Company Registration in Oman (2025 Guide)
Oman’s economy has been gaining momentum, with foreign direct investment up by over 16% in late 2024. This small but strategically located Gulf nation is actively positioning itself as a global investment hub with stable government policies and improved credit ratings (Oman’s S&P rating was recently upgraded to BBB–). Supported by transparent regulations and low business costs, Oman offers entrepreneurs in 2025 an open, investor-friendly environment. Its Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion manages company formation through an online portal, simplifying the process for international entrepreneurs. In practice, registering a company in Oman requires only basic steps and documents (detailed below), making it straightforward for global businesses to establish a presence.
Oman welcomes foreign investment with very few hurdles. In most sectors, foreigners may fully own their companies, and the law imposes no requirement for a local partner or minimum capital for a standard LLC. These conditions allow a single foreign investor to set up a Mainland company alone. Once the registration is complete, you receive a business license and can apply separately for a residency visa. Overall, Oman presents an attractive combination of low-cost operations, broad market access, and regulatory stability that international investors will find hard to resist.
Required Documents
When registering a company in Oman, only modest documentation is needed at the outset. At minimum, each shareholder must submit a valid passport copy and basic personal details. You will also need to propose a company name and outline the planned business activities. Because Oman has removed capital requirements and sponsor mandates for a standard LLC, no large initial bank deposit or local partner documents are needed. In short, the paperwork is minimal – mainly passport IDs, address information, and company particulars.
To summarize, the key documents include:
Passport copy of each shareholder
Preferred company name and proposed activities
Shareholder contact and address information
All forms can be submitted through Oman’s online business portal.
Conditions
Oman imposes very few conditions on foreign investors. There are no prerequisites such as mandatory Oman residency or other business ownerships. You do not need a local sponsor or partner – a foreigner can establish an LLC entirely on their own. Under Oman’s Foreign Capital Investment Law, investors are entitled to 100% foreign ownership in most industries. This legal guarantee means your company can be wholly owned by non-Omani shareholders without restriction. In addition, Oman levies no personal income tax on individuals, and basic Mainland LLCs carry no minimum capital requirement. These liberal conditions make Oman extremely accessible: you can form a company with only your personal passport and basic details, and reap the full benefits as a sole foreign owner.
Required Documents to Open a Company in Oman
Passport copy of each shareholder
Preferred company name (two or three options is advisable)
Business activity details (description of planned activities)
Address and contact information for the company and shareholders
Note: For a standard Mainland LLC, no minimum capital or Omani partner is required.
Steps to Register a Company in Oman
Follow these steps to form your Oman company (Alnema can handle each step on your behalf):
Choose a Company Type: Decide on the legal form (an LLC is recommended for most foreign investors).
Reserve a Company Name: Check name availability and reserve your company name according to Oman’s naming rules.
Prepare Required Documents: Gather passports, shareholder details, and company information as listed above.
Draft Memorandum and Articles: Prepare the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (Alnema provides templates and guidance).
Obtain Government Approvals: Submit your application to the Ministry and secure any necessary approvals (Alnema will coordinate this with government authorities).
Register for Taxes: Register the company with Oman’s tax authorities and obtain a Tax Identification Number (the company’s tax rate will generally be 15% of profits).
Apply for Residency Visa: Once the company is registered, apply for a foreign investor residency visa through the Royal Oman Police (Alnema assists with the visa application).
Each step can be completed online. According to Alnema, the whole process (steps 1–6) typically takes 7–10 business days, after which you can apply for a resident visa (another 20–30 days). Alnema’s team will guide you through each of these steps, ensuring documents are correct and deadlines met.
Types of Companies in Oman
Oman offers several corporate structures for foreign investors:
Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is the most common form for small-to-medium ventures, especially by foreigners. An LLC can be 100% foreign-owned and requires at least one shareholder and manager.
Joint Stock Company (SAOC/SAOG): A joint stock company (similar to a public or private corporation) is suitable for large enterprises and can list shares. SAOGs are publicly traded, while SAOCs are privately held.
Branch Office: A foreign company can open a branch office in Oman as an extension of its parent company. A branch is limited in scope (it may only carry out activities of the parent) and usually requires a local agent.
Representative Office: This is a non-trading presence of a foreign company, used only for marketing or liaison. It cannot earn income directly in Oman but can be a low-cost way to enter the market.
One-Person Company (OPC): A relatively new category, an OPC is an LLC owned by a single individual. It provides limited liability and is simpler to manage.
Your choice will depend on factors like size, liability preference, and future plans. In most cases, a standard Mainland LLC is the fastest and simplest route for foreign investors.
Time to Register a Company and Get Visa
Company Registration: Approximately 7–10 working days from application to license. (Oman’s workweek is Sunday–Thursday; Fridays/Saturdays are non-working days.)
Investor Visa: Once the company is licensed, the investor residency visa typically takes 20–30 working days to process.
Note: Processing times can vary slightly depending on the nature of the business and government workload, but Alnema’s experience shows most cases complete within these time frames.
Business License and Residency in Oman
Registering your company gives you a business license, but it does not automatically grant you residency. After incorporation, you must apply separately for an investor residency visa. In other words, the company license is the prerequisite for the visa application. Once your license is issued, you can apply for a work/investor visa for yourself (and your dependents) through Oman’s immigration process. Alnema will assist with the visa paperwork (business plan, health checks, Oman ID card, etc.) to secure your residency permit after the company is set up.
Why Start a Business in Oman?
Oman offers a compelling business environment backed by strategic reforms and global connectivity. For instance, Oman’s leaders highlight a “decisive shift” toward a diversified economy and report double-digit growth in foreign investment recently. The country’s Vision 2040 development plan is driving a knowledge-based economy, with investments in infrastructure (like the ports of Duqm and Salalah) and new industries. International ratings agencies have upgraded Oman’s outlook (Oman holds a stable BBB– rating) and forecast solid GDP growth (around 3–4% annually).
Key reasons to launch in Oman include:
Strategic Location: Oman’s ports and logistics hubs connect to major markets in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It lies outside the Strait of Hormuz, offering geopolitically secure access.
Stable Economy and Governance: Oman enjoys political stability and sound financial reserves. Its consistent policies give investors confidence.
Business Reforms: The government has cut red tape and enhanced transparency. Online licensing and minimal prerequisites make setup simple.
Welcoming Environment: English is widely used in business, and government services are provided in multiple languages. Oman is known for security and quality of life, which helps attract international talent.
Vision 2040 Growth: Sectors like tourism, logistics, and technology are being actively developed with incentives. Oman’s liberalization (e.g. 100% foreign ownership in most sectors) is specifically aimed at drawing foreign entrepreneurs.
These factors combine to make Oman a business-friendly destination in 2025. The government and private sector are actively courting global investors, as evidenced by forums like the April 2025 Advantage Oman Forum that gathered over 300 international CEOs. By starting your company here, you tap into a network of initiatives designed to grow your business.
Benefits of Registering a Company in Oman
Omani company ownership comes with concrete advantages:
100% Foreign Ownership: You can wholly own your Mainland company. There is no need to cede equity to a local partner.
Fast Setup: Company registration can be completed in under 10 days (often as fast as 7 working days), allowing you to begin operations quickly.
Transparent Legal Framework: Oman has clear laws and online procedures. Government processes (registration, licensing, visa issuance) are digital and predictable.
Low Tax Rates: Corporate tax is only 15% of profits. Small Oman-based LLCs meeting SME criteria pay just 3%. There is no personal income tax. These rates are among the lowest in the region, boosting your after-tax profits.
Growing Market Access: Oman’s economy is on an upward trajectory, and being part of GCC and global agreements opens doors. Free trade agreements (see next section) mean your exports face few barriers.
Political Stability: Oman’s government maintains a supportive stance toward business and has avoided the volatility seen in some other markets. This stability helps businesses plan long-term.
Together, these benefits let companies start quickly and compete globally. For an international entrepreneur, Oman offers the rare combination of full ownership, low costs, and strategic connectivity that is hard to beat.
Company Formation In Mainland
Forming a Mainland LLC in Oman is cost-effective. The official government fee for registering a Mainland company is currently just 295 Omani Rials (about $767 USD). This fixed fee covers the basic Commercial Registry registration and issuing of the license. By comparison, forming a similar company in many countries often costs several thousand dollars. Alnema can register the company on your behalf (even remotely), sparing you the travel and logistical costs of being physically present. In other words, there are no hidden “travel fees” – you pay only the official charges, and Alnema handles the rest. (Note: Other nominal costs may include title deed notarization or specific sector fees, but these are minimal.)
Even with this low fee, you get a fully licensed Oman company. Once registered, you immediately hold a valid Commercial Registration. You can then open corporate bank accounts, sign contracts, and operate as a legal entity in Oman. (Residency visas come afterward, as described above.) In summary, Mainland company formation in Oman is fast, affordable, and can be done entirely online at standard government rates.
Visa Fee Table for Investor/s
The investor residency visa in Oman involves government fees that are quite reasonable. The table below summarizes the current costs (in Omani Rials and USD) for a foreign shareholder setting up an LLC and obtaining a residency visa for 1 year or 2 years. These totals include the company registration fee, visa fee, and Oman ID card fee:
| Visa Type | Company Reg. Fee | Investor Visa Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Year Residency | 295 OMR (767 USD) | 795 OMR (2,067 USD) | 1,090 OMR (2,834 USD) |
| 1-Year Residency | 295 OMR (767 USD) | 625 OMR (1,625 USD) | 920 OMR (2,392 USD) |
These figures include the Oman ID card processing fee. After obtaining the license and visa, you and your eligible family members (spouse and children under 21) can live and work in Oman. (Family visa fees are extra: about 150 OMR for a wife and 100 OMR per child.)
Cost of Doing Business in Oman
Operating costs in Oman are very competitive within the region. The World Bank has noted that Oman ranks among the Middle East’s most cost-effective countries for business, thanks to relatively low labor, utilities, and logistics costs. The main taxes in Oman are modest: corporate tax is 15% (with a 3% rate for small enterprises), and Value-Added Tax (VAT) is just 5%. There are no other income or wealth taxes. Utility rates (water, power) and office rents in Oman are generally lower than in neighboring Gulf cities. Wages for skilled labor tend to be competitive as well, while still attracting international talent. Taken together, these factors mean your Oman-based venture can enjoy healthy profit margins.
In practice, this low-cost environment makes Oman a desirable base: you save on overhead while retaining access to global markets (through free trade deals). Combined with a 15% corporate tax, the bottom-line expense of doing business here is quite favorable for foreign investors.
Free Trade Agreements in Oman: A Key Advantage for Your Business
When you register in Oman, your company gains privileged access to international markets via Oman’s many trade deals. Oman currently has over 100 bilateral and multilateral agreements with other countries, including comprehensive Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) that reduce tariffs.
Oman–U.S. Free Trade Agreement (2009): Under this FTA, practically all industrial and consumer goods trade between Oman and the United States is duty-free. In effect, Omani exports to the U.S. (and vice versa) enter without customs charges, giving Oman-based manufacturers and exporters a huge cost advantage in the world’s largest economy.
GCC–Singapore FTA (2013): As a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Oman is party to the GCC–Singapore Free Trade Agreement. This agreement eliminates about 99% of tariffs for Singapore’s exports to the GCC (including Oman) and vice versa. In practice, it means Omani goods face minimal duties when sold in Singapore (a key Asian hub), and Singaporean imports enter Oman with almost no tariff.
GCC–EFTA FTA: Oman also benefits from a GCC–European Free Trade Association agreement (with Switzerland, Norway, etc.), which provides duty-free access for many Omani products into EFTA markets.
WTO Membership: Oman’s World Trade Organization membership ensures transparent trade rules with all member countries, further boosting investor confidence.
Double Taxation Treaties: In addition, Oman has over 30 double-taxation treaties, meaning companies and individuals can avoid being taxed twice on the same income by Oman and a partner country.
These FTAs and agreements make Oman a gateway to multiple markets. A company based in Oman can export goods cheaply to GCC neighbors, the USA, Europe, and Asia. This significantly lowers costs and expands your customer base. Connsect will advise which agreements apply to your business and help you claim any tariff exemptions when exporting.
FAQs about Company Registration in Oman
Q1: Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Oman?
A: Yes. Oman’s laws allow full foreign ownership in almost all sectors. You can form a Mainland LLC without any Omani partner.Q2: What is the cheapest way to start a company in Oman?
A: The most cost-effective option is a Mainland LLC. The official registration fee for an LLC is only 295 OMR (about $767). This covers the license for the first year.Q3: Do I need to be physically in Oman to register my company?
A: No. Company formation can be handled 100% online or via an agent. Connsect can complete the registration on your behalf without requiring you to travel.Q4: Is company registration the same as getting a visa?
A: No. These are separate processes. Registering a company gives you the business license; only after that can you apply for an investor or work visa for yourself.Q5: What documents are required for registration?
A: Essentially just a copy of each shareholder’s passport and some basic personal/business details. No complicated bank statements or local guarantees are needed at the initial stage.
These answers cover common queries. For any specific questions beyond this, Alnema’s consultants are always available to clarify details.
Launch Your Oman Business with a Free Consultation!
Starting a business in Oman? Connsect’s experienced local consultants offer a free one-on-one consultation to explain the process and answer your questions. During this session, we’ll outline every step of registration, from paperwork to visa requirements. There’s no obligation or cost – just expert guidance to get you started on the right track. Don’t navigate the company setup alone: contact us today to schedule your free consultation and turn your Oman business idea into reality.
Let Connsect Help You Start Your Company in Oman
Connsect is an Omani company led by seasoned business and legal professionals. We are dedicated to creating a secure investment environment in Oman, and our multilingual team (English, Arabic, Farsi, etc.) caters to clients from around the world. When you partner with Connsect, we don’t just handle the paperwork – we become an extension of your team. We guide you step-by-step, provide tailored solutions, and even connect you with valuable local networks. Our goal is to make your entry into Oman’s market as smooth and efficient as possible.
With Alnema, you gain a trusted ally on the ground. We offer transparent, fixed pricing with no hidden fees, and we manage the entire process online on your behalf. Our track record shows that we can launch new Oman companies in just about 7 days. Let us put our expertise and local knowledge to work for you. Contact Alnema now to take advantage of our services and free consultation. Your Oman business opportunity awaits – and Alnema is here to help you seize it.