Oman work visa and residence card
How Omani employment visas, labour clearances and family joining work.
In short
Your employer secures a labour clearance from the Ministry of Labour, then the Royal Oman Police issue your employment visa. After a medical and fingerprints you receive a resident card, valid for up to two years.
- ID card
- Resident card (ROP)
- Typical time
- 2–4 weeks
- Validity
- 1–2 years, renewable
- Main authority
- Ministry of Labour + Royal Oman Police
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Employer checks your role is not reserved for Omanis under Omanisation rules.
1–2 weeks
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Check the job title is allowed for expats
- Keep the resident card with you
- Renew before expiry to avoid fines
Don’t
- Don’t stay outside Oman more than 6 months – residence may be cancelled
- Don’t start working on a visit visa
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Omanisation rules close some job titles to foreigners. Confirm your role before resigning from your current job.
Common questions
Can I sponsor my family?
Yes, with a monthly salary of around OMR 300 or more.
Is there a long-term visa?
Yes, Oman offers 5 and 10 year investor residence for property buyers and investors.
Official links
Background and more detail
Steps
- Your employer gets a labour clearance from the Ministry of Labour
- The Royal Oman Police issues the employment visa
- After arrival: medical test and fingerprints
- Your resident card is issued by the ROP, usually valid for two years
Family joining
Residents above the minimum salary set by the ROP can sponsor their spouse and children. The threshold has been lowered in recent years; check the current figure on the ROP portal. You will need attested certificates.
Changing jobs
Since 2021 a no-objection certificate is no longer required in most cases once your contract ends.
Leaving Oman
Your employer cancels the visa. Settle any debts first, because unpaid loans can result in a travel ban.
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