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Work Permit and Immigration Support via Employer of Record (EOR)in Oman

Expanding your business into Oman offers access to a rapidly growing economy, strategic Gulf location, and skilled international workforce. However, hiring foreign employees comes with strict immigration laws, employer sponsorship requirements, and compliance obligations.

With Acumen International’s Global Employer of Record (EOR) solution, you can hire expatriates in Oman without setting up a legal entity, ensuring full compliance with work permits, visas, payroll, and employment regulations.

Why Do Businesses Expand to Oman?

Oman is an attractive destination for foreign businesses due to:

  • Strategic location – A gateway to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
  • Growing industries – Oil & gas, finance, construction, technology, and tourism are key sectors hiring expatriates.
  • Favourable tax laws – No personal income tax, making it attractive for skilled foreign professionals.
  • Foreign investment incentives – The Omani government promotes foreign direct investment (FDI) in multiple sectors.

However, businesses hiring expatriates in Oman face key challenges:

  • Omanisation Policies – The government prioritises hiring Omani nationals, making work permits for foreign employees more complex.
  • Strict Employer Sponsorship Rules – Companies must legally sponsor foreign employees under a valid Omani business licence.
  • Long Work Permit Processing Times – Depending on job roles, permits can take 1 to 4 months.
  • Visa & Residency Regulations – Expats require employment visas, medical clearance, and residency ID cards.

To overcome these hurdles, businesses partner with an Employer of Record (EOR) to streamline work permit applications, payroll, and compliance without needing to establish a local entity.

Hiring in Oman: Entity Setup vs. EOR Approach

Companies expanding into Oman have two options for hiring foreign employees:

Registering a company in Oman requires:

  • Business registration with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Investment Promotion (MOCIIP)
  • Omani shareholder requirement (51% local ownership unless using a free zone)
  • Obtaining a Labour Clearance from the Ministry of Labour to hire foreign workers
  • Sponsoring expatriates for employment visas under the company name
  • Setting up local payroll, tax, and social security contributions
  • Ongoing compliance with Omanisation quotas and labour law regulations

Challenges

  • Time-consuming and costly entity setup – Takes months to complete.
  • Omani ownership requirement – Foreign businesses may need a local partner.
  • Complex immigration rules – Expat hiring is restricted by Omanisation policies.
  • Regulatory risks – Companies must maintain compliance to avoid visa denials or fines.

Option 2: Hiring via an Employer of Record (EOR) in Oman

For companies that want to hire in Oman without setting up a local entity, an Employer of Record (EOR) provides:

  • No entity registration required – Employees are legally employed under the EOR’s registered entity.
  • Work permit & visa sponsorship – The EOR secures work permits, visas, and residence cards.
  • Full labour law compliance – Ensuring compliance with Oman’s employment regulations and tax laws.
  • Payroll & social security administration – Salaries processed in full compliance with Omani tax laws.
  • Faster hiring process – Work permit approvals handled by experienced local specialists.
  • Mitigation of legal risks – Avoids potential penalties for non-compliance with Omanisation rules.

Employer of Record in Oman Is Best For

  • Companies testing the Omani market before committing to entity setup.
  • Businesses hiring expatriates in restricted job categories.
  • Short-term projects requiring a local workforce.
  • Companies needing full compliance without administrative burdens.

Oman Work Permit Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Hiring foreign employees in Oman requires multiple government approvals. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Work Permit Card Application in Oman

  • The employer or Employer of Record (EOR) applies for a Labour Permit (Clearance) from the Omani Ministry of Labour (MoL).
  • Labour Clearance is subject to Omanisation quotas, which determine the number of foreign hires allowed.

2. Employment Visa Application in Oman

  • Once the Work Permit is approved, the employer applies for an Employment Visa from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) Directorate General of Passports & Residence.
  • Processing time: 1–4 months, depending on the role.

3. Entry to Oman & Medical Examination

The employee enters Oman on an Employment Visa and undergoes a mandatory medical examination at a Ministry of Health-approved medical centre.

4. Residence ID Card Registration

Within 30 days of arrival, the employee applies for a Resident ID Card with the Royal Oman Police (ROP).

The employee is now legally registered to work in Oman.

Estimated Processing Time

  • Work Permit & Employment Visa: 1–4 months
  • Entry to Oman & Medical: 1–2 weeks
  • Resident ID Card: 1 week.

Documents Required for a Work Permit in Oman

Before Entry to Oman

  • Completed Employment Visa Application Form (submitted online & signed).
  • Certified copy of passport information page (valid for at least 3 months).
  • Two passport-sized photos (4cm x 6cm).
  • Legalised educational certificate (translated into Arabic or English).
  • Medical Application Fee (10 Omani Rials).
  • Valid passport (original).

After Arrival in Oman

  • Local medical report (showing no contagious diseases).
  • Certified copy of passport valid for 3 months beyond permit expiry date.
  • Residence ID Application Form (completed & signed).
  • Resident ID Card Fee
  • One passport photo (4cm x 6cm, blue background).

Overcoming Immigration Challenges in Oman with an EOR

Many businesses struggle with work permit approvals due to:

  • Omanisation restrictions – Limited quotas for expatriate hiring.
  • Lengthy visa processing – Work permit approvals take up to 4 months.
  • Complex sponsorship rules – Foreign employees must be sponsored by a registered Omani company.
  • Employment compliance risks – Violations can result in visa cancellations, fines, or business restrictions.

How Acumen International’s EOR Solutions Help

  • We ensure fast & compliant hiring, managing full work permit & visa processing.
  • We handle payroll & tax compliance, ensuring legal salary payments & social security contributions.
  • We help reduce hiring risks and avoids non-compliance penalties.
  • We simplify employee onboarding, enabling a smooth transition for expatriates.

Beyond Work Permit Support: Full-Service Employment in Oman

Acumen International ensures fast and compliant hiring in Oman, including seamless payroll, compliance, and HR management. Acumen International’s EOR Services in Oman:

  • Work Permit & Visa Sponsorship: Fully compliant employment setup.
  • Payroll & Tax Administration: Managing salaries, tax filings, and social security.
  • Employee Benefits & HR Support: Healthcare, housing, and relocation assistance.
  • Legal Risk Mitigation: Ensuring compliance with Omani labour and tax laws.

Need to hire talent in Oman?

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Disclaimer: We are not an immigration service! We do not provide a work permit and immigration support as a standalone solution to individuals looking to find jobs overseas.