Buying property in Oman for Indians and NRIs: budgets, LRS payments and residency

Indians are the largest expatriate community in Oman, and many now want to own the home they live in rather than rent it. Since 2026, buying a home in a permitted area also gives residency without an employer's sponsorship. This guide explains how Indian buyers, whether living in Oman, elsewhere in the Gulf or in India, can buy in Muscat.

Why Oman works for Indian buyers

• Close to home: about 3 hours from Mumbai and Kerala airports, with many daily flights.
• A large Indian community: schools with Indian curricula, temples, churches, shops and restaurants.
• Own instead of rent: a 1-bedroom in Muscat can cost less than a few years of rent in some areas.
• Residency independent of your job: owner residency stays as long as you own the property.

Can Indians buy property in Oman?

Yes, like other foreigners: freehold in Integrated Tourism Complexes and other permitted areas.

Paying from India or from the Gulf

• Residents of India: the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) allows individuals to remit money abroad each financial year within the LRS limit, including for buying property. Tax collected at source (TCS) may apply on large remittances; check current rules with your bank.
• NRIs working in Oman or the Gulf usually pay from income earned abroad.
• Payments go in OMR to the developer under the sale contract, often in instalments.

Residency for you and your family

1. Register the purchase (contract or title) with the Ministry of Housing.
2. Apply for owner residency with property documents, passport and medical.
3. Add your spouse and children.

The 10-year Golden Residency needs a completed, titled property of at least OMR 200,000.

Living in your own home

Ask about the community service charge, distance to schools and your workplace, and whether the unit is furnished. Owning in a community also means shared pools, gyms and security.

How R2LUX helps

We shortlist units within your budget with today's prices and instalment plans, compare service charges, and guide the payment and residency steps. Advice is free.