure and world-class medical facilities to schools meeting international standards. Foreigners can enjoy a safe, peaceful lifestyle with a heap of facilities, suitable for families and retirees.

Favorable Tax Environment

Oman does not impose personal income tax. Property investors qualify to have allowances and deductions, reducing cost and making it a tax-free region to reside and invest.

Transparency of Law and Ownership Rights

The laws of property in Oman are simple and investor-friendly. Foreigners can own freehold property in ITCs. The ownership of property outside such areas is also allowed in new properties, giving greater investment freedom.

High-Growth Market and ROI

The real estate market in Oman is growing consistently. Prices of residential properties, especially in apartments and villas, are growing year-on-year, generating good returns on investment for purchasers.

Residency Through Investment

Foreigners become eligible for a residence visa for five years by investing at least OMR 250,000 in qualifying real estate. The residency will be extended to a 10-year visa by investing OMR 500,000, allowing families to establish long-term stability. Now, since you know that one of the major benefits of investing in real estate in Oman is the “Investment Visa”, let us explore its eligibility criteria and the process.

Oman Property Investment Visa: Eligibility and Process

Oman has a Golden Visa (Investment Residency Program) to entice foreign investors. Foreign investors may qualify by investing in qualifying property in ITCs. to qualify for the Golden Visa, you must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:

• The cost of investment for a 5-year visa is OMR 250,000, and for a 10-year visa, is OMR 500,000. 
• The applicants must be 21 years and above, possess a clean record, health cover, and proof of financial resources. 

Once you fulfil the eligibility criteria you can apply for the residency following the steps below:

Step 1: Decide on Your Investment Amount

You need to decide your budget based on your pocket and based on your requirements for a Golden Visa.

• For a 5-year visa: Invest OMR 250,000 at least.
• For a 10-year visa: Invest OMR 500,000 and above.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documents

Gather all the essential documents, including:

• A valid passport
• Proof of property purchase and value of investment
• Bank statements or account records
• Criminal record certificate
• Comprehensive health coverage

Step 3: Submit your Application

Submit all the documents to the Oman Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP). A lawyer will check that everything is in line with the laws in place.

Step 4: Wait for Approval

Following approval and inspection, you will be granted an Investor Residency Card. You and your family can live in Oman for the duration approved under this visa.

Step 5: Maintain Investment and Residency

Retain possession of the property throughout the term of residency. Investment and residency rules need to be followed to renew after that.

Conclusion

Oman offers a robust combination of lifestyle, opportunities, and long-term investment benefits for foreign property investors. With rising property values, investor-friendly policies, and the possibility of securing residency through property ownership, Oman is becoming a sought-after destination for global investors. If you are planning to relocate to the Middle East or require diversifying your investment portfolio, Oman via DarGlobal is an experience you cannot afford to miss out on.

FAQs

What are the rules for buying property in Oman?

Expats can purchase freehold property in Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs). It is not permitted to own property in restricted zones such as military zones. They can also buy land in designated areas, but have to develop the land within four years. 

How does the Oman property investment visa work?

By investing OMR 250,000 or more in qualified property, foreigners can qualify for a 5/10 year residency visa. The family visa can be renewed easily, on the condition of ongoing compliance with investment and legal requirements.

What is the average house price in Oman?

House prices in Muscat are typically between OMR 500 and OMR 1,000 per square meter. Relative to other famous cities across the Middle East, these prices are really low, and hence Oman is a favorable market for real estate investment.

What are the benefits of buying property in Oman?

Foreign investors can enjoy low prices, tax benefits, secure legal arrangements, permanent residency, a good quality of life, quality medical care, and high returns on high-end real estate in designated areas.

How to buy property in Oman as an expat?

To buy a property in Oman, you can partner with a local real estate agent, who can help you select the right property and do all the documentation work. Further, you have to arrange the finances and register your property to get a title deed.