Oman Announces New Residence Card Rules with Flexible Validity and Fees

Oman has just shaken up its rules for expatriate residence cards, making it easier and potentially more affordable, for foreign nationals to manage their paperwork. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) recently announced a new set of validity options and streamlined fees, all designed to clear away some of the financial and bureaucratic hurdles for the country’s large expatriate population.

Here’s what’s changing with Oman’s Residence Cards and National ID Card and why it matters.

New Validity Options for Expat Residence Cards

Until now, renewing your residence card in Oman came with a fixed validity period and little choice. That’s no longer the case. Expats can now choose how long they want their residence card to be valid:

• 1 year – 5 OMR
• 2 years – 10 OMR
• 3 years – 15 OMR

This tiered system gives foreign residents more control over how often they have to deal with paperwork, and how much they spend on it. Whether you’re a short-term contract worker or planning to stay for the long haul, there’s now a renewal option that fits your situation.

And if you lose your card or it gets damaged? A replacement will cost 20 OMR flat.

Longer Validity for Omani Personal Identity Cards

For Omani citizens, the changes are also significant. The validity of the national identity card has been extended from 5 to 10 years, aligning it with the duration of the Omani passport. The cost for issuing, renewing, or replacing it stays the same at 10 OMR.

That’s one less thing locals have to renew every few years, another move toward simplifying daily life.

So, What Exactly Is an Oman Residence Card?

If you’re new to Oman or planning to move there, the residence card is your official proof of legal stay in the country. It includes personal details, visa status, and biometric data. It’s essential for everything, from signing a lease to getting a mobile SIM card.

The residence card is issued after obtaining a residence visa and is a must-have for foreign nationals working, studying, or joining family in Oman.

How This Impacts Foreign Residents

As of June 2025, Oman is home to roughly 1.8 million expatriates. Many of them work in the private sector, domestic roles, or government-supported projects. For this group, the updated card validity options mean:

• Less frequent renewals if you opt for 2- or 3-year validity.
• Reduced queues and paperwork at ROP offices.
• More flexibility if you’re unsure how long you’ll stay.

The new system also aligns better with how other Gulf nations handle expat residency—marking a small but significant step toward modernization.

30-Day Grace Period Still Applies

One thing that hasn’t changed: you still have a 30-day grace period to renew your residence card after it expires. Miss that window, and you could face penalties or risk falling out of legal status.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just a tweak to a government form. It’s a signal that Oman is making life easier for the expat community, removing some of the friction that comes with living abroad. In a region where paperwork can be notoriously rigid, even small improvements like this make a noticeable difference.

For travellers, job seekers, and long-term residents eyeing Oman as a destination, this update adds another reason to consider it seriously.