If you’re planning to invest or establish a company in Oman, there are specific steps to follow to ensure compliance with local regulations and obtain all necessary permits. This guide provides detailed information on the stages of company formation, business registration, and investment visas in Oman.
Investment Visa in Oman
An investment visa in Oman allows foreign investors to enter the country to start business ventures. This visa offers various opportunities for expanding business operations and has specific requirements to ensure the success and sustainability of projects.
Investment Visa Requirements
- Application Submission: Investors must apply for an investment visa through relevant Omani authorities, such as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry or the Public Authority for Investment Promotion and Export Development .
- Required Documents: Typically includes a valid passport, a recent photo, a detailed business plan, proof of financial resources, and any other documents related to the investment.
- Investment Proof: Investors must demonstrate their ability to execute the project by providing documents that prove available funding and investment planning.
Stages of Company Formation and Business Registration
Stage 1: Platform Registration
Access the Oman Business Platform: Visit the Oman Business Platform online and create an account using your email address. Activate each partner’s account by uploading a passport photo and a selfie. Then, wait for account verification.
Stage 2: Business Registration
- Choose a Trade Name: You can choose a trade name yourself or delegate this task to a licensed office like Sanad Office.
- Define the Number of Partners and Their Shares: Specify the number of partners and their respective shares, with the option to have one to five partners maximum.
- Select the Business Registration Grade: Choose the appropriate grade for your business registration from among fourth, third, second, first, or excellent.
- Identify Business Activities: List the business activities you wish to engage in, which can include various sectors. These activities must be available to foreigners.
- Obtain the Business Registration: Issue the business registration, which is valid for three years.
Stage 3: Licensing
- Investment License: Obtain an investment license, valid for two years. This requires a feasibility study (signed and stamped by an accredited consultancy office) and a CV of the partners detailing their relevant experience.
- Chamber of Commerce Membership Certificate: Obtain a membership certificate from the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
- Activity License: Obtain an activity license for one activity to secure the permit and work visa, valid for one or two years.
- Add an Omani Representative: Appoint an Omani representative to handle visa procedures with the Royal Oman Police.
Stage 4: Permits and Work Visas
- Partner Authorization from the Ministry of Labour: Obtain a work permit from Category I. Available titles include Chairman, CEO, Business Partner, and Administrative Partner.
- Partner Visa from Royal Oman Police: Secure the partner visa, valid for three months before the first use, and two years for multiple entries after the first use.
- Visa Conversion: Tourist visas cannot be converted to work visas. Those inside Oman must exit and then apply for a new visa for re-entry.
Stage 5: Medical Examination and Residence Card
- Medical Examination: Complete a medical examination in Oman after using the work visa.
- Obtain Residence Card: Get a residence card from the Royal Oman Police and secure a contract from the Ministry of Labour.
Cost of company formation and investor visa in Oman
The cost forompany formation and investor visa typically ranges between 950 Omani Rials, covering all aspects.
Certified office for processing investor visas and company Formation in Oman
Many investors prefer Sanad Office for processing transactions in Oman. Delegating to a licensed office like Sand ensures that all procedures are handled correctly, legally, and efficiently.
If you need further inquiries or assistance in establishing your company in Oman, feel free to contact us, and we will handle all procedures legally and swiftly.