Oman Resident Cards Can Now Be Valid for Up to 10 Years
Decision 157/2025 lifts the maximum validity of an expat resident card from three years to ten. Here is what the decision says, what it costs, and what is still unclear.
Oman's Royal Oman Police (ROP) now allows an expat resident card to be valid for up to 10 years, instead of the previous maximum of three. The change comes from Decision 157/2025, issued by the Inspector General of Police and Customs, which amends the executive regulations of the Civil Status Law. It was announced on 9 November 2025 and, as far as we could find, no later decision has changed it. We last checked on 6 November 2026.
What the decision says
| Topic | Rule | |---|---| | Maximum validity | Up to 10 years, depending on categories and controls set by the Director General | | Fee | OMR 5 for each year of validity, with the total period capped at 10 years | | Replacement card | OMR 20 | | Renewal | Within 30 days after the card expires |
So a card issued for the full ten years would cost OMR 50 at the stated rate, and a three-year card OMR 15. That is the same per-year price as before, only with a longer ceiling.
What it replaced
In August 2025 the ROP had introduced a menu of one, two or three year cards priced at OMR 5, 10 and 15. Gulf News reported that decision under the number 78/2025. KPMG notes that the November decision cancelled those earlier one-to-three-year provisions. If you read an older article quoting the three tiers, treat it as out of date.
What is still unclear
- Who gets 10 years. The wording leaves the categories to the Director General. A residence permit is still tied to your visa and employment status, so a long-validity card does not by itself mean a long-validity permit. Ask your employer or PRO what period the ROP will actually grant in your case.
- The current fee. One July 2026 consumer guide says the ROP renewal fee is OMR 11 and also says to apply before expiry, which does not match the 30-day wording above. We could not open the government page it cites, so we cannot say which is right. Check the amount shown in the ROP service when you apply.
- A small wording slip in one outlet. Business Today says to renew within 30 days "after issuance". The Observer and KPMG both say after expiry, and that is the more plausible reading.
What to do
Keep an eye on the expiry date on your card and renew inside the 30-day window. The amnesty period for waiving fines has also ended (see our note on overstay fine waivers). For help with permits and renewals, see residency services and visa services, or the Oman visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is every expat resident card now valid for 10 years?
No. The decision sets 10 years as the ceiling. The actual period depends on categories and controls set by the Director General of the Royal Oman Police, and the published reports do not list those categories.
How much does a resident card cost?
The decision sets OMR 5 per year of validity, up to 10 years, and OMR 20 for a replacement. A July 2026 consumer guide quotes a different renewal fee of OMR 11, so confirm the amount when you apply.
When must I renew?
Within 30 days after the card expires, according to the announcement as reported by the Observer and KPMG.
Did the Omani ID card change too?
No. Per KPMG, the Omani national ID card stays at 10 years validity and OMR 10 to issue.