Oman's most strategically located port-integrated free zone — a deep-water port with 20 berths handling 80+ million tonnes annually, providing unmatched maritime logistics advantages with zero taxation and 100% foreign ownership.
4,600 Ha Zone AreaPort Access Direct0% Corporate Tax100% Foreign Ownership
Recognized & Registered with Oman's Regulatory Authorities
MOCI Oman
CBO
Sohar Free Zone
SEZAD Duqm
KOM Muscat
CMA Oman
Muscat Chamber
0
Companies Registered
0
Free Zones Covered
0
Years Experience
0
Success Rate
Zone Overview
Oman's Port-Integrated
Free Zone Powerhouse
Sohar Port & Freezone (SPFZ) is Oman's most strategically located port-integrated free zone. The deep-water port features 20 berths handling over 80 million tonnes of cargo annually, making it one of the busiest ports in the Gulf of Oman. The integrated port-zone operations provide unmatched logistics advantages for manufacturers, traders, and shipping companies.
Note: Sohar Port FZ and Sohar Free Zone operate under the same authority and zone area but have distinct licensing structures. The Port FZ licence is specifically designed for port-adjacent operations including shipping, maritime services, and port-integrated manufacturing; the Sohar Free Zone licence serves broader industrial land users.
Deep-water port with 20 berths — 80+ million tonnes annual capacity
Gateway to GCC, South Asia, and East Africa via Gulf of Oman
Integrated port-zone operations for seamless cargo handling
World-class ship repair, bunkering, and maritime services
One-stop authority for all permits, licenses & visas
Quick Facts
Key details at a glance
Established
2002
Authority
Sohar Port & Freezone Authority
Location
Al Batinah, 220 km from Muscat
Area
4,600 Ha
Key Sectors
Maritime Trade, Manufacturing, Petrochemicals
Min. Capital
OMR 5,000 (approx.)
Setup Time
10–15 working days
Tax Holiday
25 years, renewable
Ownership
100% Foreign Ownership
Key Benefits
Six Compelling Advantages
Sohar Port & Freezone's unique port-integrated model makes it the most competitive maritime trade destination in the Gulf region.
0% Corporate Tax
Enjoy a 25-year tax holiday on all corporate income, renewable for another 25 years — making SPFZ one of the most tax-efficient maritime zones globally.
100% Foreign Ownership
No Omani partner required. Own your maritime, shipping, or manufacturing business entirely as a foreign investor with full profit repatriation.
Deep-Water Port Access
Direct access to Sohar Port's deep-water berths handling ultra-large vessels. 20 berths, 80+ million tonnes capacity — Oman's busiest commercial port.
0% Customs Duty
Import raw materials and export finished goods completely duty-free. Zero customs on inter-zone transfers and designated port free zone activities.
Visa Sponsorship
Sponsor unlimited employee visas under your SPFZ license. Fast-track investor visas for maritime business owners and operational staff.
Strategic Trade Position
Located at the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz — the world's most important oil shipping lane — providing unrivalled access to global trade routes.
Business Activities
Permitted Activities & Sectors
Sohar Port & Freezone supports 35+ permitted business activities across maritime, industrial, and energy sectors.
Maritime & Port
Port OperationsShippingMaritime ServicesShip RepairBunkeringOffshore Services
Petrochemicals & Energy
PetrochemicalsOil & Gas ServicesSteelFertilisersPower Generation
From your first consultation to a fully operational port-adjacent company — EnterSlice handles every step while you focus on maritime operations and trade.
Our SPFZ experts assess your maritime or trade business plan, confirm the correct Port FZ license type, and identify all permitted activities.
2
Document Preparation & Name Reservation
We prepare and notarise all required documents, reserve your company name, and draft the Memorandum of Association.
3
Authority Filing & Approval
EnterSlice submits your application to Sohar Port & Freezone Authority, coordinates port authority approvals, and handles all MOCI registrations.
4
License Issuance & Space Allocation
Receive your Port FZ trade license, allocate berth-adjacent office or operational space, and get your establishment card within 10–15 days.
5
Corporate Bank Account Opening
We facilitate account opening with Bank Muscat, HSBC, or NBO — typically within 5–10 business days post-incorporation.
What's Included
Everything Handled End-to-End
All-inclusive service — from document preparation to final delivery. No hidden extras.
Core Services
Port Free Zone Licence
Company Name Reservation
Sohar Port Authority Filing
Establishment Card
Port Zone Certificate
MOA & Legal Drafting
Maritime Authority Coordination
Additional Support
Port Facility Allocation
Dedicated Port Liaison
1 Investor Visa (Business+)
Bank Account Assistance
Full Document Package
Annual Renewal Management
Customs Clearance Support
Timeline
Your Journey — Milestone by Milestone
A clear, step-by-step timeline so you always know what's happening and when.
1
Day 1–2
Consultation & Maritime Assessment
2
Day 3–5
Document Prep & Name Reservation
3
Day 6–10
Port Authority Application
4
Day 11–14
Licence & Establishment Card
5
Day 15–18
Bank Account & Port Access
Visa Services
Visa Options for Sohar Port & Freezone
As an SPFZ licensee, sponsor employees and investors with full government support from EnterSlice.
Investor Visa
Long-term residency for maritime business owners and directors. Renewable 2-year visa with multiple entry benefits for international shipping travel.
Processing: 5–7 working days
Employment Visa
For maritime staff, port operators, engineers, and expatriate employees. Sponsor unlimited workers under your SPFZ establishment card.
Processing: 7–10 working days
Family Residence
Sponsor your spouse and dependants once your investor or employment visa is active. School registration support included.
Processing: 5–8 working days
Documentation
Required Documents
EnterSlice pre-checks and prepares all documents. Here's what you'll need to provide.
Personal Documents
Passport copy (all shareholders)
Passport-sized photographs
CV / Resume (shareholders)
Bank reference letter
Proof of address (utility bill / bank statement)
No Objection Certificate (if employed)
Source of funds declaration
Company Documents
Proposed company name (3 options)
Business plan / activity description
Memorandum & Articles of Association
Board resolution (corporate shareholders)
Certificate of Incorporation (existing cos.)
Shareholder structure / ownership chart
Lease agreement or space application
EnterSlice provides a full document checklist, notarisation, and legalisation services as part of every package.
Why EnterSlice
Oman's Most Trusted Business Setup Partner
Over 1,200 companies successfully registered across all Oman free zones. Here's why investors choose EnterSlice.
1,200+
Companies Registered
Across all 9 Oman free zones and mainland since 2009
15yr
Years in Oman
Deep MOCI relationships and regulatory expertise
98%
Success Rate
First-attempt approval rate across all registrations
50+
In-House Experts
Legal, accounting, visa, and PRO specialists on call
Testimonials
What Our Clients Say
Trusted by 1,200+ businesses across 50+ countries
“EnterSlice handled our Sohar Free Zone setup end-to-end — name reservation, MOCI approvals, and bank account with HSBC. All done in 14 days. Phenomenal service for first-time investors in Oman.”
AK
Ahmed Al-Khatib
CEO, TradeCo FZCO — Sohar Free Zone
Verified Client
“We needed a mainland LLC in Muscat urgently for a government tender. EnterSlice completed full registration in 8 working days and helped us get VAT-registered. Their MOCI relationships are unmatched.”
SR
Sarah Robinson
Director, Gulf Ventures LLC — Muscat Mainland
Verified Client
“The CBO fintech sandbox process was complex and multi-step. EnterSlice guided us through every regulatory touchpoint. Our payment gateway is now fully licensed and operational in Oman — could not have done it without them.”
MJ
Muhammad Javed
Founder, PayOman Fintech — CBO Regulated
Verified Client
“We relocated our regional HQ from Dubai to Muscat under Oman Vision 2040 incentives. EnterSlice managed our branch registration, Omanization plan, and Golden Visas for our founding team. Seamless from start to finish.”
RA
Rania Al-Amri
COO, MenaLogix Group — Muscat HQ
Verified Client
“Duqm SEZAD industrial setup with all environmental and sector permits — EnterSlice coordinated everything with SEZAD authority and delivered ahead of our project deadline. Outstanding professionalism.”
LP
Liu Peng
VP Operations, SinoGulf Industries — Duqm SEZAD
Verified Client
FAQ
Frequently Asked
Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions about setting up in Sohar Port & Freezone.
Still have questions?
Our experts are available
Sun – Thu, 9AM – 6PM GST.
Both operate under the same Sohar Port & Freezone Authority and share the 4,600 Ha zone. Sohar Port FZ licensing is specifically for port-adjacent operations — shipping, maritime services, bunkering, bulk cargo, and port-integrated manufacturing. Sohar Free Zone licensing covers broader industrial land activities. EnterSlice will advise which structure is optimal for your specific business.
With EnterSlice's process, Sohar Port FZ company registration typically takes 10–15 working days from document submission to license issuance. Port-specific operational permits (berthing rights, port access) may require additional time. Bank account opening adds 5–10 days. We offer fast-track services for clients with urgent maritime operations.
The minimum share capital for a Sohar Port FZ company is approximately OMR 5,000. Capital requirements vary significantly by activity — port operations and heavy manufacturing typically require higher capital commensurate with operational scale. EnterSlice will advise on the optimal capital structure for your specific maritime or industrial activity.
Port FZ companies primarily serve international shipping, trade, and export-oriented manufacturing. Selling goods into Oman's domestic market requires passing through customs with applicable import duties. For maritime service businesses (ship repair, bunkering), services provided to foreign vessels are typically exempt. EnterSlice will advise on the specific rules applicable to your activity.
Sohar Port FZ offers berth-adjacent operational space, port warehouses, marine workshops for ship repair, office buildings, industrial land plots adjacent to port berths, and virtual office options for trading companies. EnterSlice coordinates facility allocation with the Port Authority based on your operational requirements and license activity.
Sohar Port FZ companies enjoy 0% corporate income tax for 25 years (renewable), 0% personal income tax, 0% customs duty on imports and re-exports within the zone, and exemption from withholding tax on dividends, interest, and royalties. Ship bunkering may attract specific port charges. Oman's 5% VAT applies to certain domestic transactions — our tax team provides full compliance advisory.
Vision 2040 Opportunity — Act Now
0% Tax • 30 Yr Holiday100% Foreign OwnershipSetup in 15 DaysFree Oman 200 Consultation
Your Oman Business Starts Today
Oman Vision 2040 is creating unprecedented investment opportunities. Secure your position
in the fastest-growing GCC economy — with EnterSlice as your end-to-end partner.