Oman introduces flexible residency cards for foreigners, extends Omani ID validity to 10 years - All you need to know

Oman offers flexible foreign resident cards (Image: AFP)

Oman has introduced flexible validity options for foreign resident cards, offering durations of one, two, or three years. According to a Gulf News report, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) has rolled out new validity periods and fee structures for both expatriate residence cards and Omani personal identity cards.

Foreign residents planning to travel to Oman can now choose residence cards with a validity of one, two, or three years.

This initiative is intended to streamline the renewal process and enhance convenience. The move, announced by Lt Gen. Hassan Bin Mohsin Ali Shraiqi, allows expatriates to select the duration of their residence cards and pay fees based on their choice.

Additionally, the validity of Omani ID cards for citizens has been extended to 10 years.

This card will give foreign residents more options while applying for residency permits, allowing them to choose a duration that works best for them. Citizens, meanwhile, will benefit from ID cards that last longer.

All about flexible foreign resident cards

A resident card is the main proof of legal identity after receiving a resident visa for foreigners living in Oman.

The card carries key personal, visa, and biometric information, and is needed for daily tasks such as renting a home, setting up utilities, opening a bank account, or registering a mobile phone.

The cost of these foreign residence cards will range from 5 to 15 riyals, depending on the selected duration. In case of loss or damage, a replacement card will cost 20 riyals.

For Omani citizens, the validity of personal identity cards has been extended to 10 years, aligning with the national passport. The fee for issuing, renewing, or replacing these ID cards remains fixed at 10 riyals.

As of June 2025, Oman is home to approximately 1.8 million expatriates. Among them, 1.4 million work in the private sector, 349,000 are domestic workers, 41,000 are government employees, and 6,800 are in the family sector.

These policy reforms are designed to benefit Oman’s large expatriate community by making card renewals more efficient. The changes also reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to modernise civil status laws and enhance public services to meet international standards.