Guidance

Oman: Knowledge Base profile

Published 15 May 2024

About: Oman

This document contains useful information about Oman which will assist His Majesty’s Passport Office staff process passport applications.

Contacts

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Publication

Below is information on when this version of the document was published:

• version 2.0
• published for Home Office staff on 10 May 2024

Changes from last version of this document

This document has been updated with minor formatting changes.

Oman: names

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about names in Oman.

A naming convention exists in Oman, where names from an approved list must be used.

Names in Oman consist of:

• 1 or more forenames
• father’s name
• surname

The number of names used can vary, and tribal names may also be used. Tribal names will not be shown on a birth certificate but will appear in an Oman passport.

There can be multiple spellings of certain names, for example, Mohammed or Abdula.

Change of name

Name changes are allowed in Oman.

Oman: nationality

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about nationality in Oman.

Dual nationality is illegal in Oman.

Oman: adoption

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about adoption in Oman.

Adoption is legal in Oman. Only Oman citizens can adopt.

Oman: surrogacy

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about surrogacy in Oman.

Surrogacy is illegal in Oman.

Oman: civil partnerships and marriage

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about civil partnerships and marriage in Oman.

Civil partnerships and same sex relationships are illegal in Oman.

Polygamy is allowed in Oman. Muslim men can marry up to four wives.

Oman: gender recognition

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about gender recognition in Oman.

Transgender citizens are not recognised in Oman.

Oman: documents

This section gives HM Passport Office operational staff information about documents in Oman.

Birth certificates

Certificates of live birth are issued to children born in hospital. If the birth takes place outside the hospital the parents obtain a birth notice from the Sheikh or Rasheed in the region.

All births must be registered within 2 weeks with the Civil Registration Office. Late birth registrations are allowed up to 1 year after the child is born, Late registration is done by the Inspector General.

If the child’s parents are not married, the birth cannot be registered. Marriage certificates must be provided when registering a child to confirm the parents are married.

There is one type of Oman birth certificate. The person will receive 2 copies (one Arabic, one English), and the birth certificate will:

• have a stamp of the Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• always be laminated
• always include the name of the child

If a mistake has been made on the birth certificate, a new certificate will be issued.

Tribal names will not be shown on a birth certificate.

Marriage certificates

Marriage certificates are issued when a marriage is registered in Oman. All marriages must be registered within 30 days and 1 member of the couple must be an Oman citizen.

1 type of marriage certificate exists, and this is issued in Arabic.

The Ministry of Interior hold a central register with records of all registered marriages.

Death certificates

Death certificates are issued when deaths are registered with the Civil Registration Office in Oman. Deaths must be registered within 2 weeks. Late registration (up to 1 year) is allowed and must be accepted by the Inspector General.

There is one type of Oman death certificate. The next of kin will receive 2 copies (one Arabic, one English), and the death certificate will always be laminated.

Identity documents

Identity documents are issued to all citizens in Oman over the age of 16 years old.

Tribal names will appear in an Oman passport.