Royal Decree 17/2025 Enacts New Omani Nationality Law

Muscat, Oman – His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik has issued Royal Decree 17/2025, introducing an updated Omani Nationality Law. This new legislation replaces the previous law established under Royal Decree No. 38/2014 and aims to address current national interests.

Key Provisions of the New Omani Nationality Law

Article 3: Nationality-related applications must be submitted to the Ministry of Interior, which will assess them according to established procedures. The Ministry has the right to reject applications without providing reasons.

Article 4: Judicial courts are not authorized to handle nationality matters or related disputes.

Article 5: Holding dual nationality is prohibited unless authorized by a Royal Decree upon the Minister’s recommendation.

Article 6: The Minister may approve an Omani citizen’s renunciation of their nationality to acquire another, ensuring all obligations to Oman are fulfilled. This renunciation does not automatically affect the citizenship status of minor children unless explicitly permitted under the laws of the new nationality.

Article 7: Changes to an individual’s Omani citizenship status, including granting, withdrawal, revocation, or restoration, require a Royal Decree based on the Minister’s recommendation.

Article 8: In exceptional cases, Omani citizenship may be granted or restored without following the standard conditions, through a Royal Decree.

Article 9: Individuals granted or reinstated with Omani citizenship are entitled to civil rights from the effective date of the Royal Decree.

Article 10: Regulations detailing the necessary applications, documents, procedures, and associated fees for citizenship matters will be subject to approval by the Ministry of Finance.

Chapter Two: Original Nationality and Its Recovery

Article 11: An individual is considered Omani by origin if born to an Omani father, either within Oman or abroad, before this law’s implementation.

Article 12: The following individuals are deemed Omani by origin:

1. Those born to an Omani father, regardless of birthplace.
2. Grandchildren born to an Omani father and a grandfather who acquired Omani citizenship, provided the grandchild is at least 50 years old.
3. Individuals born to an Omani or foreign mother, if their originally Omani father becomes stateless.

Article 13: An Omani by origin who renounced their nationality may request its restoration if they:

• Reside in Oman or express a written desire to settle there.
• Exhibit good conduct.
• Have no final convictions for felonies or crimes against honor or trust, unless rehabilitated.
• Declare in writing the intent to renounce any other nationality held.

Minor children will regain Omani citizenship alongside their father.

Article 14: A child who lost Omani nationality due to their father’s renunciation can request its recovery if:

1. The father was Omani by origin.
2. The application is made within five years after reaching adulthood.
3. The conditions in Article 13 are met.

Chapter Three: Granting Citizenship

Article 15: Beyond those identified in Articles 11 and 12, the following individuals are considered Omani:

1. Individuals granted Omani citizenship under this law.
2. Those born to an Omani mother, with no legally recognized father.
3. Individuals born in Oman to unknown parents.

Article 16: Omani citizenship shall not be granted more than once under this law.

Article 17: A foreigner may apply for Omani citizenship if they:

1. Have legally and continuously resided in Oman for at least 15 years, with absences not exceeding 90 days per year.
2. Are proficient in reading and writing Arabic.
3. Exhibit good conduct.
4. Have no final convictions for felonies or crimes against honor or trust, unless rehabilitated.
5. Are in good health and free from infectious diseases.
6. Have a legitimate income sufficient for themselves and dependents.
7. Declare in writing the intent to renounce any other nationality held.

Minor children of such individuals will acquire Omani nationality if born in Oman or primarily reside there.

Article 18: A foreign husband of an Omani woman may apply for citizenship if he:

1. Has been married and residing with his Omani wife in Oman for at least 10 years, with absences not exceeding 90 days per year.
2. Has a child with his Omani wife.
3. Is proficient in reading and writing Arabic.
4. Exhibits good conduct.
5. Has no final convictions for felonies or crimes against honor or trust, unless rehabilitated.
6. Is in good health and free from infectious diseases.
7. Has a legitimate income sufficient for himself and dependents.
8. Declares in writing the intent to renounce any other nationality held.

Minor children will acquire Omani nationality through their father if born in Oman or primarily reside there.

Article 19: A foreign wife of an Omani man may apply for citizenship if she:

1. Has been married and residing in Oman for a specific period, as determined by regulations.
2. Meets the necessary residency and language proficiency requirements.
3. Declares in writing her intent to renounce any other nationality held.

Implementation and Further Details

The new Omani Nationality Law sets clear guidelines on eligibility, application procedures, and conditions for retaining or renouncing citizenship. Further regulations and implementation details will be outlined by the Ministry of Interior in accordance with the Royal Decree.

The law reinforces Oman’s commitment to structured nationality policies that align with national interests and social stability.