Written by: Shuja Ahmad
Oman Business Registration Specialist
Last Updated: February, 2026
Based on Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) current procedures
Table of Contents
What is Commercial Registration in Oman?
A Commercial Registration (CR) is a government-issued certificate from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) that legally authorizes a business to operate in Oman. It includes your company name, unique registration number, approved business activities, ownership structure, and registered office address. The CR certificate serves as your company’s legal identity and is mandatory for all business operations in Oman.
Commercial Registration Certificate Oman: Quick Overview
- Issuing Authority: Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP)
- Application Platform: Invest Easy portal (invest.oman.om)
- Processing Time: 5-10 business days (standard applications)
- Cost: OMR 150-500 (government fees)
- Validity: Permanent (requires annual renewal fees)
- Required For: All business structures (LLC, SPC, sole proprietorship, branch offices)
Why Commercial Registration is Mandatory in Oman
Legal Authorization: Conducting business without valid CR constitutes illegal operation subject to fines, closure, and potential prosecution
Access to Essential Services:
- Corporate bank account opening
- Commercial property leases
- Utility connections (electricity, water, telecom)
- Government tenders and contracts
- Employee visa sponsorship
Regulatory Compliance Foundation:
- Tax registration with Oman Tax Authority (OTA)
- Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) membership
- Municipality business licenses
- Sector-specific permits (Ministry of Health, tourism, etc.)
Business Credibility: Clients, suppliers, and partners require valid CR verification before business relationships
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get CR in Oman
Step 1: Choose Business Structure
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): 2-50 shareholders, Limited liability, No fixed minimum capital (2026), Suitable for medium-large businesses, Foreign: 100% OR 70/30 with Omani
- Single Person Company (SPC): 1 shareholder, Limited liability, No fixed minimum capital (2026), Suitable for solo entrepreneurs, Foreign: 100% in approved sectors
- Sole Proprietorship: Individual owner (GCC nationals only), Personal liability, No minimum capital, Suitable for small businesses
- Branch Office: Extension of foreign parent, Requires parent documentation, Full liability on parent
Step 2: Reserve Company Name
Access: Visit investoman.om (Invest Easy portal), Create account, Search name availability, Submit reservation request, Pay OMR 10-20, Receive approval (1-2 days)
Name Requirements: Must be unique, Indicate business nature, No offensive/misleading terms, No government/royal references without permission, Arabic translation required
Step 3: Prepare Required Documents
For All Business Types:
- Valid passport copies (shareholders/directors)
- Residence visa copies (for expatriates)
- Civil ID copies (for Omani nationals)
- Personal photographs (passport-size)
- Proof of residential address
For LLC and SPC:
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) in Arabic
- Articles of Association (AoA) in Arabic
- Shareholder agreement defining ownership percentages
- Board resolution authorizing company formation
- Notarized constitutional documents
For Branch Office:
- Parent company registration certificate (apostilled/attested)
- Board resolution approving Oman branch
- Audited financial statements of parent company
- Power of attorney for local representative
Step 4: Draft and Notarize Constitutional Documents
Memorandum of Association (MoA) Must Include: Company name (Arabic/English), Business objectives and authorized activities, Shareholder names and ownership percentages, Registered office address, Capital structure and share distribution, Management framework
Articles of Association (AoA) Must Include: Decision-making processes, Shareholder meeting procedures, Profit distribution methods, Director appointment/removal, Share transfer regulations
Notarization: All documents require notarization by licensed public notary. Fees OMR 100-300, processing 1-2 days, multiple certified copies recommended.
Step 5: Submit CR Application via Invest Easy
Online Application Process:
- Log into investoman.om
- Complete Commercial Registration application form
- Upload all required documents (PDF format)
- Provide detailed business activity descriptions
- Specify initial capital and shareholding structure
- Declare registered office address with lease agreement
- Pay application fee (OMR 150-500 depending on business type)
Application Review:
- MOCIIP reviews for completeness and compliance
- Processing time: 5-10 business days (standard)
- May request additional information or clarifications
- Respond promptly to avoid delays
Step 6: Receive CR Certificate
Upon Approval:
- Download CR certificate from Invest Easy portal
- Certificate displays:
- Unique Commercial Registration number
- Company name (Arabic and English)
- Authorized business activities (activity codes)
- Shareholder details and ownership structure
- Registered office address
- Registration date
Certificate Format:
- Digital version (downloadable PDF)
- Print certified copies for business use
- Maintain digital backups
Step 7: Complete Post-Registration Requirements
- 1. Oman Chamber of Commerce (OCCI): Mandatory, Fee OMR 150-300/year, Processing 2-3 days
- 2. Oman Tax Authority (OTA): VAT registration (if turnover > OMR 38,500), Corporate tax registration, No registration fee, Processing 3-5 days
- 3. Municipality Business License: Required for commercial locations, Fee OMR 100-500/year, Includes inspection, Processing 7-14 days
- 4. Corporate Bank Account: CR required, Major banks: Bank Muscat, NBOman, HSBC, Processing 3-7 days
- 5. Employee Visa Processing: Ministry of Labour registration, Cost OMR 200-300/employee, Processing 2-4 weeks
Commercial Registration Cost Breakdown Oman 2026
Government Fees
| Fee Type | Cost (OMR) |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 10-20 |
| CR application fee | 150-500 |
| OCCI membership (annual) | 150-300 |
| Municipality license (annual) | 100-500 |
| Document processing | 50-100 |
| Total Government Fees | OMR 460-1,420 |
Professional Service Fees
| Service | Cost (OMR) |
|---|---|
| Legal services (MoA/AoA drafting) | 500-2,000 |
| Translation services (Arabic) | 200-500 |
| Notarization | 100-300 |
| Business setup consultants | 1,000-5,000 |
| Total Professional Fees | OMR 1,800-7,800 |
Office and Infrastructure
| Item | Cost (OMR) |
|---|---|
| Office rent deposit (2-3 months) | 1,000-3,000 |
| Utility deposits | 200-500 |
| Office setup | 1,000-5,000 |
| Total Infrastructure | OMR 2,200-8,500 |
Capital Requirements (2026 Update)
Important: Oman removed fixed minimum capital requirements for most commercial activities in 2024-2026 reforms.
Current Structure:
- Most sectors: No fixed minimum capital required
- Regulated sectors may still require capital:
- Financial services: OMR 50,000-500,000
- Healthcare: OMR 20,000-100,000
- Construction: OMR 30,000-150,000 (classification-dependent)
- Trading (certain categories): OMR 5,000-30,000
Total Investment Summary:
- Minimum (self-managed): OMR 1,000-2,500
- Typical (with professionals): OMR 5,000-15,000
- Including capital (if required): OMR 25,000-150,000+
Commercial Registration Timeline
| Phase | Duration |
|---|---|
| Name reservation | 1-2 days |
| Document preparation & notarization | 3-7 days |
| CR application review | 5-10 days |
| Certificate issuance | 1-2 days |
| Total Standard Timeline | 10-21 days |
Extended Timelines:
- Foreign branch offices: 3-6 weeks (parent company documentation)
- Complex structures: 4-8 weeks
- Incomplete documentation: Delays vary
Key Requirements for CR Application
Registered Office Address
Requirements: Genuine commercial space with a valid lease agreement, cannot use residential addresses (except specific professional services), Virtual offices accepted for certain service businesses, and the lease must be municipality-registered
Lease Must Include: Landlord/tenant details, Property location/description, Rental amount/terms, Duration (minimum 1 year), Municipality registration number.
Business Activity Classification
MOCIIP Activity Codes: Specify all planned business activities. Activities not listed cannot be legally conducted. Use the MOCIIP classification system codes. Can amend later (requires application and fees)
Common Categories: Trading/distribution, Professional services, Manufacturing, Tourism/hospitality, Technology/IT, Real estate, Education/training, Healthcare
Foreign Ownership Regulations (2026)
100% Foreign Ownership: E-commerce, Digital marketing/IT, Professional consulting, Restaurants/cafés, Education, Beauty/personal care, Real estate brokerage, Logistics/transport, Healthcare (with licensing), Import-export trading (most)
70% Foreign + 30% Omani May Be Required: Certain contracting, Some engineering, Specific traditional sectors (verify with MOCIIP)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete documentation (causes rejection/delays), Incorrect name selection (similar names rejected), Vague activity descriptions (limits operations), Residential address (need commercial space), Poor Arabic translation (legal complications), Ignoring sector capital requirements, No lease agreement before applying
CR Certificate Uses
Commercial Registration enables: Corporate bank accounts, Commercial leases, Employee visas/work permits, Government tenders, Sector-specific licenses, Tax registration, Trademark/IP registration, Business loans, and International contracts.
Annual Renewal Requirements
Mandatory Renewals: OCCI membership OMR 150-300, Municipality license OMR 100-500 (if applicable), Activity-specific renewals (varies)
CR Certificate: Permanent validity (no renewal fee for CR itself), Must maintain current information, Report changes (address, activities, ownership)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get Commercial Registration in Oman?
10-21 days for standard applications with complete documentation. Timeline: Name reservation 1-2 days, Document preparation 3-7 days, MOCIIP review 5-10 days, Certificate issuance 1-2 days. Foreign branch offices or complex structures may take 3-6 weeks.
How much does Commercial Registration cost in Oman?
OMR 460-1,420 government fees only (name reservation OMR 10-20, CR fee OMR 150-500, OCCI OMR 150-300, Municipality OMR 100-500). With professional services (legal, translation, notary): OMR 5,000-15,000 total. 2026 update: No fixed minimum capital for most sectors.
Can foreigners get Commercial Registration in Oman?
Yes. Foreigners can obtain 100% ownership CR in most sectors, including e-commerce, IT, consulting, restaurants, education, Healthcare, real estate, and logistics. Some sectors require 70% foreign + 30% Omani. Foreign investors need an investor residence visa (OMR 300-500) and a document attestation (OMR 300-600).
What is the difference between a CR and a business license?
Commercial Registration (CR) is the foundational company registration issued by MOCIIP that authorises the existence of a business. A business license is a sector-specific operational permit (Municipality, Ministry of Health, tourism, etc.) required to conduct business. CR must be obtained first, then sector licenses.
Do I need a minimum capital for Commercial Registration in Oman?
No fixed minimum capital for most commercial activities (2026 update). Oman removed fixed requirements in the 2024-2026 reforms. Regulated sectors still require capital: Financial services: OMR 50K-500K; Healthcare: OMR 20K-100K; Construction: OMR 30K-150K. Verify with MOCIIP for your specific activity.
Can I get Commercial Registration without an office in Oman?
No. A valid commercial office address with a lease agreement is mandatory for a CR application. Residential addresses are typically not accepted (except for specific professional services). Virtual offices are accepted for certain service businesses. Lease must be municipality-registered.
How do I check the Commercial Registration status in Oman?
Visit invest. oman.om, log in to your account, check the application status in the dashboard. Alternatively, contact MOCIIP directly. Once issued, the CR certificate is available for download on the Invest Easy portal. Third parties can verify CR validity through MOCIIP public records.
What happens if I operate without Commercial Registration?
An illegal operation is subject to substantial fines, immediate business closure, asset seizure, and potential legal prosecution. Cannot open bank accounts, sign leases, hire employees, or conduct legal transactions. Always obtain CR before commencing business operations.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Commercial Registration in Oman requires the preparation of constitutional documents, submitting an MOCIIP application through the Invest Easy portal, and completing post-registration requirements, including OCCI membership, tax registration, and municipality licensing. The process typically takes 10-21 days, with complete documentation, and costs OMR 5,000-15,000, including professional services.
The 2026 regulatory environment favours entrepreneurs through streamlined digital processing via MOCIIP’s Invest Easy platform and the removal of fixed minimum capital requirements for most commercial sectors. Foreign investors can obtain 100% ownership in the majority of business activities without Omani partners.
Success requires accurate business activity classification, a proper registered office address with a valid lease, notarised constitutional documents in Arabic, and realistic timeline expectations. Entrepreneurs benefit from professional guidance through MakeMyCompany’s business setup services to navigate MOCIIP procedures, draft constitutional documents, and ensure efficient post-registration compliance.
Whether establishing an LLC, SPC, branch office, or sole proprietorship, proper Commercial Registration forms the legal foundation for all business operations, regulatory compliance, and future growth in Oman’s business environment.
Legal Disclaimer:
This guide is informational based on the February 2026 MOCIIP Commercial Registration procedures. Requirements, fees, processing times, and foreign ownership regulations change periodically. Always verify current procedures on the official Invest Easy portal (investoman.om) or at MOCIIP offices before proceeding. For complex business structures or foreign investor applications, consult licensed business setup consultants for compliance guidance. MakeMyCompany provides professional CR application services in Oman.
About the Author:
Shuja Ahmad specializes in Oman commercial registration, MOCIIP procedures, and business establishment, helping entrepreneurs navigate CR applications, constitutional document preparation, and regulatory compliance. He assists investors with professional business setup guidance, ensuring proper Commercial Registration and full legal compliance for a successful business launch in Oman.
For current MOCIIP Commercial Registration requirements and Invest Easy portal procedures, visit invest.oman.om or consult authorised business setup consultants in Oman.
