Oman Family Visa – Official Information Guide

The Oman family visa is a specialized permit allowing relatives of foreign nationals or residents to enter and stay in Oman for family reunification.

The Family Visa typically permits long-term stays in Oman, extending to two years, depending on the sponsor’s residency status.

The visa’s validity aligns with the sponsor’s work or residency permit, ensuring cohesion with their status in the country.

Key documents required for the Oman Family Visa application include valid passports, proof of relationship (such as marriage or birth certificates), sponsor’s residency permit, and recent photographs.

To ensure acceptance at Omani border crossings, these documents must be accurate and genuine.

Types of Family Visas in Oman

Applying for a family visa in Oman involves selecting the appropriate type based on the applicant’s relationship with the sponsor and the purpose of their stay.

The Omani government offers various family visa options to accommodate the diverse needs of expatriates seeking to reunite with their families.

Understanding the different types of family visas is crucial to ensuring a smooth application process and compliance with the country’s immigration regulations.

Below is an overview of the main family visa categories available in Oman.

Family Joining Visa

The Family Joining Visa allows foreign nationals to bring immediate family members to Oman for long-term residency. Eligible relations include spouses, children under 21 years, and parents.

• Validity: Two years
• Requirements:
• Minimum expatriate salary of OMR 600 .
• Proof of relationship (authenticated marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificates for children, etc.).
• Medical certificates for certain family members above 15 years from specific countries.
• Cost: OMR 30
• Renewal: Can be renewed online via the Royal Oman Police website.

Family Visit Visa

The Family Visit Visa is a short-term visa for family members visiting loved ones in Oman.

• Validity: Typically one month, extendable to three months.
• Requirements:
• A valid local sponsor (e.g., an Omani citizen or expatriate with a residency visa).
• Proof of relationship and sponsorship documents.
• Cost: Approximately OMR 20

Application Process for Oman Family Visa

The application process requires a few key steps to ensure smooth approval from the Omani authorities.

Step 1: Choose the Right Visa Type

Decide whether you need a Family Joining Visa for long-term stays or a Family Visit Visa for shorter visits depending on your needs.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before starting your application, prepare the following documents:

• Completed visa application form (available on the rop.gov.om)
• Two passport-size photographs (6×4 cm)
• Passport with at least 6 months of validity
• Proof of relationship (e.g., authenticated marriage or birth certificates)
• A no objection letter from the sponsor in Oman, if applicable
• Medical fitness certificate for applicants aged 15 and above from certain countries

NOTE: Ensure all documents are translated into Arabic or English, as required, and certified by relevant authorities.

Step 3: Apply Online or Visit the Visa Office

Applicants can submit their applications online through the ROP eVisa portal or visit the nearest Royal Oman Police Visa Office for manual submission.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees

• Family Joining Visa: OMR 30
• Family Visit Visa: Approx. OMR 20
• Late registrations for residence permits will incur fines of OMR 50.

Step 5: Wait for Approval

After submitting the application, processing times vary depending on the completeness of documents and other factors. Applicants will be notified of the Oman visa approval status online or via email.

NOTE: Tracking your visa status can be done easily via the rop.gov.om.

Benefits of a Family Visa in Oman

Why opt for a family visa? The benefits include:

• Reconnection: Whether it’s reuniting with a spouse, children, or parents, an Oman Family Visa allows families to stay together for extended periods.
• Ease of Access: The application process is streamlined through digital platforms like the https://evisa.rop.gov.om/.
• Enhanced Stability: For expatriates, having your family nearby enhances personal stability, allowing greater focus on professional and personal goals.
• Cost-Effectiveness: The OMR 30 fee for long-term residency is affordable compared to other global standards for family visas.

Common Challenges During Application

While the process is generally straightforward, applicants may face challenges such as incomplete documentation or failure to meet income requirements.

Tips for a Successful Application

• Verify All Documents: Double-check that documents are notarized and meet Omani government standards.
• Ensure Financial Eligibility: Sponsors must meet minimum monthly salary requirements (OMR 600).
• Translate and Authenticate Documents: For non-Arabic documents, ensure that relevant authorities certify translations.

NOTE: Missing or incomplete documents can lead to delays or outright visa rejection.

FAQs

1. What is the processing time for a family visa?

Family visas typically take 5-10 working days to process, depending on the application’s completeness and the visa office’s workload.

2. Can the family visa be renewed?

Yes, family visas can be renewed through the Royal Oman Police website or by visiting the local visa office. Ensure to renew before the expiration date to avoid fines.

3. Are there any restrictions on who can be sponsored?

Immediate family members like spouses, children under 21, and parents are eligible under the Family Joining Visa. Siblings under 18 may also qualify under special cases.

4. What happens if my visa application is rejected?

Applicants can reapply for the visa after addressing the reasons for rejection, such as providing missing documents or rectifying authorization issues.

5. Is health insurance mandatory for family visa holders?

Yes, health insurance is required for certain visa types, especially for applicants traveling from select countries.

6. Do children require additional documents?

Yes, minors require their parents’ passport copies, along with proof of guardianship or family relationship.

7. How do I track my family visa application status?

Track your application status online via the ROP eVisa platform.

8. Can I extend a Family Visit Visa?

Yes, visit visas can be extended to three months from the issue date.

9. Are there any fines for visa overstays?

Overstaying on any family visa can result in OMR 10 per day fines. Be aware of the expiration date!

10. What are the financial requirements for sponsors?

Sponsors must earn a minimum salary of OMR 600 per month and provide proof of employment, such as a salary slip or contract.

Final Thoughts

An Oman Family Visa is a valuable pathway for expatriates and residents to bring or welcome their immediate family members into the Sultanate.

Whether you’re applying for the long-term Family Joining Visa or the short-term Family Visit Visa, understanding the process and requirements is key to ensuring a smooth application experience.

For more details, visit the official Royal Oman Police eVisa portal or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs entry visas page. Reunite with your loved ones and create lasting memories in Oman—start your family visa application today!