Buying property in Oman from abroad: step by step

You can buy, register and rent out a property in Oman without living here. This is how the process works from start to finish.

Reviewed 2026-09-30

Yes, it can be done remotely

Many of our buyers live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, the UK and elsewhere, and some never visit before the purchase is complete. Oman's registration process allows a representative with a valid power of attorney to attend on a buyer's behalf, so distance is not a barrier. What matters is choosing an eligible property, checking it carefully and having a reliable team on the ground.

This guide walks through the process in order. It is general information, not legal advice, and official requirements can change, so confirm the current position before you commit.

Step 1: confirm you can own the property

Non-Omanis can generally own freehold only inside licensed Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs), under Royal Decree 12/2006. Outside the ITCs, some designated buildings offer a usufruct (a long-term use right) instead of ownership. GCC nationals have wider rights with their own conditions. Start by confirming which applies to the unit you are interested in. Our guides to whether foreigners can buy property in Oman and freehold vs usufruct explain the rules.

Step 2: set a clear brief

A precise brief saves time for everyone and makes remote shortlisting far more accurate.

Budget, including registration fees, furnishing and a maintenance reserve.
Purpose: a holiday home, a future residence, a rental investment or Golden Residency.
Preferred areas, such as Al Mouj or Muscat Hills, and unit types.
Timeline, and whether you would consider off-plan or only completed property.

Step 3: view remotely, properly

A good remote viewing is more than a few photos. Ask for a live video walk-through where you can direct the camera, and ask to see the view from each window, the condition of bathrooms and kitchens, the air-conditioning units, the parking, the lifts and the shared areas. Ask about the building's service charges, the owners association and any planned major works.

We send honest written notes on each unit, including what we would not buy and why. If you can travel, a short trip after remote shortlisting lets you see the final two or three options in person.

Step 4: offer and due diligence

Once you choose a property, agree the price and terms in writing, then check the details before any significant payment.

The title deed, or for off-plan units the developer's licence and project registration.
That the seller is the registered owner, or is properly authorised to sell.
Outstanding service charges or utility bills, which should be cleared before transfer.
The sale agreement's payment terms, handover date and what is included, such as furniture.

Step 5: power of attorney

If you will not be in Oman for registration, you can appoint a representative through a power of attorney. The government's sale-registration service confirms that a representative holding a valid power of attorney may attend. The document must clearly cover buying and registering the specific property. If it is signed outside Oman, it will usually need to be notarised and legalised before it is accepted, so check the current requirements with the Omani embassy or consulate where you live, and allow time for this step.

Step 6: registration and fees

Transfers are registered with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning through its sale service for non-Omanis. The government services portal lists a registration fee of 3% of the property value, plus small administrative charges for the application, forms, title deed and contract. Once registration is complete, the title deed is issued in the buyer's name.

Budget separately for agency fees, service charges from the handover date and any furnishing. Check the official service page for current amounts before you finalise your budget.

Step 7: after the purchase

An empty property abroad costs money and can deteriorate. Before completion, decide whether you will rent it out long term, let it for holidays or keep it for your own use. Our property management team finds and vets tenants, collects rent, handles maintenance and sends regular reports, so the property is looked after while you are away.

Common mistakes to avoid

Most problems we see come from the same few oversights.

Paying a large deposit before the title or developer licence has been checked.
Using a power of attorney that is too narrow or has not been legalised.
Ignoring service charges and the condition of the building.
Buying for a threshold or a discount rather than for location and rental demand.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to travel to Oman to buy?

No. Registration can be completed by a representative holding a valid power of attorney, and viewings can be done by live video.

What does registration cost?

The official sale-registration service lists 3% of the property value plus small administrative charges. Agency fees and service charges are separate.

Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?

Some banks lend to non-residents on eligible property, with their own conditions. Speak to lenders early, as approval can take time.

Who looks after the property after I buy?

Many overseas owners use a property manager for tenants, rent collection and maintenance. ARW Trading provides this service in Muscat.

Can buying property give me residency?

Oman's Golden Residency is available to foreigners who invest a total of OMR 200,000, in qualifying property alone or combined with bonds or fixed bank deposits. We provide full consultancy for the process.