Moving to Oman: Benefits, Drawbacks, and the Realities of Expat Life

Published on January 28, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Relocating to Oman is attracting an increasingly diverse range of profiles: petroleum engineers, teachers, healthcare professionals, finance executives, families seeking a peaceful living environment, and even retirees with comfortable incomes. The Sultanate cultivates an image as a welcoming, safe, relatively liberal country by Gulf standards, and financially attractive thanks to the absence of income tax. But this postcard picture also masks real constraints: extreme climate, a visa sponsorship system, an “Omanisation” policy for the labor market, the high cost of international schools, and an almost total dependence on cars.

Good to know:

This article analyzes the concrete advantages and disadvantages of expat life in Oman, drawing on available economic, social, environmental, and legal data to offer a comprehensive overview.

A safe, stable, and surprisingly welcoming country

Oman is often presented as the warmest Gulf country for foreigners. This reputation is not just official rhetoric: international surveys, safety indices, and expatriate testimonies all converge.

The Sultanate regularly ranks among the safest states in the world, with a very low crime rate. A 2025 ranking placed it in the global top 5 for safety, with a score above 80/100. In major cities like Muscat, Salalah, or Sohar, walking in the evening is generally perceived as low-risk, including for women.

Attention:

The security and stability of the Sultanate of Oman rest on two foundations: a strong state and a social culture valuing honor and cohesion. This stability was illustrated by the peaceful hereditary transfer of power in 2020 after the death of Sultan Qaboos, reinforcing the image of solid and predictable institutions.

For an expatriate, this stability translates into a relatively serene business climate, an urban environment without apparent tensions, and an absence of political violence or common crime comparable to that of many major Western metropolises.

A conservative but generally tolerant society

Culturally, Oman remains deeply marked by Ibadi Islam, a distinct branch separate from Sunnism and Shiism, often presented as advocating moderation and tolerance. In practice, this results in a rather unique mix of conservatism (dress codes, modesty, importance of religion in public life) and relative openness toward foreigners.

Example:

Expatriates point out that Omanis are generally courteous, calm, and hospitable, often offering coffee (kahwa) and dates as a welcome gesture. English is widely understood in major cities, facilitating communication. However, knowing a few Arabic words is highly appreciated and can be useful, especially in rural areas to navigate certain situations.

The flip side is the obligation to respect strict social norms: modest dress (shoulders and knees covered for women in public, no tank tops or very short shorts for men outside tourist or private areas), absolute discretion regarding alcohol outside licensed premises, no public displays of affection, and scrupulous respect for rules during Ramadan (no eating, drinking, or smoking in public during the day).

For expatriates coming from very liberal societies, this adaptation can represent a real culture shock, especially since certain topics – religion, sexuality, criticism of authority – are not open for public discussion without legal risk.

A lifestyle blending modernity, nature, and a relaxed pace

One of Oman’s major assets for expatriates is the uncommon combination of modern infrastructure, reasonable cost of living (by Gulf standards), spectacular natural environment, and a slower pace of life than in Dubai or Doha.

Major cities have shopping malls, cinemas, cafes, gyms, ultra-modern private hospitals, and good internet connections (fiber, 5G). But just a few dozen minutes’ drive away, the scenery changes completely: the rugged Hajar mountains, refreshing steep wadis, desert dunes, deserted coves, near-pristine beaches, and islands with coral reefs.

A quality of life that appeals to many expatriates

Many foreigners explain they have stayed much longer than planned, drawn by a lifestyle perceived as “peaceful” and “low-stress”, especially compared to other more frenetic regional capitals. The relatively low population density, low daily security pressure (little visible delinquency, no ostentatious militarization of streets), omnipresent nature, and ease of practicing outdoor activities (hiking, diving, camping, water sports) contribute to this feeling.

Tip:

Families particularly appreciate the environment considered safe for children. This includes residential neighborhoods with a human scale, few nighttime disturbances, generally well-organized traffic, and easily accessible outdoor spaces in the morning or late afternoon when the heat permits.

A moderate cost of living by Gulf standards

Compared to its neighbors in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Oman is considered the country where daily life is the most affordable. Several sources place basic expenses at lower levels than those observed in Dubai, Doha, or Riyadh, particularly for renting standard housing, local food, and fuel.

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The table provides an order of magnitude for typical expatriate expenses in Muscat.

Expatriate salaries – often ranging between 1,000 and 2,500 OMR per month, accompanied by housing allowances – make these expense levels manageable, even comfortable, especially in the absence of income tax. The differential between net income and cost of living allows many to save or repay debts in their home country faster.

Financial advantages: net salary, strong currency, and attractive packages

Financially, the Sultanate ticks several appealing boxes for those considering an expatriation of a few years.

No income tax, stable currency

First, powerful argument: salaries are paid without income tax. There is no personal income tax bracket, meaning the remuneration stated in the contract corresponds to what will actually be received each month, barring possible limited local contribution deductions or insurance.

The local currency, the Omani rial (OMR), is pegged to the US dollar, which strongly limits the risk of sharp devaluation and facilitates budget planning for expatriates paid in OMR but with financial commitments in dollars or euros. One OMR is worth approximately 2.4 euros, reflecting the strength of the currency.

Good to know:

A 5% VAT applies to most goods and services. Although this rate is lower than in many European countries, its impact is offset by the absence of taxation on income.

Competitive salaries in certain sectors

The Omani economy remains highly dependent on hydrocarbons, which still generate a majority of export revenue and a large share of GDP. It is therefore not surprising that the highest remunerations concern professions related to oil and gas, as well as certain technical or managerial positions in engineering, IT, finance, or healthcare.

The following table summarizes some observed monthly salary levels for skilled positions (indicative values, excluding benefits):

These salaries are frequently supplemented by “expatriate packages” including provided housing or a housing allowance, partial coverage of children’s schooling, private health insurance, annual airfare home, and even a company car depending on the level of responsibility.

A largely manageable cost of living

One of Oman’s major assets is that, despite these attractive salaries, the cost of life remains reasonable, especially if one accepts consuming locally (Omani products, Indian or Asian cuisine, traditional markets) and avoids the most expensive imported brands or a very “Western” lifestyle.

Expense Category Comparison

A synthetic analysis illustrating the budgetary balance between different expense categories.

Fixed Expenses

Recurring and predictable charges, such as rent, insurance, and subscriptions.

Variable Expenses

Fluctuating costs like food, transportation, and leisure, adjustable as needed.

Investment/Savings Expenses

Allocations for savings, future projects, or unexpected costs, essential for financial security.

Discretionary Expenses

Non-essential items related to comfort and pleasure, allowing for flexible budget management.

In summary, for a skilled employee benefiting from a well-negotiated package, Oman can enable a high standard of living and significant savings capacity. For less skilled workers, especially without additional benefits, the situation is less favorable: wage gaps between nationals and expatriates, as well as between executives and workers, remain pronounced.

Working conditions, visas, and “Omanisation”: the less appealing backstage

The reality of expatriation in Oman is not just about salary amount or landscape beauty. The legal framework for employment and residence is based on a sponsorship system and an active policy of “Omanisation” of the labor market.

A sponsorship system that ties the expatriate to their employer

To work and reside in Oman, the vast majority of foreigners must be sponsored by a local employer. In practice, it is the Omani (or Oman-based) company that obtains work permits from the Ministry of Labor, issues the job offer, initiates the visa application, and ultimately enables the issuance of the residence card.

This scheme has several consequences:

Attention:

For expatriates, the right to stay is conditional on employment: losing the job generally means losing the residency permit. Changing employers, although possible, is a complex process requiring administrative approvals. This dependency can create a sense of captivity vis-à-vis the sponsor, particularly in case of professional conflicts.

The legal framework is evolving, however: a new labor law allows for greater mobility between employers, including provisions regulating remote work, but the balance of power remains very favorable to the Omani sponsor.

An “Omanisation” policy that limits some opportunities

Since the late 1980s, the government has pursued an “Omanisation” strategy aimed at reducing dependence on foreign labor and increasing the share of nationals in employment, including the private sector. In practice, this translates to:

– maximum quotas for foreign workers in certain companies or sectors;

– professions entirely reserved for Omanis (e.g., certain administrative, sales, front office positions);

– requirements for employers: justify that no local candidate can fill the position before recruiting internationally.

This policy has ambivalent effects for expatriates. On one hand, it restricts opportunities in mid or low-skill jobs, where foreigners are increasingly being replaced by nationals. On the other, it tends to concentrate the call for expatriation on the most skilled positions, where skills transfer is sought.

The numbers also show a strong foreign presence: approximately 1.8 to 2.3 million expatriates live and work in the country, representing nearly 40 to 45% of the population. In some sectors, they still constitute the majority of the workforce. The “Omanisation” policy aims precisely to reduce these proportions without destabilizing the economy.

Health, insurance, and climate risks: issues to anticipate

The healthcare system and climatic conditions are two dimensions often underestimated by candidates for expatriation, yet they play a central role in the life experience on the ground.

A high-performing healthcare system, but costly for foreigners

In a few decades, Oman has moved from a few rudimentary hospitals to a dense network of medical facilities: nearly 70 hospitals, about 900 health centers and clinics, and at least one care center within a 5 km radius anywhere in the country. The World Health Organization even ranked the country in the global top 10 in the early 2000s for the quality of its healthcare system.

This upgrade now benefits expatriates, who find well-equipped private hospitals, foreign-trained doctors, emergency services, 24/7 pharmacies, and an arsenal of medicines largely comparable to that of Western countries in Muscat and major cities.

Good to know:

Foreigners do not benefit from the free or almost-free care reserved for Omani citizens. Access to the public system is paid, except for certain civil servants or in life-threatening emergencies. Care in the private sector can be very expensive, with hospitalization rates close to those of high-end clinics.

This is why a health insurance reform, called “Dhamani”, was launched: it requires private sector employers to provide basic coverage to their expatriate employees, with an annual ceiling, including consultations, medications, hospitalization, and emergencies. However, this base is often insufficient to cover major accidents, heavy treatments, or certain specialties (maternity, dental, optical), hence the frequent recommendation to take out complementary international insurance.

Vigilance is also required on the issue of payments: unpaid hospital bills can prevent departure from the country until settled, in a context where non-payment of debts is subject to criminal penalties.

Extreme heat, cyclones, and growing water stress

The climate constitutes one of the main drawbacks of life in Oman. The country is mostly arid, with summers that can exceed 45 to 50 °C (113 to 122 °F) in some regions. On the coasts, in Muscat notably, the heat is accompanied by very high humidity which accentuates the feeling of suffocation. Newcomers are particularly exposed to heatstroke, dehydration, and exhaustion.

Beyond this climatic reality, Oman is also on the front line of climate change.

Oman

– average temperatures have already increased by about 1.2 to 1.7 °C (2.2 to 3.1 °F) depending on the region;

– climate models project an increase of 2 to 4 °C (3.6 to 7.2 °F) by 2050, and potentially up to +4 °C by 2100 under high global emissions scenarios;

– drought episodes are lengthening, while rainfall, becoming rarer, tends to concentrate in the form of intense events, leading to devastating flash floods;

– sea levels are rising (2 to 3 mm per year observed in recent decades), which promotes coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion into aquifers.

Attention:

The country is ranked fifth in the world for water stress, with very limited freshwater availability and overexploited groundwater. Investments in desalination and integrated water management are massive, but fragility persists, particularly for agriculture and rural areas.

To this is added a growing exposure to extreme phenomena: tropical cyclones swirling in the Arabian Sea, torrential rains, sudden floods. Recent events – like Cyclone Shaheen in 2021, or floods that caused casualties and displaced hundreds in 2024 – illustrate this new risk.

For the expatriate, these realities mean: adaptation to a new environment, the necessity of integrating into a different culture, and often, managing the challenges related to separation from family and friends.

– adapting lifestyle habits to the heat (outings early morning or evening, constant hydration, ubiquitous air conditioning, which increases the electricity bill in summer);

– following safety instructions during weather alerts, avoiding wadis during rain periods, and keeping distance from coasts during announced cyclones;

– integrating, in the longer term, that the country will have to continue investing massively in adaptation measures, which could influence certain economic sectors.

Housing, transportation, school: the real costs of daily life

Expatriating to Oman requires anticipating structuring choices: where to live, how to get around, where to school children. These decisions weigh heavily on the budget and quality of life.

Housing market: reasonable rents, but significant advance payments

Housing constitutes the main expense item for most expatriates. Muscat concentrates the majority of the supply, with specific residential areas highly favored by foreigners like Al Qurum, Al Mouj, or Al Seeb.

Overall, rents remain lower than in Dubai or Doha, but can vary strongly depending on location, proximity to the sea, international schools, or business districts.

The following table summarizes some common ranges:

Local practices often require quarterly, or even annual, rent payments, sometimes demanded in a lump sum at the start of the lease. This particularity can constitute a significant entry barrier for a newcomer if the employer does not cover housing or provide an advance.

Good to know:

Rental contracts are generally drafted in Arabic, sometimes with an English version attached. It is recommended to register them with the municipality to ensure their legal validity. A one-month rent security deposit is common, and early termination of the contract most often incurs penalties.

The purchase of real estate by foreigners is strictly regulated: it is in principle limited to Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITC) like Al Mouj Muscat or Jebel Sifah. These developments often combine housing, shops, marinas, and leisure infrastructure, and can entitle owners to specific residency visas.

Getting around: a car is almost mandatory

The structural weakness of public transportation is one of the most cited downsides by expatriates. A public company, Mwasalat, does operate urban and intercity bus lines, but coverage remains partial and poorly adapted to the needs of a working person or a family with children.

Taxis and booking apps (OTaxi integrated into Yango, Hala Taxi, etc.) complement the offer, but are insufficient to compensate for the absence of metro or rail networks. In fact, almost all middle and upper-class residents own a car, even two per household.

0.24-0.27

The price per liter of fuel in Oman is very cheap, around 0.24 to 0.27 OMR.

But this ease of access to automobiles has a downside: a high road accident rate, despite recent improvement (a 9% drop in the number of accidents in one year but still nearly 600 annual fatalities recorded). Risky behaviors – speeding, phone use while driving, tight overtaking – are frequently pointed out. Strict laws (high fines, possible prison sentences, mandatory seat belts, phone ban) seek to curb this trend.

For an expatriate, this imposes increased caution and vigilance, particularly outside urban areas, at night, or during rain episodes where sudden flooding can cut off roads.

International schools: a major investment for families

For expatriate families, the issue of schooling is crucial. The free public system is designed primarily for Omani citizens. Although foreign children can sometimes be enrolled, the language barrier (teaching in Arabic) and difference in curriculum lead most expatriates to turn to private and international schools.

Good to know:

Muscat offers a wide choice of international schools: British, American, French, Indian (CBSE), Pakistani, and programs like the International Baccalaureate (IB). Reputed institutions, such as the British School Muscat, ABA Oman International School, The American International School of Muscat, and the Lycée Français de Mascate, offer modern facilities with laboratories, theaters, sports complexes, and libraries.

However, these schools have a very high price:

– for primary and middle school, annual tuition fees in the best-known international institutions often range between 1,500 and 7,000 OMR, some reaching or exceeding 9,000 OMR per year for high school;

– Indian schools or other Asian systems are significantly more affordable, but still represent a major expense for an average budget.

A summary table situates these costs:

Under these conditions, many families negotiate partial or full coverage of school fees by the employer upfront. Without this assistance, a couple with two children in high-end international schools can dedicate a substantial portion of their salary to education, significantly reducing their savings capacity.

Health, safety, and rights: strong protections, but strict laws

Beyond the quality of care, Oman stands out for a combination of high daily security and very rigorous laws on certain subjects.

Uncommon daily security, even for women and families

The feeling of safety is one of the main arguments in favor of Oman. Many international quality of life studies targeting expatriates regularly rank Muscat highly for personal safety. Assaults, burglaries, armed robberies, or violent crimes targeting foreigners are rare. Families appreciate being able to let children play outside or move around the city under conditions deemed more reassuring than in many Western capitals.

Good to know:

Foreign women, regardless of status, generally indicate feeling safer in Oman than in other countries. This safety is conditional on respecting local dress codes and avoiding certain behaviors (visible alcohol consumption, frequenting inappropriate places). Although cases of harassment exist, as elsewhere, they are relatively seldom reported.

However, one sensitive area must be mentioned: cases of sexual violence or offenses related to morality can backfire against the victim if they cannot prove the absence of consent. Since extramarital sexual relations are illegal, a poorly handled complaint can lead to prosecution against both the alleged aggressor and the victim. Similarly, cohabitation of unmarried couples or homosexual relationships can theoretically lead to sanctions.

A legal environment with little tolerance for certain behaviors

In a conservative state, the legal arsenal is particularly strict on several points:

Attention:

The possession, consumption, or trafficking of drugs is severely punished (long prison sentences, fines, possible death penalty). Unpaid debts, bounced checks, and financial fraud can lead to detention, asset freezes, and travel bans. Alcohol consumption is strictly regulated for non-Muslims (licensed premises or home with a permit); public drunkenness and driving under the influence are severely penalized. Any public criticism of the Sultan, authorities, or national symbols (including on social media) is subject to criminal prosecution.

For the expatriate, the key is to understand that the room for maneuver is narrower than in Europe or North America regarding certain behaviors considered minor elsewhere but taken very seriously in Oman.

Environment, climate, and long-term strategy: a country in transition

Expatriation is not decided for just one or two years, and many families consider longer horizons. Understanding the country’s trajectory in terms of sustainable development and energy transition then becomes relevant.

A still oil-based economy, but diversifying

Oman remains heavily dependent on hydrocarbons, which account for nearly 70% of GDP and about 60% of export revenue. But the authorities have shown a clear will to diversify via Vision 2040, a strategic plan aiming to:

Economic Diversification Strategies

Pillars of the economic transformation aimed at reducing dependence on oil and building a sustainable and competitive economy.

Sectoral Diversification

Gradual reduction of the oil share by developing services, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, fisheries, and mining.

Investment Attractiveness

Creation of a favorable regulatory environment: 100% foreign ownership allowed in most sectors, corporate tax capped at 15% (around 3% for small entities).

Development of Future Sectors

Investment in green hydrogen, renewable energies (20% green electricity by 2030), and sustainable aviation fuels.

The establishment in 2022 of Hydrogen Oman (Hydrom), a public entity tasked with coordinating green hydrogen projects over more than 50,000 km² of identified land, illustrates this ambition. The Sultanate aims for production exceeding 1 million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030, and up to 8 million by 2050, with the ambition of being among the world’s top ten exporters.

For expatriates, these directions outline professional prospects in various fields: clean energy engineering, port logistics, sustainable tourism, agriculture under water constraints, financial services linked to green finance, etc.

A country preparing for the climate shock

The authorities have developed a National Strategy for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, aligned with Vision 2040 and accompanied by a commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. Oman has submitted an updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) planning a 21% reduction in emissions compared to a business-as-usual scenario by 2030.

Beyond the big numbers, several projects are underway or already launched:

– strengthening coastal protections against rising seas and cyclones;

– modernization of water resource management, with massive reliance on desalination and reuse of treated wastewater;

– restoration of natural ecosystems, for example by replanting mangroves (over 800,000 trees transplanted and more than 3 million seeds planted since the early 2000s), to stabilize coastlines and store carbon;

– improvement of energy efficiency (objective to double energy intensity by 2030, then further increase by 2040).

The estimated adaptation costs – on the order of $400 to 500 billion over several decades – give an idea of the scale of the transformations to come. These investments will offer opportunities in the fields of civil engineering, urban planning, hydrology, environment, or research, but also testify to the country’s structural vulnerabilities.

Conclusion: For whom is expatriation to Oman a good idea?

Expatriation to Oman offers many advantages, but it is not suited to all situations or all profiles.

The major advantages in Oman’s favor

– Exceptional security for persons and property, politically very stable environment, peaceful social climate.

– Virtually non-existent personal taxation, net tax-free salaries, and strong currency pegged to the dollar, facilitating savings.

– Moderate cost of living by regional standards, especially for housing and daily expenses if consuming locally.

– Pleasant living environment, blending modern infrastructure, spectacular landscapes, and a more relaxed pace than in other Gulf metropolises.

– Good quality healthcare system, network of high-performing international schools, large established expatriate community.

– Real professional opportunities in leading sectors (oil & gas, engineering, healthcare, IT, finance, renewable energies, education), often accompanied by attractive packages.

The main disadvantages or points of caution

– Extremely hot and arid climate, with grueling summers, high humidity on the coast, and increased risks linked to climate change (cyclones, floods, water stress).

– Migration system based on sponsorship, which closely ties the foreigner to their employer and makes professional mobility more complex.

– “Omanisation” policy, limiting certain opportunities and making competition fierce for positions open to expatriates.

– Costly international schools, which can absorb a large part of the family budget if not covered by the employer.

– Almost total dependence on cars, poor public transportation development, and significant road accident rates.

– Strict legal and moral framework, particularly regarding morals, debts, substance consumption, requiring significant personal discipline.

Tip:

For a couple or family with children aiming for a medium-term project, expatriation to Oman can be very positive under certain conditions: having a solid work contract in a thriving sector, benefiting from a package including housing and/or schooling, demonstrating good cultural adaptation capacity, having a tolerance for heat, and conducting thorough preparation regarding health and insurance.

For a low-skilled worker, without negotiated benefits and without room for maneuver, the picture is more mixed: lower salaries, uncovered costs (healthcare, housing, transportation), strong dependence on the sponsor, and increased exposure to risks related to legal and economic precariousness.

Good to know:

To prepare well for departure, one must go beyond the idyllic image of the country and understand its structural realities: an economy in transition but still oil-dependent, a fragile environment facing global warming, a conservative yet welcoming society, and a protective state with rigorous legislation. Integrating these parameters allows for an expatriation that is enriching, secure, and financially interesting, provided the project is approached with full awareness.

Cyril Jarnias

Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.

On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.

Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.

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