How to get Omani citizenship: A complete guide
Here are the terms and conditions expats must meet to become an Omani citizen
The Sultanate of Oman recently granted citizenship to 156 expats, following a decree by Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik.
In February, the royal decree on the Omani nationality law was issued, and introduced a new set of conditions for foreign nationals seeking Omani citizenship.
This law replaces the previous citizenship legislation of 2014 and aligns nationality regulations with the nation’s current constitutional principles as outlined in the Basic Law of the State.
The law establishes clear guidelines and procedures for acquiring, restoring, renouncing, and losing Omani citizenship, thereby ensuring national identity is preserved while accommodating deserving individuals who contribute to Oman’s development.
Definition of an Omani citizen
The Omani citizenship by origin applies to persons born to Omani fathers, whether within the sultanate or abroad, before the law’s enactment. The law extends citizenship by origin to certain grandchildren of Omanis who acquired citizenship by grant, provided the grandchild is over 50 years old.
Citizenship also applies to those born to Omani fathers who become stateless, regardless of the mother’s nationality, reflecting a commitment to prevent statelessness within Oman’s population.
Dual nationality and renunciation
The law generally prohibits dual nationality to maintain exclusive allegiance to Oman. Exceptions require a royal decree based on a recommendation from the Minister of Interior.
Renunciation of Omani citizenship is permitted only after the minister’s approval and confirmation that the individual has met all obligations to the sultanate.
Minor children linked to a renouncing father retain citizenship unless the father requests otherwise and foreign nationality laws allow it.
Granting, revocation, and restoration of citizenship
All actions involving the granting, withdrawal, revocation, or restoration of citizenship are executed by royal decree, ensuring that such decisions receive the highest level of scrutiny.
The law provides flexibility by permitting exceptional grants or restorations of citizenship through royal decrees that may waive usual legal requirements.
Individuals who receive or regain citizenship enjoy full civil rights from the effective date of the relevant royal decree.
Loss and revocation of citizenship
The law lists circumstances leading to citizenship loss or revocation to uphold national interests:
Automatic loss if an Omani acquires another nationality without state authorization.
Revocation of citizenship granted through marriage if the marriage dissolves before five years or if a foreign spouse remarries outside Omani nationality.
Citizenship loss or revocation for acts deemed injurious to the sultanate, including insults, association with hostile groups, working for adversarial foreign entities, or criminal offenses.
Withdrawal of citizenship granted illegally or associated with criminal behavior or prolonged unjustified absence from Oman.
Provision for restoration of citizenship if the grounds for revocation no longer exist.
Restoration of citizenship
Omanis by origin who renounced citizenship and acquired foreign nationality may seek restoration if they meet certain conditions including:
Residing normally in Oman or having returned with the intent to settle.
Maintaining good moral character without recent criminal convictions.
Declaring in writing their intention to renounce other nationalities.
Minor children regain citizenship along with the father.
Additionally, children who lost citizenship due to their father’s renunciation can apply for reinstatement within five years of reaching adulthood.
Citizenship for foreign nationals
The law outlines stringent criteria for foreigners seeking Omani citizenship.
A minimum of 15 years of continuous legal residence in Oman, allowing absences not exceeding 90 days per year.
Proficiency in reading and writing Arabic to ensure cultural and linguistic integration.
Demonstration of good conduct and a clean legal record.
Good health and freedom from infectious diseases as determined by regulation.
Possession of a legitimate, sufficient income source to support oneself and dependents.
Written commitment to renounce previous nationality, ensuring single citizenship in Oman.
Minor children acquire citizenship through their Omani father if born or residing in Oman.
Citizenship through family ties
Family relationships provide additional paths to citizenship under detailed conditions:
Foreign husbands of Omani women may apply after 10 years of marriage and residency, with a requirement to have a child from the marriage.
Foreign wives of Omani men qualify after eight years of marriage and residency, provided they have a child from the marriage and meet language and conduct standards.
Foreign widows and divorced spouses also have defined residency, family, and conduct prerequisites to qualify.
Minor children born to Omani mothers and foreign fathers may acquire citizenship when custody and residency conditions are met, particularly in cases of widowhood, divorce, or absence of the father.
Enforcement and penalties
To ensure the integrity of citizenship issuance, the law imposes strict penalties for fraudulent actions such as providing false documents or information. Convicted individuals face imprisonment for up to three years, fines ranging between 5,000 and 10,000 Omani rials, or both.
Huda Ata is an independent writer based in the UAE.
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