Oman today_ The Ministry of Interior of the Sultanate of Oman has announced the implementation of Ministerial Decision No. 1/2026 concerning the executive regulations of the Omani Nationality Law. This decision was issued under Royal Decree No. 17/2025 and published in Official Gazette No. 1629. The new regulations provide a comprehensive framework covering all matters related to nationality, including the application process, legal requirements, obligations after obtaining nationality, as well as cases of loss, revocation, or withdrawal of nationality.
According to these regulations, all terms used carry the same meanings as defined in the Omani Nationality Law. In this context, the term “Law” refers to the Omani Nationality Law, and “Department” refers to the Nationality or Passport Department under the Ministry of Interior.
Applications related to nationality matters must be submitted by the applicant or their legal guardian using official forms provided by the Ministry. Applicants residing abroad who wish to confirm their original Omani nationality may submit their applications through Omani embassies outside the country.
Upon official notification, applicants are required to complete all necessary procedures within 90 days. This period may be extended only upon a written request approved by the Ministry. Failure to complete the required procedures within the specified time will result in the cancellation of the application.
Proof of lawful and continuous residence must be provided through passport records or any other method accepted by the Ministry.
Applicants are also required to present a valid certificate of good conduct along with a criminal record clearance issued by the competent authorities, which are essential for the evaluation of nationality applications.
Proficiency in the Arabic language must be demonstrated through either a written test or an oral interview conducted by the Department. The test may be retaken after six months, but not more than four times in total.
Individuals granted Omani nationality must take an oath before the President of the Primary Court to remain loyal to the Sultanate of Oman, respect its Basic Law, legislation, customs, and traditions, and act as responsible citizens.
Newly naturalized Omani citizens are required to visit the Department within six months of the Royal Decree granting nationality to complete procedures for obtaining Omani passports for themselves and their minor children, unless exceptional circumstances exist, as determined by the Minister.
New Omani nationals are not permitted to reside outside Oman for more than 24 consecutive months after obtaining nationality, unless valid reasons are accepted by the Ministry. In such cases, applicants must submit an official request at least three months before the end of this period, including details of the duration abroad, the reasons, and supporting documents.
The Department is obligated to review and decide on these requests within 60 days of submission. If no response is provided within this period, the request will be considered rejected, and the individual must return to Oman before the expiration of the allowed period.
Individuals who lose, have revoked, or have nationality withdrawn are required to return all Omani documents, including passports, identity cards, and any other official documents, to the issuing authority or Omani embassies abroad within 90 days. In cases of non-compliance, the Ministry will coordinate with relevant authorities to recover these documents.
The Nationality Department is also responsible for coordinating with all relevant authorities to ensure that cases of loss, revocation, or withdrawal of nationality are properly reviewed and that all related Royal Decrees and decisions are fully implemented.
According to the annex of the regulations, the fees for nationality matters are as follows: OMR 600 for applications for Omani nationality, OMR 300 for applications related to a foreign wife, widow, divorcee, or a child of an Omani woman, and OMR 200 for applications for restoration or renunciation of nationality.