Oman Modernizes Civil Status Laws with New Flexible Residence and ID Cards

The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced a significant update to the country's civil status regulations, introducing more flexible options for expatriate residents and extending the validity of Omani identity cards. The changes are aimed at streamlining administrative procedures and providing greater convenience for both citizens and the country's large expatriate population.

Expats Gain Flexible Residency Options

Under the newly issued Decision No. 78/2025, expatriate residents now have the choice to apply for a residence card valid for one, two, or three years. This marks a departure from the previous standard term, giving individuals more control over their residency planning. The corresponding fees for the cards are 5, 10, and 15 Omani riyals, respectively. The ROP has also set a fee of 20 riyals for replacing a lost or damaged card.

Omani ID Cards Now Valid for 10 Years

In a parallel move to improve services for citizens, the ROP has extended the validity of Omani personal identity cards from the previous term to a full 10 years. This new duration aligns the national ID card with the Omani passport, simplifying renewal processes and reducing administrative burdens for citizens. The cost for issuing, renewing, or replacing an Omani ID card remains unchanged at 10 riyals.

All cardholders, both Omani citizens and expatriates, are now required to renew their documents within 30 days of expiry to ensure compliance with the law. This initiative, part of the government's ongoing effort to modernize public services, is expected to be a positive development for the country's approximately 1.8 million expatriate workers and the broader population.

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