Moving to Oman for a Fresh Start: The 2025 Guide for UK Expats
Residency and investor visas are easier to obtain than many assume, and day-to-day expenses, from rent to school fees, are significantly more affordable than in London or the UAE.
▸ For those looking to relocate, Oman stands out not for luxury, but for livability.
Investor Visa Overview
| Feature | Oman | UAE (Dubai & Abu Dhabi) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Accessibility | Investor & family visas available | Golden Visa, Free Zone permits |
| Cost of Living (avg) | 25–30% lower than UAE |
High, especially in cities |
| Lifestyle Pace | Calm, traditional, community-led | Fast, urban, corporate-focused |
| Business Setup | Minimal fees, simplified process | Highly competitive, structured |
| Family Orientation |
Culturally rooted, Islamic values
| Premium services, international |
| Nature Access | Mountains, beaches, wadis | Desert, coastline, city parks |
If you’re looking to invest in Oman and support opportunities for women in a thriving economy, don’t miss this, learn more in our complete 2025 guide: Why You Should Invest in Oman.
Why Brits Are Leaving the UK in 2025
The number of UK citizens moving abroad reached a new post-Brexit peak in early 2025. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than 630,000 people emigrated from the UK in 2024, with projections suggesting a continued upward trend this year.
While some move for work or retirement, the driving forces in 2025 are more structural: economic strain, social dissatisfaction, and a search for long-term stability.
Key Reasons Behind the Rise in Emigration:
▸ Cost of Living Pressures:
The UK’s inflation rate may have cooled from its 2022 highs, but essentials like energy, housing, and groceries remain significantly more expensive.
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Average UK household energy bill (2025): £1,928/year (Ofgem)
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UK average rent (outside London): £1,148/month (HomeLet)
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▸ Public Services Under Pressure:
NHS wait times have hit record highs. In England, the average wait for a consultant-led referral now exceeds 18 weeks. Education funding cuts and police shortages have also impacted quality of life.
▸ Tax Fatigue Among Middle & Upper Income Brackets:
With income tax thresholds frozen and National Insurance contributions increasing, many feel they’re paying more for fewer services.
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Additional rate tax (45%) now applies from £125,140 rather than £150,000.
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▸ Rising Emigration Among Muslims and Minority Groups:
The UK's Muslim population, particularly younger professionals, has reported increasing discomfort due to cultural tensions and media narratives.Several relocation consultancies have noted a sharp rise in inquiries from British Muslims exploring moves to Oman and the UAE, where Islamic values are integrated into everyday life without friction.
▸ Post-Brexit Uncertainty Continues:
For many, the dream of a secure and prosperous life in the UK has dimmed. Brexit’s long tail continues to impact job mobility, trade, and personal freedoms across Europe.
Oman: Tranquillity, Low Bureaucracy & Easy Residency
Oman’s legal, economic, and social structures are increasingly aligned with what expats are actively seeking: clarity, affordability, and cultural alignment.
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Simple Visa Routes (Oman Residency Visa)
Oman’s Investor Residency Program (IRP) and family-sponsored visas make settling relatively straightforward for British expats:
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10-Year Residency Visa:
Requires real estate investment of OMR 250,000 (approx. £520,000) or more.
No language or cultural exam requirements.
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5-Year Residency Visa:
Available for property investments above OMR 100,000 (approx. £210,000).
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Family Sponsorship:
Residents can sponsor spouses and children without excessive red tape or financial thresholds.
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Business Route:
Setting up an LLC with OMR 20,000 (~£42,000) in capital qualifies applicants for residency and commercial licensing.
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Digital Nomad Entry:
While not formalized under a dedicated visa, many remote workers use long-term visit visas or link residency to real estate or company registration.
Cost of Living & Quality of Life
Oman is one of the most affordable countries in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), particularly for expats with UK incomes or pensions:
Average Rent in Muscat (2-bedroom apartment):
£440/month (OMR 210) in mid-range areas like Al Khuwair or Ghubrah.
Monthly groceries for a family of four:
£320–£380 depending on shopping habits.
Private School Fees:
Range from £3,000–£7,000/year, significantly lower than Dubai’s international school averages.
Healthcare:
Private insurance options are affordable, and basic services are available to residents at subsidised rates. Clinics like Aster and Badr Al Samaa are highly rated.
Lifestyle:
With easy access to beaches, mountains, and desert trails, Oman supports a slower, nature-focused rhythm. Community life is strong in expat neighborhoods like Qurum and Madinat Sultan Qaboos.
UAE: Ambition, Innovation & Golden Visas
The UAE remains a magnet for those prioritizing opportunity, infrastructure, and international access. For British expats seeking professional acceleration, global connectivity, or high-end urban living, Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to lead the region.
Learn why moving to Dubai is a smart choice in 2025 and how you can make it happen in our latest blog: Moving to Dubai in 2025: Your Step-by-Step Tax-Free Relocation Plan.
Setting Up a Business in a Free Zone
The UAE’s Free Zones are designed for foreign entrepreneurs, offering clear ownership rights and low tax burdens. British expats looking to set up in 2025 have more than 45 Free Zones to choose from, including sector-specific ones for tech, media, logistics, and finance.
▸ Key Free Zone Advantages:
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100% foreign ownership
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0% corporate and personal income tax (for most Free Zones)
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Fast licensing turnaround – average setup in 7–10 working days
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No customs duties for re-exported goods
▸ Popular Options:
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IFZA (Dubai): Cost-effective for general business activities
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DMCC (Dubai): Ideal for commodities and fintech
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ADGM (Abu Dhabi): Regulated environment, perfect for financial services
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RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah): Lower fees, flexible packages for SMEs
Minimum Setup Costs: Start from AED 12,500–18,000 (~£2,700–£3,900), depending on location and activity.
Islamic Lifestyle in a Global Setting
Unlike Oman’s quieter religious environment, the UAE offers a global city experience that still respects Islamic traditions. For practicing Muslims relocating from the UK, this means access to:
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Halal-certified food in all public restaurants
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Thousands of mosques with English and Arabic khutbahs
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Friday as a part of the weekend (in schools/government)
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Family-friendly policies in housing, education, and public space planning
While Dubai leans cosmopolitan, cities like Sharjah and Al Ain are more conservative, giving expats the option to choose a lifestyle balance that fits.
Oman vs UAE: Which Middle-East Home Fits You?
Choosing between Oman and the UAE isn’t about which country is “better”, it’s about fit. Both offer residency, stability, and a high standard of living, but the experience on the ground is vastly different.
Work & Business
| Factor |
Oman | UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Business Setup | LLC with OMR 20,000 capital (approx. £42K) | Free Zone companies from £2.7K setup |
| Investor Visa Options | 5 & 10-year with property purchase | Golden Visa for professionals & investors |
| Market Size | Local/regional | Regional/global hub |
| Competition Level | Moderate | Very high, especially in Dubai |
Daily Life & Cost of Living
| Factor |
Oman | UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (2BR city apartment) | ~£440/month (Muscat) | ~£1,800/month (Dubai/Abu Dhabi) |
| Private School Fees | £3,000–£7,000/year | £8,000–£22,000/year |
| Healthcare Access | Affordable insurance + public hospitals | Private sector dominant, higher cost |
| Transport | Car-focused, minimal traffic | Excellent public transport in cities |
Cultural Integration & Community
| Factor | Oman |
UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Language Barrier | Minimal—English widely spoken | None—English dominates in all cities |
| Religion & Lifestyle | Traditional, faith deeply woven into life | Mix of tradition and international culture |
| Community Feel | Smaller, tight-knit expat circles | Diverse, larger expat population |
| Friday Prayers & Access | Easy access, lower density mosques | Friday prayers across all major districts |
Ideal For:
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✓ Oman: |
✓ UAE: |
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Families seeking stability and simplicity, nature lovers, remote workers, retirees, and mid-sized entrepreneurs who value quality of life over scale. |
Business professionals, high-growth entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and families who want access to international services and a faster-paced lifestyle. |
5 Common Questions About Moving to Oman
▸ Is Oman safe for expats, especially women and families?
Yes. Oman consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the Middle East.
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Global Peace Index 2024 placed Oman among the top 3 safest nations in the region.
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Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is minimal.
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Solo female expats report high levels of personal safety, and cultural norms emphasize respect and family values.
▸ Do I need to speak Arabic to live in Oman?
No. English is widely spoken in Muscat and other major cities, especially in business, education, and healthcare. Street signs, official forms, and school communications are bilingual.Learning basic Arabic phrases is encouraged, but not essential for daily life.
▸ How much money do I need to relocate comfortably to Oman?
A comfortable move without real estate investment usually requires a cushion of at least £8,000–£12,000 to cover initial expenses like rent, deposit, visa processing, school enrollment (if applicable), and health insurance.
If applying via the investor visa route, property investment thresholds start from around £210,000. Day-to-day living is affordable, but having this buffer helps ensure a smooth transition.
▸ Can I bring my UK car or personal belongings to Oman?
Yes, you can ship your car and household items. Vehicles must meet Omani import rules, including being under two years old and right-hand drive.
Customs paperwork is straightforward but should be arranged in advance with your relocation agent or shipping provider. Most expats find it more efficient to buy a vehicle locally once settled.
▸ What taxes will I pay as a British expat in Oman?
Oman does not tax personal income, which means your salary, pension, or freelance earnings are not subject to local tax.
There’s a 5% VAT on most goods and services, but no council tax, capital gains tax, or inheritance tax.
That said, you may still be subject to UK tax depending on your UK ties, consult an expat tax advisor to clarify your HMRC status.
