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Understanding Ultimate Beneficial Ownership (UBO) Rules in Oman
Secure Residency in Oman by Investing in a Business
Oman has emerged as one of the most investor-friendly countries in the GCC. With Vision 2040 focused on diversifying its economy, the Sultanate is actively encouraging foreign entrepreneurs and investors to contribute to its economic growth — and in return, offering long-term residency options.
If you’re a foreign national seeking Oman residency through business investment, this guide outlines the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and key business structures that qualify you for a residency visa.
Why Choose Oman for Investment-Based Residency?
Investing in Oman not only gives you access to the country’s growing economy but also positions you in a strategic location connected to Africa, Asia, and the rest of the Middle East.
Key Reasons to Invest in Oman for Residency:
100% foreign ownership in many sectors
No personal income tax
Access to a stable currency and low inflation
Strategic port locations and logistics infrastructure
Supportive regulatory environment and legal protection for investors
Pathway to renewable long-term residency permits
What is the Oman Residency Visa for Investors?
The Investor Residency Visa (IRV) is a long-term residence permit offered to foreign nationals who establish or invest in a qualifying business in Oman. This visa is issued under the Investor Residence Program, launched by Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) and Royal Oman Police (ROP).
There are two primary tracks:
Standard Investor Residency – tied to business registration and ownership
Premium Investor Residency (Golden Visa) – for higher investment amounts with extended benefits
Eligibility Criteria for Business-Based Residency in Oman
To qualify for a residency visa through business investment, you must:
Establish or invest in a legally registered Omani business
Hold a minimum shareholding or capital injection (usually starting from OMR 20,000 depending on visa type)
Obtain security clearance and background approval
Maintain a physical presence (office space) and operate a genuine business
Comply with Oman’s Commercial Companies Law and labor regulations
💡 Note: For Golden Visa eligibility, investment thresholds begin at OMR 250,000 or equivalent real estate/business assets.
What Is a UBO & Why It Matters
A UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) is the natural person who ultimately owns or controls ≥ 25% of a business—directly or indirectly through complex ownership chains.
The UBO regime supports anti-money laundering (AML-CTF), tax transparency, and helps the government trace control behind corporate structures.
It’s required by Ministerial Decision 630/2022, now updated by Decision 424/2023, effective since 7 August 2023.
Which Companies Must Comply?
All commercial entities formed under Oman’s Commercial Companies Law RD 18/2019 must maintain a UBO Register—excluding public joint stock companies (SAOGs).
This includes LLCs, SAOCs, partnerships, holding companies, joint ventures, and SPCs.
Core Obligations Under the Regulations
Maintain a UBO Register (UBR) listing individuals owning or controlling ≥ 25% of shares.
Appoint an Oman-resident liaison to register UBO data with MoCIIP and respond within 3 working days.
Update the UBR within 5 working days when UBO details change.
Retain UBO and shareholder records for at least 10 years (or 5 years post‑liquidation).
Provide the UBR on MoCIIP request within 3 working days.
What a UBO Register Must Include
Full name, date of birth, nationality, residential address
Civil ID or passport number
Ownership percentage or nature of control
If a legal entity holds ≥ 25%, include entity details and its natural person UBO(s)
If no individual meets the ≥ 25% threshold, the most senior management officer is deemed the UBO.
Penalties for Non‑Compliance
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Failure to maintain UBR | Written warning |
| UBR not updated/missing info | Administrative fine up to OMR 1,000 |
| Repeat or severe breach | Commercial registration suspension up to 3 months |
| Additional or repeated violation | Penalties may be doubled |
Step-by-Step Compliance Checklist ✅
Identify individuals/entities with ≥ 25% ownership or control.
Appoint an Oman-based liaison officer to MoCIIP.
Draft & maintain the UBO Register (can be electronic).
Register UBO info with MoCIIP at CR application or renewal.
Update the UBR within 5 working days of ownership change.
Retain all records for 10 years post-event.
Prepare for spot-checks or audit requests.
Complex Ownership Structures: How To Identify UBOs
Map out ownership chains: multiple layers of shareholders, trusts, or holding companies must be trailed back to individuals.
Recognize indirect control via nominee arrangements, board influence, or voting rights.
Aggregated holdings across multiple vehicles should be counted cumulatively.
Common Compliance Challenges (and How to Fix Them)
Incomplete UBO identification: Use detailed ownership charts and collect supporting documents.
Missed updates: Set internal alerts with each shareholder change—update within 5 days.
Point-of-contact failure: Define a reliable, responsive liaison—ensure contact info is current.
Record retention lapse: Archive historical UBO and shareholder data securely, even for dissolved entities.
Enforcement Reality & Industry Feedback
Enforcement tends to begin with warnings and fines, but recent audits indicate MoCIIP is becoming stricter.
Some SMEs have reported license suspensions for prolonged non-compliance.
On Reddit forums, businesses across the Gulf have shared experiences of heavy penalties due to missed UBO submissions.
Why UBO Rules Are Crucial for Investors & Partners
Required due diligence: Many banks, law firms, or investors ask for UBO data during onboarding.
Transparency & trust: Knowing real ownership builds credibility and aligns with global AML standards.
Prepare for future regulations: UBO regimes are expanding into public registers—early compliance is protective.
Have Any Question?
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