How much does it cost to get a restaurant license in Oman?

The cost of a restaurant license in Oman generally ranges from OMR 2,500 to OMR 5,000, depending on location, business activity, and municipality approvals.

What are the permits required for a restaurant in Oman?

Permits include commercial registration, municipality approval, food safety permit, fire safety clearance, and staff health cards.

Can a foreigner start a restaurant business in Oman?

Yes, foreigners can invest in a restaurant business in Oman, often through an LLC structure. A local Omani partner may be required in some cases.

Is a franchise restaurant profitable in Oman?

Yes, franchises can be profitable due to brand recognition and proven systems, but initial investment and ongoing royalty costs are higher.

How long does it take to get a restaurant license in Oman?

Typically, the process can take 2 to 8 weeks, depending on document readiness, approvals, and inspections.

Do restaurants in Oman need a local sponsor?

In many cases, yes. A local Omani partner or sponsor may be required for certain legal structures.

What is the minimum investment to start a business in Oman?

The minimum investment to start a business in Oman varies depending on the type of activity and business structure. For foreign investors, the initial capital requirement is typically OMR 150,000 for certain LLC setups, though some activities in free zones may allow much lower costs, around OMR 2,500 to OMR 5,000. It’s important to confirm with the relevant authority or free zone as requirements differ.

What is the salary in Oman restaurant?

The salary in Oman restaurants depends on the role and experience. On average, waiters and service staff earn between OMR 150 to OMR 250 per month, while chefs and kitchen supervisors may earn between OMR 300 to OMR 600. Managers in mid-range restaurants can expect salaries of OMR 800 or more, especially in premium or fine dining outlets.

How to Start a Restaurant Business in Oman

Written by: Shuja Ahmad
Oman Restaurant & F&B Licensing Specialist

Last Updated: February, 2026
Based on MOCIIP, Ministry of Health, and Municipality current regulations

To start a restaurant business in Oman, you must register a company with Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP), obtain municipality approval, secure a food safety license from the Ministry of Health, and get Royal Oman Police – Civil Defense clearance. Total setup cost typically ranges from OMR 20,000 to OMR 50,000 depending on location, size, and restaurant type.

This guide provides the complete licensing process, regulatory requirements, and cost breakdown for opening a restaurant in Oman in 2026.

Restaurant License Requirements in Oman (Quick Checklist)

Mandatory Licenses & Approvals:

Commercial Registration (CR) from MOCIIP
Municipality Trade License
Food Safety Permit from Ministry of Health
Civil Defense Fire Safety Clearance
Staff Health Cards (Ministry of Health)
Tourism Tax Registration (if in tourist zone)
VAT Registration with Oman Tax Authority (if turnover > OMR 38,500)

Processing Time: 4-8 weeks total
Total Government Fees: OMR 2,500-5,000

Restaurant Setup Cost Breakdown Oman 2026

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (OMR)
Government Licensing
Company registration (MOCIIP)	300-500
Municipality license	500-1,500
Ministry of Health permit	300-800
Civil Defense clearance	150-400
Staff health cards (10 staff)	300-500
Total Licensing	2,500-5,000
Property & Fit-Out
Commercial rent deposit (3-6 months)	3,000-15,000
Interior fit-out & décor	10,000-30,000
Kitchen equipment	8,000-20,000
Furniture & fixtures	3,000-10,000
Total Property	24,000-75,000
Operational
Initial inventory (food & beverages)	2,000-8,000
POS system & technology	1,500-5,000
Signage & branding	500-2,000
Working capital (3 months)	5,000-15,000
Total Operational	9,000-30,000
TOTAL INVESTMENT	OMR 35,500-110,000

Budget Planning:

Small café/cloud kitchen: OMR 20,000-35,000
Mid-size restaurant: OMR 40,000-70,000
Fine dining establishment: OMR 80,000-150,000+

Why Start a Restaurant Business in Oman?

Tax-Friendly: 3% corporate tax for SMEs (≤OMR 60K capital, ≤OMR 150K revenue, ≤25 employees), 15% standard rate, no personal income tax, 5% VAT (register if >OMR 38,500 turnover). Administered by the Oman Tax Authority (OTA).

Lower Costs: 30-50% less rent vs Dubai/Qatar, subsidized utilities, competitive labor (OMR 150-600/month), good import access

Government Support: MOCIIP simplified digital licensing, SME loans, 100% foreign ownership allowed, reduced fees

Growing Market: Multicultural population, young demographics (median age <30), 95% internet penetration supports delivery, demand for traditional Omani, international, and health-conscious dining

Legal Requirements for Restaurant License in Oman

1. Commercial Registration (MOCIIP)

Authority: Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (invest.oman.om)

Process: Reserve name → Select structure (LLC/sole prop) → Submit application → Pay CR fees → Receive certificate. Activity codes: 56101 (restaurants), 56102 (catering), 56301 (beverage/cafés). Fees OMR 300-500, timeline 5-10 days.

LLC: 2-50 shareholders, no fixed minimum capital (2026). Foreign investors: 100% ownership allowed OR 70/30 with an Omani partner.

2. Municipality Trade License

Authority: Local Municipality. Compliance: Zoning (commercial required), building safety, parking, waste management, signage. Inspection verifies the suitability of the property, ventilation, drainage, and accessibility. Fees OMR 500-1,500/year, timeline 7-14 days.

3. Food Safety Permit (Ministry of Health)

Authority: MOH Food Safety Department. Requirements: Kitchen layout approval; food storage facilities; handwashing stations; separate prep areas (raw/cooked); pest control; waste disposal. Inspection: Sanitation, handling procedures, temperature control, hygiene facilities, water quality. Fees OMR 300-800, timeline 10-21 days. Staff health cards mandatory: OMR 30-50/employee, valid 1 year.

4. Civil Defence Fire Safety Clearance

Authority: Royal Oman Police (ROP) Civil Defence. Requirements: Fire suppression (kitchen hood, extinguishers), emergency exits marked, smoke detection, fire-resistant materials, evacuation plan, and staff training. Inspection: Extinguisher placement/maintenance, emergency lighting, exit routes clear, and electrical/gas systems safe. Fees OMR 150-400, timeline 7-14 days. Critical: Cannot open without approval. Violations = immediate closure.

5. Tourism Tax & VAT Registration

Tourism Tax: 4% on revenue for restaurants in tourism zones (certain Muscat, Salalah, Nizwa areas). Monthly filing to the Oman Tax Authority. Verify with the municipality if applicable.

VAT: Mandatory if turnover > OMR 38,500/year. Register with OTA (ota.gov.om), obtain VAT number, file monthly/quarterly. Rate: 5%. Timeline 2-4 weeks.

Step-by-Step Restaurant Licensing Process

Step 1: Choose Legal Structure – LLC (2-50 shareholders, limited liability, no fixed capital 2026, OMR 1,500-3,500) OR Sole Proprietorship (GCC nationals only, simpler, personal liability, OMR 1,000-2,000)
Step 2: Reserve Business Name – Via the MOCIIP portal, search for availability, pay OMR 50-100, and approval takes 1-3 days. Must be unique, Arabic translation required.
Step 3: Secure Commercial Property – Commercial-zoned, municipality-approved for food service, adequate kitchen (25-40% total area), proper ventilation/utilities, parking. Deposit 1-3 months, minimum 1-year lease. Rent: Muscat OMR 200-600/sqm/year, suburban OMR 80-200/sqm/year.
Step 4: Submit MOCIIP Application – Documents: Trade name certificate, IDs, lease, partnership agreement (LLC), business address, activity description. Fee OMR 300-500, processing 5-10 days.
Step 5: Municipality Approval – Submit: CR copy, floor plan, kitchen layout, waste-disposal plan, and parking. Inspection: 7-14 days; fee: OMR 500-1,500.
Step 6: Food Safety Permit – Submit to the Ministry of Health: Municipality license, equipment list, food safety plan, staff list. MOH inspection: 10-21 days; fee: OMR 300-800.
Step 7: Civil Defence Clearance – Submit to ROP: Building plans, fire safety documentation, emergency exit layout, extinguisher map. Inspection: 7-14 days; fee: OMR 150-400.
Step 8: VAT Registration – If turnover > OMR 38,500: Register with Oman Tax Authority, obtain VAT number, set up accounting, file monthly/quarterly.
Step 9: Final License – Pay fees, collect the final license, display it at the premises, and begin hiring/training.
Total Timeline: 4-8 weeks with complete documentation

Types of Restaurant Business Models in Oman

1. Fine Dining: Premium customers, OMR 80K-200K investment, OMR 15K-40K/month revenue, 15-25% profit margin. Requires prime location, professional chef (OMR 800-1,500/month), high-end fit-out.

2. Quick Service (QSR): Office workers/families, OMR 30K-60K investment, OMR 8K-20K/month revenue, 20-30% profit. Faster turnover, smaller space, standardized operations.

3. Cafés/Coffee Shops: Young professionals/students, OMR 20K-50K investment, OMR 5K-15K/month revenue, 25-35% profit. Popular: Speciality coffee, dessert cafés, shisha lounges (extra permits), brunch cafés.

4. Cloud Kitchens: Delivery-only, OMR 15K-35K investment, OMR 4K-12K/month revenue, 25-40% profit. No dine-in costs, smaller space, industrial areas OK. Platforms: Talabat, Zomato, Uber Eats, Deliveroo.

5. Franchise: OMR 50K-150K investment (20-40% franchise fee), 4-8% ongoing royalty. Advantages: Brand recognition, proven model, training. Disadvantages: Less flexibility, ongoing payments. Popular: KFC, Subway, Papa John’s, Zaatar w Zeit.

Omanization Requirements

Policy: Mandatory hiring of Omani nationals, enforced by MOCIIP and the Ministry of Labour

Requirements: Restaurants with 10+ employees need 20-30% of their employees to be Omanis. Cashiers/supervisors must prioritise Omanis.

Salaries: Service staff OMR 250-400/month, Supervisors OMR 450-700/month, Managers OMR 800-1,200/month

Penalties: Non-compliance results in fines, license suspension, and work visa restrictions

Can Foreigners Open a Restaurant in Oman?

Yes – 100% foreign ownership allowed in the foodservice sector.

Option 1: 100% Foreign (Most Common) – MOCIIP approval, register as LLC, no Omani partner required, requires investor visa

Option 2: 70/30 Partnership – 70% foreign + 30% Omani, passive Omani partner typical

Foreign Setup Cost: Document attestation OMR 300-600, Translation OMR 150-400, Investor visa OMR 300-500, PRO services OMR 1,500-3,000. Total: OMR 25,000-60,000

Restaurant Staff Requirements

Typical 50-Seat Restaurant Staffing: Head chef OMR 500-800, Cooks (2-3) OMR 250-400 each, Waiters (4-6) OMR 150-250 each, Cashier OMR 200-300, Cleaners OMR 150-200, Manager OMR 600-1,000

Total Monthly: OMR 3,000-6,000 (10-15 staff)

Additional: Work visas OMR 200-300/employee, Health cards OMR 30-50, Accommodation (if provided) OMR 50-100/month, Meals OMR 30-50/month

Marketing Your Restaurant in Oman

Digital (Essential): Social media (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook) showcase menu/ambience, Google My Business listing, Food delivery apps (Talabat, Zomato) promotions, WhatsApp Business engagement

Traditional: Influencer collaborations OMR 200-800/post, Local media features, Radio spots, Billboards OMR 1,000-3,000/month

Loyalty: Membership discounts, Birthday specials, Referral rewards, Mobile app points

Opening Budget: OMR 2,000-5,000 recommended.

Operational Challenges

1. High Competition: Muscat has 2,000+ restaurants. Differentiate through unique cuisine, exceptional service, consistent quality, memorable ambience, and competitive pricing.

2. Import Dependency: Many ingredients require imports. Solutions: Reliable importer relationships, bulk discounts, local alternatives (growing Oman farming), seasonal menu adjustments.

3. Regulatory Compliance: Annual license renewals (all authorities), MOH inspections (unannounced), Civil Defence checks, monthly VAT filing, quarterly municipality inspections. Budget: OMR 3,000-6,000 annually.

4. Staff Turnover: High in the service industry. Solutions: Competitive salaries/benefits, career development, positive environment, recognition programs, consistent training.

Tips to Reduce Startup Costs

Start with a cloud kitchen (saves OMR 15K-30K dine-in costs)
Negotiate supplier bulk discounts (10-20% savings)
Shared kitchen spaces OMR 500-1,500/month (vs OMR 10K-30K fit-out)
Digital ordering systems (OMR 1K-2K vs OMR 400-800/month labour)
Phased opening with a limited menu
Suburban locations (40-60% lower rent)
Equipment leasing vs upfront purchase

Potential Savings: OMR 20,000-40,000 first year

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a restaurant license cost in Oman?

OMR 2,500-5,000 total government fees. Breakdown: MOCIIP OMR 300-500, Municipality OMR 500-1,500, MOH OMR 300-800, Civil Defence OMR 150-400, Staff health cards OMR 300-500.

What permits are required for a restaurant in Oman?

(1) MOCIIP Commercial Registration, (2) Municipality trade license, (3) MOH food safety permit, (4) ROP Civil Defence clearance, (5) Staff health cards, (6) Tourism tax (if tourist zone), (7) VAT (if >OMR 38,500 turnover).

Can foreigners start a restaurant business in Oman?

Yes. 100% foreign ownership allowed (MOCIIP approval). No Omani partner required for foodservice. Register as an LLC and obtain an investor visa. Total setup: OMR 25,000-60,000.

How much money is needed to start a restaurant in Oman?

OMR 20,000-50,000 average. Small café: OMR 20,000-35,000. Mid-size: OMR 40,000-70,000. Fine dining: OMR 80,000-150,000+. No fixed minimum capital (2026).

Is Civil Defence approval mandatory for restaurants?

Yes. ROP Civil Defence fire safety clearance is mandatory. Cannot open without it. Violations = immediate closure.

How long does restaurant licensing take in Oman?

4-8 weeks with complete documentation. Can expedite with PRO services. Delays occur with incomplete documents.

What is the tourism tax for restaurants in Oman?

4% on revenue for tourism-designated zones (certain Muscat, Salalah, Nizwa areas). Monthly filing to OTA. Verify with the municipality.

What are restaurant staff salaries in Oman?

Waiters OMR 150-250/month, Cooks OMR 250-400, Head chef OMR 500-800, Manager OMR 600-1,000. Total monthly (10-15 staff): OMR 3,000-6,000.

Conclusion

Starting a restaurant in Oman requires navigating requirements from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP), the Ministry of Health, Royal Oman Police Civil Defence, and municipalities. Total licensing costs: government fees of OMR 2,500-5,000; complete setup: OMR 20,000-50,000, depending on type and location.

The 2026 environment favours entrepreneurs with streamlined digital licensing (MOCIIP Invest Easy portal), 100% foreign ownership in foodservice, and no fixed minimum capital. Success requires compliance with food safety regulations, fire safety regulations, Omanization policies, and tax obligations through the Oman Tax Authority.

MakeMyCompany’s business setup services in Oman help navigate multi-authority licensing efficiently, ensuring MOCIIP registration, MOH permits, municipality approvals, Civil Defence clearances, and VAT registration compliance, reducing setup time from 8 weeks to 4-5 weeks.

Whether establishing a cloud kitchen, café, quick-service, or fine-dining establishment, proper planning, regulatory compliance, and a strategic location are essential for success in Oman’s competitive foodservice market.

Legal Disclaimer:

This guide is informational based on February 2026 MOCIIP, Ministry of Health, Royal Oman Police Civil Defence, and Oman Tax Authority regulations. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures change periodically. Always verify current requirements through the official MOCIIP portal (investoman.om), the Ministry of Health, the local municipality, and the Civil Defence offices before proceeding. For complex setups or foreign investor applications, consult MakeMyCompany licensed restaurant licensing consultants for compliance guidance.

About the Author:

Shuja Ahmad specializes in Oman restaurant licensing, food safety compliance, and F&B business establishment, helping entrepreneurs navigate MOCIIP registration, Ministry of Health permits, Civil Defense approvals, and municipality requirements. He assists restaurant owners with MakeMyCompany’s business setup services in Oman, providing expert guidance on licensing, regulatory compliance, and successful restaurant launch procedures.

For current MOCIIP restaurant licensing requirements, Ministry of Health food safety regulations, and Civil Defence clearance procedures, visit official government portals or consult authorised MakeMyCompany F&B licensing consultants in Oman.

Contact MakeMyCompany:

Shop Number 120, Way Number 2013, Building 0325, Muttrah, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

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How to Start a Restaurant Business in Oman