Understanding Company Formation in Oman for Foreigners

Are you planning to register a company in Oman and are unsure where to begin? With evolving regulations, foreign ownership norms, and procedural requirements, company formation in Oman for foreigners can seem easy with Enterslice’s expert guidance.

Company Formation in Oman for Foreigners offers a smooth and efficient entry into one of the Middle East’s most stable and fast-growing economies. With progressive FDI reforms, Company Registration in Oman for Foreigners allows up to 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, with no minimum share capital and no requirement for a local shareholder or director. Businesses can be incorporated remotely through a local agent, making the process time-efficient and hassle-free.

Foreign investors can choose flexible structures such as an LLC, which can be set up with a single shareholder and director. Oman also provides tax exemptions, subsidies, interest-free loans, and access to free trade agreements, including the Oman–US FTA. With its strategic location and investor-friendly regulations, Company Formation in Oman for Foreigners is an ideal choice for global entrepreneurs expanding into the Middle East.

100% Foreign Ownership in Most Sectors

No Minimum Share Capital Requirement

Remote Company Incorporation (No Physical Presence Required)

No Resident Shareholder or Director Required

4,50,768 Companies Registered in Oman to Date

Flexible Business Structures (LLC, Branch, etc.)

Tax Exemptions, Subsidies & Government Incentives

Interest-Free Loans for Eligible Foreign Investors

Free Trade Agreements, Including Oman- US FTA

Zero-stress Company Incorporation in Oman for Foreigners

Gain a strategic foothold in the Middle East with worry-free company incorporation in Oman for foreigners. Ensure smooth registration, compliance, and foreign investment setup with expert guidance.

get_started_img

What are the Types of Company Incorporation in Oman for Foreigners?

The different types of Company Incorporation in Oman for Foreigners are as follows:

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

A limited liability company (LLC) in Oman is a separate legal entity with limited liability, meaning members are only liable up to the amount of their capital contribution. The law generally allows: Minimum of 2 and maximum of 40 members; Liability limited to the share of capital each partner holds.

Joint Stock Company (JSC) (SAOC/SAOG)

A Joint Stock Company (JSC) in Oman is a corporate entity with limited liability for its shareholders and requires a minimum of three shareholders. Under the Commercial Companies Law (Royal Decree No. 18/2019), the minimum share capital is OMR 2,000,000 for a public JSC and OMR 500,000 for a closed JSC, while a public JSC converted from another form may have a reduced minimum of OMR 1,000,000. Public JSCs can offer shares to the public and are regulated by the Capital Market Authority.

Branch Office

A branch office in Oman is a legally registered extension of a foreign parent company. It is not a separate legal entity from the parent, and the parent company remains responsible for all liabilities. Branches can engage in commercial activities and profit making if permitted under law and regulatory conditions.

Representative Office

A representative office is also an extension of the foreign parent company but is restricted to non commercial activities such as marketing, promotion, and liaison. It cannot undertake direct profit making transactions in Oman.

Oman Free Zone Company

It is one of the business structures for company formation in Oman for foreigners. The business structure that does not require a minimum investment is permitted to be transacted only in the specified area.

Limited Partnership

A limited partnership must include: General partner(s) with unlimited liability responsible for the management; and Limited partner(s) whose liability is limited to their capital contribution (provided they do not participate in management). Like general partnerships, limited partnerships require at least two participants and no prescribed minimum capital.

Joint Venture

Under Omani law, a joint venture lacks separate legal personality; it is an unincorporated commercial arrangement between two or more parties to carry out a business project. Joint ventures do not require minimum capital by law since they are governed by contract, but they are subject to contractual terms agreed by the parties.

Colour Mark

A colour mark, which represents trade or service marks using one or more colours in a specific and distinctive manner, generally protects a brand's exclusive use of those colours. It further allows the company to claim exclusive rights to that colour for branding purposes within the country.

Holding Company

A holding company is structured to own at least 51% of one or more subsidiary companies, giving it control over them. The holding company can be established as an LLC or a Joint Stock Company, but under the law, the minimum capital for a holding company is OMR 2,000,000.

What are the Benefits of Company Registration in Oman for Foreigners?

The list of benefits of company registration in Oman for foreigners is as follows:

Liberal Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy

Liberal Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy

Oman has progressively liberalized its foreign direct investment regime since the 2000s, allowing foreign participation across a wide range of sectors. Unlike many other Gulf jurisdictions, Oman permits up to 100% foreign ownership in most business activities.

Foreign investors are not required to appoint a nominee shareholder or an Omani resident partner, making market entry simpler and more transparent. This makes Company Incorporation in Oman for Foreigners highly attractive.

Easy LLC Formation

International Expansion

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) is one of the most preferred and commonly used business structures for company formation in Oman for foreigners. The incorporation process is straightforward, with minimal structural requirements, often just one shareholder and one director, making it an efficient option for both startups and established foreign businesses.

Access to Free Trade Agreements

Access to Free Trade Agreements

Oman is a signatory to several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the US–Oman Free Trade Agreement. This provides significant advantages to international investors, especially US nationals, by offering broader market access and eliminating tariffs on trade between Oman and the United States.

No Resident Shareholder Requirement

No Resident Shareholder Requirement

There is no mandatory requirement to appoint a resident shareholder in Oman. This reduces compliance obligations and operational complexities for foreign investors, allowing them to retain full control over their business operations. It is one of the key benefits of company registration in Oman for foreigners.

Investor-Friendly Jurisdiction

Investor-Friendly Jurisdiction

With its flexible ownership norms, simplified incorporation process, and favourable trade policies, Oman is an ideal destination for investors, including Indians, who are starting a business in Oman as an Indian, seeking growth opportunities in the Middle East.

How Foreigners Can Start a Business in Oman?

The step-by-step process on how foreigners can start a business in Oman is as follows:

Choose Business Structure

Firstly, the applicant needs to select a suitable business structure for company registration under the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) of Oman.

Reserve Business Name

Secondly, the applicant needs to reserve a unique and distinct business name, ensuring that it reflects the goals and objectives of the business. While the chosen name or reserved with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) must be in Arabic and hold a legal meaning.

Submission of Documents

Thirdly, the applicant needs to make a submission of the fundamental company registration documents, like the MoA, AoA, and affiliation with the Chamber of Commerce with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP).

Apply for Company Registration on OCCI

Once the documents are ready, file your company registration application online through the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) portal to formalize your business setup.

Obtain a Certificate of Incorporation

After your application is approved for Oman company registration, you will receive a Certificate of company formation in Oman for foreigners, which is mandatory to legally conduct business in Oman.

 

Struggling with the complex process of starting a Business in Oman as an Indian?

What are the Essential Documents for Company Registration in Oman for Foreigners?

The list of essential documents for company registration in Oman for foreigners is as follows:

Memorandum of Association

Passport of Shareholders and Directors

Visas of shareholders and Directors

Intended Business Activity

Utility bill

Memorandum of Association

Articles of Association

Tax Registration Certificate

Identity Card of Shareholders

Certificate of Initial Deposit

Filed Company Registration Form

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Affiliation Certificate

What are the Compliances for Online company registration in Oman from India?

The list of compliances for Online company registration in Oman from India is as follows:

  • Corporate Tax :- All companies in Oman must register with the Ministry of Finance for corporate tax purposes. The standard corporate income tax rate is 15% on taxable profits.
  • Small Business Tax :- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with an authorized share capital up to OMR 50,000 or gross income up to OMR 100,000 may qualify for a reduced corporate tax rate of 3%.
  • LLC Compliance :- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) must notify the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion (MoCIIP) of any changes in their structure, including changes in shareholding, capital, or management.
  • Annual General Meeting (AGM) :- Companies are required to hold an Annual General Meeting every year to approve financial statements and make key corporate decisions.

Establish Your Business in Oman as a Foreigner

Set up your company in Oman with complete support for foreign ownership & compliance.

  • Assistance with company formation in Oman for foreign investors
  • End-to-end support for licensing, approvals, and legal formalities

Why Trust Enterslice for Starting a Business in Oman for Foreigners?

With extensive experience in global company incorporation, foreign investment facilitation, and regulatory compliance, we provide end-to-end support for company registration in Oman from India. Our goal is to simplify the process of company formation in Oman from India and ensure full legal compliance at every step for starting a business in Oman for foreigners.

  • Expert consultation to assess your business requirements in Oman
  • 500+ companies registered successfully in Oman
  • High success rate in company formation in Oman for foreigners
  • Efficient documentation for company formation in Oman for foreigners
  • End-to-end support for foreign company setup, including assistance with opening corporate bank account in Oman
  • Access to a team of legal and compliance professionals familiar with Oman’s regulatory environment
  • Full compliance with Omani corporate laws and commercial regulations
  • Ongoing support for post-incorporation requirements, including annual filings and statutory maintenance
  • Transparent pricing with no hidden charges
  • 24/7 assistance for queries related to company formation in Oman for foreigners
  • Guidance on meeting Omani economic substance and licensing requirements
  • Facilitates access to regional trade networks, tax advantages, and asset protection

FAQs on Company Formation in Oman for Foreigners

A Trademark is a distinctive mark, symbol, design, or combination used to identify a company’s product or services.

The primary authority responsible for company formation in Oman for foreigners is the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI).

The minimum capital depends on the type of business structure chosen for company formation in Oman for foreigners. For example, for a Limited Liability Company (LLC):

  • OMR 20,000 – for companies fully owned by Omanis or GCC nationals.
  • OMR 150,000 – for companies with mixed shareholding, including foreign investors.

Oman follows a legal system largely derived from common law, with flexibility in commercial laws. Business disputes are resolved in the commercial courts, while Islamic Sharia law serves as the main source of legislation.

Foreign investment for company formation in Oman for foreigners is governed by the Foreign Capital and Investment Law (Royal Decree No. 50/2019).

In a Limited Liability Company, shareholders’ liability is limited to their capital contribution.

Employment relationships in Oman are regulated under the Employment Law (Sultani Decree No. 35/2003).

Yes, indeed Indian’s can register company in Oman provided they must adhere to the regulations under the Foreign Capital and Investment Law (Royal Decree No. 50/2019), which governs foreign ownership, investment limits, and incentives.

 

We partner with more than 100+ companies

-- Testimonials

Don't take our word for it

In the news