Oman extends expat resident card validity up to a maximum of 10 years - what changed and what it means

Oman’s Royal Oman Police (ROP) has amended the executive rules for civil status so resident identity cards for expatriates can have longer validity, now up to 10 years in some cases, and Omani national ID cards are extended to 10 years as well. Fees were simplified: the resident-card cost is RO 5 per year (with total cost depending on chosen validity length) and replacing a lost or damaged card is RO 20. Cardholders must renew within 30 days of expiry. Several local outlets report slightly different references to the implementing decision number; the change was announced by the ROP’s leadership and has been widely published.

What the new law changes for residents?
The change was made official by the Royal Oman Police (ROP) under Decision No. 157/2025. This decree amends provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Civil Status Law.

The key change is simple but powerful:

• The previous maximum validity for an expat resident card was three years.
  
• The new maximum validity is up to 10 calendar years from the date of issuance or renewal.
  

The decision was issued by His Excellency Lieutenant General Hassan bin Mohsen Al-Shuraqi, the Inspector General of Police and Customs, reflecting the government's high-level commitment to streamlining services.

Crucial Caveat: While the card can be issued for up to 10 years, this will apply to specific categories and controls to be determined and regulated by the Director General of the ROP. This suggests that certain long-term residents, investors, or highly skilled professionals may be the first beneficiaries of the full 10-year term.

Fees and renewal
To support the extended period, the ROP has also simplified the fee structure, making it straightforward for residents and employers to plan for the long term:

This means a resident opting for a five-year card, for example, would pay RO 25 (5 years * RO 5/year).

Renewal Deadline: The ROP requires all cardholders to renew their documentation within 30 days from the date of its expiry to remain fully compliant with the Civil Status Law.

This new structure replaces a previous decision issued just months ago, which offered flexible one-, two-, and three-year options. The adoption of the 10-year maximum showcases a faster-than-expected push toward long-term residency solutions.

Why is the 10-year card a game changer?
This administrative reform has immediate and powerful implications for Oman’s economy and its residents:

• Reduces Red Tape: Frequent trips to government offices and endless paperwork for renewals are significantly minimized. This boosts operational efficiency for both the ROP and the employers.
  
• Attracts Investment: Simplifying long-term residency makes Oman a far more appealing destination for foreign investors, high-value entrepreneurs, and top-tier professionals seeking stability for themselves and their families.
  
• Fosters Stability: The longer validity period offers genuine peace of mind and long-term security to Oman’s large expatriate community, which includes roughly 1.8 million individuals working across the private sector, government, and domestic roles.
  
• Modernization: This change aligns Oman's civil status processes with international best practices, similar to how the ROP simultaneously confirmed that the Omani national identity card validity remains at 10 years, matching the national passport duration.
  

By embracing this 10-year residency option, Oman signals a commitment to cultivating a stable, efficient, and welcoming environment for those who contribute to its development.

Conclusion
Oman’s decision to extend the validity of expat resident cards up to 10 years is more than just an administrative update—it’s a powerful statement of intent. By offering a decade of stability, the Sultanate is not only easing the lives of its current residents but is actively shaping its future.

This move signals to the world that Oman is committed to a modern, efficient, and welcoming system for attracting and retaining the long-term talent and investment crucial for its Vision 2040 goals. For the expatriate community, the new 10-year resident card means less bureaucracy, more security, and a greater sense of belonging in the Sultanate.