Company registration in Oman

Oman, due to its favorable geographic location, economic and political stability, and business-friendly regulations, has become an attractive destination for company registration. Registering a company in Oman offers numerous benefits, including the ability to engage in economic activities, access to regional markets, and tax exemptions.

Types of companies that can be registered in Oman

Limited Liability Company (LLC):

Suitable for small and medium businesses.
Requires at least 2 partners.
Minimum capital: 20,000 Omani Rial.

Closed Joint Stock Company:

For large projects and serious investments.
Requires at least 3 founders.
Minimum capital: 50,000 Omani Rial.

Foreign Branch Office:

For expanding the activities of a company registered outside Oman.
Fully owned by the parent company.
No Omani partner required in some cases.

Free Zone Company:

100% foreign ownership.
No tax for up to 50 years in some areas.
No need for a permanent physical office in some cases.

Limited Partnership:

One general partner + one limited partner (no executive responsibility).

Documents required for company registration in Oman

LLC Company:

Passports of partners
Lease agreement for office
Articles of Association
Reserved company name
Invest Easy forms

Foreign Company:

Certificate of registration of parent company
Articles of Association
Legal representative documents
Officially translated documents

Free Zone:

Passport copies
License application
Business plan
Lease agreement in the zone
Police clearance letter (in some cases)

Steps to register a company in Oman

1. Choose the Type of Company: Select the appropriate company type based on capital, business activity, and the number of partners.
2. Choose the Company Name: The company name must be unique and comply with the regulations of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) and should be registered in both Arabic and English.
3. Draft the Articles of Association: The Articles of Association should include the company name, objectives, capital, shareholder shares, and management structure. It must also be officially translated into Arabic or English.
4. Prepare Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents, including the Articles of Association, declaration, and certificate of no criminal record.
5. Register Online via the Invest Easy Platform: Submit documents such as partner passports, Articles of Association, lease agreement, and legal forms. Then, pay the registration fees online to complete the process.
6. Open a Corporate Bank Account: You need to open a bank account in the company’s name.
7. Obtain Activity License: Based on the business activity, obtain the required licenses from the relevant authorities (Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Oman).
8. Register with Tax and Customs Authorities: Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN). If needed, register as an importer.
9. Hire and Obtain Work Residency: You need to obtain work clearance and apply for residency visas for the owner and employees from the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

Registration Costs for Company in Oman

Official Costs:

Business Name Reservation: Around 10 Omani Riyals
Company Registration at MOCI: From 200 to 500 Omani Riyals depending on the type of company
Business License: Varies with the business field
Office and Lease Costs: From 150 Omani Riyals per month
Bank Account Opening: Free but requires a minimum deposit

Additional Costs:

Legal Consultant or Lawyer Fees: 300 to 1000 Omani Riyals
Official Document Translation: 50 to 200 Omani Riyals
Local Representative Fees (if needed): Negotiable

Residency through company registration in Oman

2-year residence visa for the owner and family.
A work contract between the company and the owner (as a manager or consultant) is required.
Unlimited extension as long as the company is active.
Issuance of residence card (ID) by Royal Oman Police.

Oman Free Zones for Company Registration

Salalah Free Zone:

Tax exemption for up to 30 years
Easy export license
100% foreign ownership

Sohar Free Zone:

Focus on heavy industries, logistics, and material processing
Access to Sohar port
Advanced infrastructure

Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZAD):

Largest economic project in Oman
Opportunities for industrial, service, and tourism companies
Strong tax and customs incentives

KOM Technology Zone:

- Specialized for IT companies
- Tax exemption and full ownership
- Government support for startups

Reasons for rejection of company registration application in Oman

Deficiency in translated documents or lack of official certification
Use of a duplicate or unauthorized trade name
Failure to submit a logical or realistic business plan
Lack of a physical office (in some regions)
Non-compliance with specific industry requirements (e.g., health, environment)

Advantages of company registration in Oman

Tax exemptions: Many of Oman’s free zones offer zero tax rates.
Access to international markets: Proximity to Africa, India, GCC countries, and Europe.
Stable economy and advanced infrastructure: Modern banking system, stable internet, equipped ports.
100% foreign ownership in free zones: No need for a local partner.
Opportunities in oil, gas, tourism, fisheries, and information technology industries.
Good political relations with neighboring countries and the world.
Obtaining residency for the company owner and family.

Disadvantages of registering a company in Oman

High costs
Need proficiency in Arabic or English
Difficulty in finding an Omani partner
No guarantee of business success

Important points for company registration in Oman

Before proceeding with company registration in Oman, make sure to do thorough research and gather sufficient information.
Be aware of the laws and regulations regarding company registration in Oman.
Consult with a reliable lawyer or consultant in Oman.
Carefully assess the area before renting an office.
An active and transparent bank account is essential for obtaining further permits.
Register in a free zone to benefit from 100% ownership.
Adhere to Omani accounting and tax regulations, even in free zones.
For company registration in Oman, you need a local partner.
Familiarize yourself with Arabic or English.
Understand the culture and customs of Oman.

Frequently Asked Questions about Company Registration in Oman

Is it possible to register a company in Oman without an Omani partner?

Yes, you can own 100% of the company in free zones.

What is the minimum capital required to register a company in Oman?

For LLC, the recommended minimum capital is 20,000 Omani Rials.

Can a company be registered online in Oman?

Yes, it is possible to register a company online through the Invest Easy platform.

Is it easy to obtain Oman residency through company registration?

Yes, after registering your company and receiving an activity permit, you can obtain a residence visa.

Is there income tax in Oman?

There are no taxes in free zones. On the mainland, the corporate tax rate is 15%.

جمع بندی مطالب ثبت شرکت در عمان

Step	Approximate time	Important Note
Trade Name Reservation	1 business day	Must be unique and approved
Company Registration	5 to 7 business days	Through Invest Easy
Activity License	3 to 10 days	Depends on the type of activity
Bank Account	3 days	Requires document verification
Work Residency	2 weeks	After full company registration