Oman Regulatory Framework — Doing Business in Oman
Regulatory environment for investors — foreign investment law, taxation, company formation, labour law, free zones, and banking regulation.
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Banking Regulation — Oman
Oman's banking sector is regulated by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) under the Banking Law (Royal Decree 114/2000). The CBO supervises capital adequacy (Basel III), liquidity, Islamic banking, and fintech — maintaining a stable, well-capitalised banking system.
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Company Formation — Oman
Setting up a company in Oman: LLCs, joint stock companies, branches, and free zone entities. The process has been streamlined through digital government and the OPAZ one-stop-shop — typically 1-3 weeks for standard companies.
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Environmental Law and Regulation — Oman
Oman's environmental framework covers protected areas, EIA requirements, marine conservation, carbon emissions, and the net-zero 2050 commitment. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals and MECA jointly administer environmental regulation.
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Foreign Investment Law — Oman
Oman's Foreign Capital Investment Law (Royal Decree 50/2019) and its amendments allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, with exceptions for strategic industries. OPAZ one-stop-shop and the Investment and Commercial Court (2025) improve the investment environment.
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Free Zone and SEZ Regulations — Oman
Oman's OPAZ-regulated economic zones (Duqm SEZ, Salalah Free Zone, Sohar Free Zone, Al Mazunah) offer 100% foreign ownership, 25-30 year tax holidays, duty-free imports, and simplified licensing — the primary vehicles for industrial FDI attraction.
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Labour Law and Omanisation — Oman
Oman's Labour Law (Royal Decree 35/2003 and amendments) governs employment contracts, working conditions, and termination. Omanisation quotas require private sector employers to maintain minimum percentages of Omani national employees by sector.
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Land Ownership and Real Estate Regulation — Oman
Oman restricts land and real estate ownership for non-Omanis, with the primary exception being Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) where foreigners may purchase freehold residential property. Industrial land in free zones is available on long-term leasehold.
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PPP and Privatisation Framework — Oman
Oman's Public-Private Partnership law and privatisation programme are central to Vision 2040's private sector development — enabling private investment in infrastructure, utilities, and government services while unlocking state asset value through partial IPOs.
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Taxation Framework — Oman
Oman's tax framework includes corporate income tax (15%), VAT (5% since 2021), excise taxes, and customs duties. There is no personal income tax for individuals. Free zone investors benefit from extended tax holidays.