How to Obtain Omani Citizenship
Oman is the oldest independent state in the Arab world, sharing borders with the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Oman has Bedouin traditions and holds it with a sense of identity and pride. The country has a brilliant economy due to its oil wealth, which has developed at a great speed over the years.
Oman’s beautiful country has vast exploring opportunities for locals, expats and travellers alike; find its stunning desert, fishing towns, breath-taking mountains and striking coastlines. At the heart of the Omani spirit is the traditional Arab kingdom, untouched by excessive wealth and modern innovation. The country is a peaceful and humble place, which has preserved its nature, whilst still developing into the modern world.
So, if you’re looking to obtain Omani citizenship, keep reading.
Why Live in Oman?
Oman is a popular destination for expats, and is widely considered the friendliest Gulf state to live and work in for expats. It has a large number of social clubs and organisations to help expats meet people and caters for all ages. Bars, clubs and shopping centres are popular, as well as the opportunity to camp in the desert, swim in the oceans on the beautiful beaches, and hike in the mountains. Noticeably, the expat population is mainly British, American, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and South African nationals.
The city of Muscat is the most developed city, and due to the large expat population, it’s easy to live a western life in Oman. However, in less developed towns and fishing villages, it will be harder to live a western life with many rural towns not being as Westernised. However, the expat population in these places are still large, with many social clubs to meet new friends.
Oman has a low crime rate and is a very safe country. Although, the culture shock that expats may experience can be felt. The Omani culture can take a while to adjust to, and a little patience will be required to adapt to this new way of living. Education is very good in Oman, however, expats will have to pay to put their children in private schools, as schooling is only free for Omani children. There are a variety of international schools also available with high-quality teaching and facilities.
Omani Citizenship for Expats
Oman changed its rules for citizenship for expats recently and now allows expats to apply for citizenship as long as they meet clear requirements.
- You can be accepted for Omani citizenship if you fit within any of the following requirements:
- An individual who has lived in Oman for a period of 20 years or more
- An individual who is married to an Omni citizen, and who has lived in Oman for 15 years or more.
- A female expat who has been widowed or divorced from her Omani husband, and lived in Oman for 15 years or more
- An Omani woman who is married to an expat and are applying for citizenship for any children of that marriage
To apply for Omani citizenship, you must complete the relevant application and provide a fee. You will also need some documentation including the following:
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of your ID card
- A copy of your valid resident card
- A copy of your salary certificate
- A police clearance certificate
- A copy of your valid health certificate to prove you are free from infectious diseases
- A copy of a certificate from the relevant authority authorising you to renounce your current nationality
- A written declaration stating that you relinquish your nationality
- A written declaration specifying the names of your dependent children under the age of 18, with all their documents attached
- A copy of your marriage certificate (if applicable)
- A copy of a certificate issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs (in the event of your marriage to an Omani)
- Copies of the passports of your spouse and children, along with their birth certificates (if applicable)
Expats in Oman
If you are planning on moving to Oman, or are an expat, don’t forget to protect yourself with international health insurance. Expatriate Healthcare provides international healthcare insurance for expats worldwide, as well as cashless health insurance for corporate customers.
