On 9 November 2025, the Royal Oman Police (ROP) announced amendments to the executive regulations of the Civil Status Law under Ministerial Decision No. 157/2025, extending the validity of residence cards from three years to ten years and revising related fees.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This regulatory change will affect expatriate employees, employers, and global mobility program managers overseeing assignments in Oman. The extended validity period is expected to offer greater administrative efficiency, reducing the frequency of renewals required and potentially lowering indirect costs associated with compliance and processing.
Background
Previously, residence cards in Oman were issued with variable validity options—one, two, or three years—each with its own fee structure, as set by a decision in August 2025. The latest amendment unifies those options and extends the validity to up to ten years, depending on categories and controls. These changes are intended to streamline administrative processes and improve the efficiency of civil documentation services.
The Omani national identity card remains unchanged with a ten-year validity and an Omani Rial (OMR) 10 issuance fee.
Key Highlights
Residence Card Validity
Cards are now valid for up to ten years, subject to categories and controls set by the Director General.
Renewal Obligation
Cardholders must renew residence cards within 30 days of expiry.
Fee Structure
- Annual renewal/issuance fee: OMR 5 per year
- Replacement fee for lost/damaged cards: OMR 20
Personal ID Cards
There is no change to the existing policy; the residency card continues to have a ten-year validity, and the issuance fee remains OMR 10.
Supersession
Prior regulations with variable validity durations (one, two, three years) and fees are cancelled.
KPMG INSIGHTS
With a standardized annual renewal fee of OMR 5 and a replacement fee of OMR 20 for lost or damaged cards, organizations can more easily forecast mobility-related administrative expenses.
Mobile employees benefit from a longer period of documentation validity, which may ease operational disruptions due to card expiry and renewal cycles.
HR and payroll managers might consider noting the obligation to renew residence cards within 30 days of expiry, maintaining compliance with immigration requirements.
In light of the changes, organizations may wish to update internal mobility policies to reflect the extended validity and revised fee structure, communicate new renewal requirements to employees, and facilitate timely renewals to maintain compliance.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the directive, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified immigration professional or a member of the GMS/People Services team with KPMG in Oman (see the Contact Us section).
FOOTNOTE:
1 The Arabian Stories, “Oman extends residence card validity to 10 years, revises renewal fees,” published on 9 November 2025.
Contacts
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Oman.
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