Tuesday 06 / January / 2026
Muscat: The Ministry of Interior has announced Ministerial Decision No. 1/2026, implementing the executive regulations of the Omani Nationality Law, in accordance with Royal Decree No. 17/2025. The decision, published in Official Gazette No. 1629, introduces comprehensive rules governing nationality matters, including acquisition, renunciation, and obligations after granting nationality.
Article (1): Definitions
"For the purposes of these regulations, the terms used shall have the same meaning as in the Omani Nationality Law. The term ‘law’ refers to the Omani Nationality Law, and ‘department’ refers to the Nationality or Passport Department in the Ministry."
Article (2): Submission of Applications
"Applications related to nationality matters shall be submitted by the concerned person, or their guardian, to the department using forms prepared by the Ministry. Applications for recognition of original Omani nationality may be submitted to Omani embassies if the applicant resides abroad."
Article (5): Deadlines
"Applicants must complete the required procedures within ninety (90) days from the date of notification, extendable upon written request and Ministry approval. Failure to comply will result in cancellation of the application."
Article (6): Residency Requirement
"The condition of lawful continuous residence shall be proven through passport data or any other means accepted by the Ministry."
Article (7): Good Conduct
"Applicants must provide a valid certificate of good conduct and a certificate of no criminal record issued by the competent authority."
Article (20): Arabic Language Requirement
"The condition of proficiency in Arabic shall be proven by passing a written test or an oral interview conducted by the department. The test may be repeated after six months, but not more than four times."
Article (21): Oath of Allegiance
"Every person granted Omani nationality must swear before the President of the Primary Court to remain loyal to the Sultanate of Oman, respect its Basic Law, laws, customs, and traditions, and be a good citizen."
Article (22): Passport Issuance
"Every person granted Omani nationality must visit the department within six (6) months from the date of the Royal Decree granting nationality to complete procedures for obtaining an Omani passport for themselves and their minor children, unless exceptional circumstances prevent this, as determined by the Minister."
Article (23): Residency Obligation
"Every person granted Omani nationality must not reside outside Oman for more than twenty-four (24) consecutive months after obtaining nationality, unless justified reasons are accepted by the Ministry. Requests must be submitted three (3) months before the end of this period, with details of the duration abroad, reasons, and supporting documents."
Article (24): Review of Requests
"The department shall review and decide on requests under Article (23) within sixty (60) days of submission. If no response is given within this period, the request is considered rejected, and the applicant must return to Oman before the end of the allowed period."
Regarding the Loss, Withdrawal, and Revocation of Nationality the ministry declared:
Article (25): Return of Documents
"Anyone who loses, has revoked, or has nationality withdrawn must return their passport, ID card, and any other Omani documents within ninety (90) days to the issuing authority or Omani embassies abroad. The Ministry will coordinate with relevant authorities to recover these documents if not returned within the specified period."
Article (26): Coordination for Enforcement
"The department shall coordinate with all relevant authorities to verify cases of loss, revocation, or withdrawal of nationality and ensure implementation of Royal Decrees and decisions related to these matters."
According to the annex the fees for obtaining Omani nationality are as follows:
Application for Omani nationality: OMR 600
Application for foreign wife, widow, divorcee, or child of an Omani woman: OMR 300
Application for restoration or renunciation of nationality: OMR 200
