Setting Up a Company in Oman: Key Administrative Steps

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Oman, the jewel of the Middle East, is attracting an increasing number of foreign entrepreneurs thanks to its favorable business environment and growing economic opportunities. If you’re considering establishing your company in this country, here is a detailed guide to the administrative procedures to follow and the required documents to bring your entrepreneurial project to life in Oman.

Key Steps to Launch Your Business in Oman

Establishing a company in Oman involves several crucial administrative steps. While the process may seem complex at first, proper preparation and understanding of local requirements will help you navigate this procedure effectively.

1. Choose the Appropriate Legal Structure

The first important decision is to select the most suitable legal form for your business. Oman offers several options, with the most common being:

• Limited Liability Company (LLC)
• Joint Stock Company
• Branch of a Foreign Company
• Representative Office

Each structure has its advantages and constraints in terms of minimum capital, permitted foreign participation, and partner liability. It’s crucial to carefully analyze these aspects to make the most judicious choice.

2. Reserve the Trade Name

Once the structure is chosen, you must reserve a unique trade name for your company with Oman’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This step is essential and must be completed before any other procedure.

3. Obtain Preliminary Approvals

Depending on your business sector, you’ll need to obtain preliminary approvals from the relevant authorities. For example, a company operating in the healthcare field will require approval from the Ministry of Health.

4. Prepare the Company’s Articles of Association

Drafting the articles of association is a crucial step. This document defines your company’s operating rules and must comply with Omani legislation. It’s highly recommended to engage a local lawyer to ensure the articles of association are compliant.

5. Deposit the Share Capital

The minimum share capital varies depending on the chosen legal structure. It must be deposited in an authorized Omani bank, which will issue you a deposit certificate.

6. Register with the Commercial Register

The official registration of your company is done with Oman’s Commercial Register. This step finalizes the legal creation of your business and allows you to obtain your registration number.

7. Obtain the Commercial License

The final step is to obtain your commercial license from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This license officially authorizes you to start your operations in Oman.

The Winning File: Essential Documents for Your Omani Company

Preparing your administrative file is a crucial step in the process of establishing your company in Oman. The required documents may vary slightly depending on the chosen legal structure, but here is a list of generally required items:

For a Limited Liability Company (LLC):

• Properly completed registration application form
• Copy of passports for all partners
• Articles of association signed by all partners
• Share capital deposit certificate
• Lease agreement for premises or property title
• Preliminary approvals from relevant authorities (if necessary)
• Power of attorney in favor of the legal representative (if applicable)

For a Joint Stock Company:

In addition to the documents required for an LLC, you’ll need to provide:

• Detailed project feasibility study
• 5-year business plan
• Draft prospectus for share issuance (if applicable)
• CVs of key executives

For a Branch of a Foreign Company:

• Certified copy of the parent company’s articles of association
• Board resolution authorizing the opening of the branch in Oman
• Audited financial statements of the parent company for the last three years
• Letter of appointment for the branch manager
• Bank guarantee of a minimum amount of 50,000 OMR

For a Representative Office:

• Letter of intent detailing the office’s planned activities
• Certified copy of the parent company’s articles of association
• Board resolution authorizing the opening of the office in Oman
• CV of the office manager

Navigating Omani Bureaucracy: Expert Tips

Establishing a company in Oman may seem like a path filled with administrative hurdles. Here are some expert tips to help you navigate this process effectively:

1. Engage Local Professionals

The assistance of a lawyer and accountant familiar with the Omani context is invaluable. They can guide you through the subtleties of local legislation and help you avoid common pitfalls.

2. Prepare for Patience

Administrative procedures in Oman can take time. Plan realistic timelines in your schedule and remain patient throughout the process.

3. Cultivate Your Relationships

Personal relationships are very important in Omani business culture. Invest time in building a strong network, as this can help you overcome certain administrative obstacles.

4. Stay Flexible

Regulations can change quickly in Oman. Be prepared to adapt your strategy if necessary and stay informed about legislative changes.

5. Consider Free Zones

Oman has several free zones offering simplified procedures and tax benefits. Evaluate whether this option might suit your project.

In conclusion, although establishing a company in Oman involves numerous administrative steps, careful preparation and thorough understanding of local requirements will enable you to successfully carry out your entrepreneurial project in this country of promising opportunities.