Business Setup in Oman2024-10-03T14:36:49+04:00

UAE MAINLAND

BUSINESS SETUP IN OMAN

What is the significance of having a UAE mainland firm, and what does it represent?

Setting up a business in Oman offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs.

BUSINESS SETUP IN OMAN

UAE Mainland

Setting up a business in Oman offers numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs.

What is the significance of having a UAE mainland firm, and what does it represent?

Oman, located on the Arabian Peninsula, is a desirable destination for companies looking to grow in the Middle East. You need to understand and obtain the required business licenses and permits to start operating. In Oman, many government agencies supervise business licensing to efficiently control commercial activity. The licensing procedure guarantees transparency, safeguards customers, and promotes a positive business climate. It is essential to understand the various licenses and permits that can be needed for the particular business operations you conduct.

To facilitate international trade, Oman has established trade agreements with multiple countries. One notable example is the 2009 Oman-USA Free Trade agreement, which grants United States investors the same legal rights as Omani citizens. This agreement allows them to fully own businesses in Oman and exempts them from paying tariffs on Oman-US trade. Additionally, trade relations between Russia and Oman began in the late 1980s and have grown steadily, with trade turnover reaching USD 255 million in the first half of 2023, primarily driven by Russian exports like iron and wheat. The recent ratification of the Double Tax Treaty (DTT) between the two countries, effective from January 1, 2024, aims to enhance these economic ties further. This DTT, aligned with OECD and UN models, provides tax benefits for residents and sets clear guidelines for taxation on various forms of income, fostering a more favorable environment for cross-border investments and reducing tax burdens for businesses operating between Russia and Oman.

Oman offers a total of three free zones and two specific economic zones, which provide additional advantages for foreign investors. 100% foreign ownership and import duty waivers, tax breaks and exemptions from initial share capital requirements are offered by these zones. Foreign investors are therefore strongly encouraged to set up shop in Oman. To know more about the advantages that Oman offers for businesses, explore the various incentives and support systems in place.

 

Advantages Of Business Setup in Oman

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Legal Forms For Business Setup In Oman

One of the first and most critical decisions you will need to make when registering a company in Oman is selecting the appropriate business structure. The Sultanate offers various options, each with its own legal implications, ownership structures, and liability considerations. The most common business structures in Oman include:

 

FZCO (Free Zone Company) ( FZ- LLC)

An FZCO is essentially a multiple shareholder or a partnership freezone firm where there is more than one shareholder in the company with a maximum of 50 shareholders.

FZCO (Free Zone Company) ( FZ- LLC)

An FZCO is essentially a multiple shareholder or a partnership freezone firm where there is more than one shareholder in the company with a maximum of 50 shareholders.

Limited Liability Company (LLC)

This is formed by 2 or more founders, with no more than 40 partners. The shareholders have limited liability, up to the amount of the capital they invest in the business.

Sole Proprietorship

This is a business form set up by a single individual. it can be seen as the Omani equivalent of the sole trader, as the founder is fully liable for the debts and obligations of the business.

General Partnership

This is formed by 2 or more business partners who are jointly responsible for the funds of the company as well as its debts.

Branch Office

This is formed as an extension of a foreign company, fully dependent on the parent entity. It can engage in commercial activities and generate revenue, but must be registered with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion.

Representative Office

This is established by a foreign company to conduct market research and promote its products or services. It cannot engage in direct commercial activities or generate revenue, focusing solely on non-transactional tasks.

Joint Stock Company (JSC)

This is formed by at least 3 ordinary individuals, there is the closed stock company and the general stock company. A minimum capital of 500,000 OR is required for companies that do not contribute their shares.

Business Setup in Oman

Oman offers a total of three free zones and two specific economic zones, which provide additional advantages for foreign investors.

 

Types Of License In Oman

In Oman, businesses can be divided into three main licenses depending on their activity type: Commercial,
Industrial and Professional. Below is a general look at each license type.

 

Additional Approvals for Business Setup In Oman

In Oman, businesses may need additional approvals beyond the essential business licenses. These additional approvals depend on the specific nature of your business activities. Here is a general overview of each type of additional approval:

 

Why Oman To Start Your Business?

Oman is located at the intersection of three major commercial routes: Europe, Africa, and Asia. This advantageous position offers great access to a sizable market. Oman’s economy is robust and expanding, driven by its hydrocarbon reserves and efforts to diversify. 

For international companies, the Omani government provides a range of advantages, such as tax exemptions, free zones, and loosened rules for foreign ownership.  The government has improved the ease of doing business in Oman in recent years with major steps.

If you find yourself uncertain about the procedures involved in setting up a company in Oman, Business setup Consultants can provide you with their professional services. With Business setup Consultants as your trusted partner, the registration process for your Business Setup in Oman will be effortless and free of any complications. Our comprehensive service package encompasses strategic planning and consultation to help you choose the most suitable business entity, handling the entire registration process, acquiring the necessary licenses, opening a corporate bank account, and ensuring compliance with government regulations.

If a free zone company wants to do business in the Mainland, it needs to get specific licenses and documents from the Department of Economic Development (DED). Another option for these companies is to work with a DED-licensed distributor to operate in the Mainland. Additionally, free zone companies can do business in the Mainland by forming a civil company, a limited liability company (LLC), or by setting up a branch office.

Basic Required Documents You Need To Setup License In Oman

Sure! Here is a list of the documents needed for setting up a business in Oman:

  • Passport copies of shareholders and managers.
  • Application Form

  • Partnership Agreement (if applicable)

  • Memorandum of Association (MOA)

  • Articles of Association (AOA)

  • Name Reservation Certificate

  • Application for Commercial Registration

  • Municipality License

  • Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) Membership Certificate

  • Lease Agreement

  • Utility Connection Documents

  • Employee Contracts

  • Corporate Bank Account Application

  • Tax Identification Number (TIN) Application

  • VAT Registration (if applicable)

Guide To Setup Your License In Oman

Follow these important steps to guarantee an effortless company license and permit application procedure in Oman:

  • 1

    Determine the Business Activity and Legal Structure

  • 2

    Register the Business Name

  • 3

    Obtain the Initial Approval

  • 4

    Draft the Fundamental Documents

  • 5

    Register the Business

  • 6

    Obtain Additional Approvals and Licenses

  • 7

    Register with Tax Authorities

  • 8

    Register with Other Authorities

  • 9

    Open a Bank Account

  • 10

    Agreement on Business Properties

  • 11

    Commence Business Operations

We Business Setup Consultants will assist you to launch your project in the Oman from A to Z without any hassles and provide you post launch assistance for your visas and all corporate services that you might need in the future.

We Business Setup Consultants will assist you to launch your project in Oman from A to Z without any hassles and provide you post launch assistance for your visas and all corporate services that you might need in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About Business Setup in Oman

Which is the company registration authority in Oman?2024-06-28T08:42:55+04:00

The company registration authority in Oman is the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP), responsible for controlling business registrations, licensing, and regulations.

Can I set up a company in Oman without physically being present there?2024-06-28T08:43:23+04:00

Yes, you can set up a company in Oman without being physically present by appointing a local representative or using online registration services offered by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion.

Which business sectors can levy the tax in Oman?2024-06-28T08:43:52+04:00

In Oman, businesses in sectors like oil and gas, financial services, telecommunications, and some manufacturing industries are subject to corporate taxes. Other sectors may enjoy tax exemptions.

In Oman, who needs to register for VAT?2024-06-28T08:44:19+04:00

In Oman, businesses with annual taxable supplies exceeding OMR 38,500 must register for VAT. Smaller businesses can voluntarily register if their supplies are above OMR 19,250.

What services does Business Setup Consultants offer?2024-06-28T08:45:08+04:00

At Business Setup Consultants, we focus on company formation and offer a comprehensive range of business support services in Oman. Our services include company registration, legal and administrative assistance, all the back-office services, visa processing, Omanisation & HR strategy, tax advisory, document renewals and much more to help businesses establish and grow in Oman.

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