You can retire in Oman through three main routes: a retiree residence for older expats, the sponsor-free Owner residence permit if you own property, or the 10-year investor residency from OMR 200,000. Oman is one of the most appealing Gulf countries for retirement: safe, calm, with no personal income tax in 2026, beaches, mountains and a cost of living well below Dubai's.
This guide covers each residency route, what retirement costs, healthcare and tax, and the best places for retirees to live.
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Residency routes for retirees
Retiree, owner permit, investor
0%
Personal income tax in 2026
5% above OMR 42,000 from 2028
OMR 1,000-1,500
Monthly spend, retired couple renting
Muscat, before health insurance
OMR 200k
Investor residency, 10 years
Golden Residency, since Aug 2025
Route 1: Retiree residence#
Oman offers a residence route for older expats. Reported conditions include:
- Age 60 or above.
- Proof of a fixed monthly income, with OMR 4,000 a month the figure most often cited.
- A six-month bank statement showing that income.
- Health insurance and a clean criminal record.
Some reports link this route to people who have previously worked in Oman for a minimum period. Published requirements vary between sources and have changed in recent years, so confirm the current rules with the Royal Oman Police before relying on them.
Route 2: The Owner residence permit#
For many retirees, this is the most practical route. Since June 2026, any foreigner who owns registered property in Oman, including off-plan property with preliminary registration, can apply for a sponsor-free Owner residence permit:
- No employer or sponsor needed
- No reported minimum property value
- Valid 6 to 12 months, renewable
- Covers first-degree relatives, including a spouse
- Ends if you sell or transfer the property
It means a retiree buying a modest apartment can live in Oman without meeting a high income test. Our residence visa guide compares it with the other routes, and the 2026 law changes explainer covers the decree.
Route 3: Investor residency#
If you are investing OMR 200,000 or more, the Golden Residency programme offers a renewable 10-year permit with family coverage. It is the most stable option for long-term retirement. See our Golden Visa guide.
| Route | Main condition | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retiree residence | Age 60+, proven income | Up to 5 years reported | Former Oman residents with good pensions |
| Owner permit | Own registered property | 6-12 months, renewable | Retirees buying a home at any budget |
| Investor residency | OMR 200k invested | 10 years | Wealthier retirees wanting long stability |
What retirement costs#
| Item | Monthly (couple, Muscat) |
|---|---|
| Rent, 2-bed apartment, mid-market | OMR 350-500 |
| Utilities (much higher in summer) | OMR 40-100 |
| Groceries and household | OMR 250-350 |
| Car running costs | OMR 100-150 |
| Eating out and leisure | OMR 150-300 |
| Total, renting | ~OMR 1,000-1,500 |
Private health insurance comes on top, and premiums rise steeply with age. Owning your home outright removes the largest line. Our cost of living in Muscat guide has the full breakdown, and average rent in Muscat has rents by area.
Healthcare#
Muscat has well-equipped private hospitals and clinics, and standards in the capital are good. Expats generally rely on private healthcare, so comprehensive private health insurance is essential. Check the age limits and pre-existing condition terms carefully: many policies cap entry age or exclude existing conditions. Outside Muscat and Salalah, facilities are more limited.
Tax for retirees#
Oman has no personal income tax in 2026. From 1 January 2028, a 5% tax applies to annual income above OMR 42,000, which most retirees will fall below. The bigger question is your home country: many countries tax pensions at source or tax residents on worldwide income. See our tax guide, and our country guides for UK and US buyers.
Best places to retire in Oman#
Al Mouj, Muscat. Marina, beach, golf, cafés and a large international community, close to the airport. The most convenient choice, at the highest prices (about OMR 107 / sqft for apartments).
Muscat Hills. A golf community near Mall of Oman and major hospitals, and the most affordable of the three (about OMR 74.1 / sqft).
Muscat Bay. A quiet mountain-and-sea setting with a resort feel, about OMR 92.9 / sqft. Best for retirees who want peace and are comfortable driving.
Hawana Salalah. A beach resort in Dhofar. Salalah's khareef (monsoon) brings cool, misty weather from roughly June to September, the opposite of Muscat's summer. Slower and more remote.
Jebel Sifah. A marina resort town about an hour from central Muscat, for those wanting a holiday-home atmosphere.
Compare prices across all of these in property prices in Muscat 2026 and apartments for sale in Muscat.
Practical checklist#
- Confirm your residency route and current requirements with the ROP.
- Arrange private health insurance before you move, and read the age terms.
- Get home-country tax advice on your pension.
- Write a will that covers your Omani property. Succession rules can be complex for foreigners.
- Rent first, ideally across a summer.
Moving over? Our complete guide to moving to Oman covers banking, utilities and getting set up, and the AI Property Advisor can shortlist homes to your budget.
Sources: retiree residence conditions as reported by Trowers & Hamlins and the Oman Observer, which differ between sources; Royal Oman Police Decision 87/2026 (Owner permit); investor thresholds per our Golden Visa guide; prices from our tracked dataset per our methodology; living costs per our cost of living research. General information, not immigration, tax or legal advice.