Oman issues royal decree granting citizenship to 226 individuals

Dubai: Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has issued a royal decree granting Omani citizenship to 226 individuals. The decree, No. 46/2026, was published in the Official Gazette on April 19, listing the names of those approved for citizenship.

The decision comes within the framework of Oman’s nationality law, which sets out detailed and stringent conditions for granting citizenship to foreign nationals. 

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Under the law, applicants must have resided legally and continuously in Oman for no less than 15 years, with absences not exceeding 90 days per year. 

They are also required to demonstrate proficiency in Arabic, maintain a record of good conduct, and have no prior convictions in crimes involving dishonour or breach of trust.

In addition, applicants must be in good health, free from infectious diseases, and able to show a stable and legitimate source of income sufficient to support themselves and their dependants. 

A formal written commitment to renounce their existing nationality is also required. 

The law provides tailored pathways for spouses of Omani citizens. Foreign men married to Omani women may apply for citizenship after 10 years of continuous residence and marriage, provided they have children and meet language, conduct and financial requirements. 

Foreign women married to Omani men may apply after eight years, while widows may be eligible after six years of residence following their husband’s death. Divorced women may also apply under specific conditions, including prior years of marriage, residency and the presence of children.

Children may acquire Omani citizenship through their father, and in certain cases through their Omani mother, particularly where the father is absent, deceased or unknown, subject to judicial and residency conditions.

The legislation also sets out provisions for the loss, revocation or withdrawal of citizenship. These include cases where an individual acquires another nationality in violation of the law, provides false information during the application process, or is convicted of crimes affecting state security. 

Citizenship may also be withdrawn if the individual resides outside Oman for extended periods without justification following naturalisation.

The law also sets out strict penalties for fraudulent applications, stating that anyone who provides false information or submits forged documents to obtain or deny Omani citizenship, whether for themselves or others, faces imprisonment of between one and three years, a fine ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 Omani riyals, or both, without prejudice to any harsher penalties provided for under other laws.