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Oman has introduced a new nationality law for foreigners seeking Omani citizenship, replacing the 2014 legislation and aligning with the country’s updated Basic Law of the State.
The revised law was announced in February under a royal decree by Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik. It clearly outlines who can obtain, restore, or lose citizenship in the sultanate.
Who Qualifies as an Omani Citizen
An Omani citizen is someone born to an Omani father, whether inside or outside Oman. Grandchildren of Omanis who were granted citizenship can qualify if they are over 50 years old.
The law also grants citizenship to children of Omani fathers who become stateless, even if their mothers are of another nationality. This aims to reduce statelessness in the country.
Oman’s Stance on Dual Nationality
Oman generally does not allow dual citizenship. Foreigners must give up their previous nationality when applying for Omani citizenship, unless a royal decree allows an exception.
Renouncing Omani citizenship also requires approval from the Minister of Interior. Children of those who renounce citizenship keep theirs unless their father formally requests otherwise.
Revoking and Restoring Citizenship
Citizenship can be taken away if someone obtains it through fraud, commits serious crimes, or is linked to hostile groups. Unauthorized dual nationality can also result in automatic loss.
Citizenship gained through marriage can be revoked if the marriage ends before five years or if a foreign spouse remarries someone from outside Oman.
However, individuals may regain citizenship if the reasons for its revocation no longer exist and they return to settle in Oman permanently.
How Foreign Nationals Can Apply
Foreign nationals must have 15 years of continuous legal residence in Oman to apply. They must speak Arabic, be in good health, and have a clean legal record.
Applicants also need a stable income and must commit to giving up their previous nationality. The law supports full integration into Omani society.
Citizenship Through Family Relationships
Foreign husbands of Omani women can apply after 10 years of marriage and must have at least one child. Foreign wives of Omani men qualify after eight years under similar conditions.
Children of Omani mothers and foreign fathers may qualify if they live with their mother in Oman and meet custody and residency conditions.
Strict Penalties for False Applications
To protect the system, Oman has introduced tough penalties for fraud. Providing false information or fake documents can result in three years in jail and fines up to 10,000 Omani rials.
