How to Start an Ecommerce Business in Oman

Written by: Shuja Ahmad

Oman Business Registration Specialist

Last Updated: February, 2026

Information based on the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) current regulations

Starting an ecommerce business in Oman requires company registration with MOCIIP, ecommerce license approval, municipal authorization, and payment gateway integration. Whether selling physical products, digital services, or operating dropshipping models, you must obtain proper commercial Registration and ecommerce licensing before accepting online payments or processing customer orders.

This guide explains the complete ecommerce company registration process, license requirements, costs, and compliance for 2026.

Quick Facts: E-Commerce License in Oman 2026

Licensing Authority:

Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP)
Royal Oman Police (ROP) – if importing products
Central Bank of Oman (CBO) – payment regulation

Commercial Registration Required:

Yes – mandatory before ecommerce operations
Choose: Sole Proprietorship, LLC, or Free Zone company

E-Commerce License:

Separate authorization from MOCIIP
Required for online sales and payment processing
Must display CR number on website

Minimum Capital:

Sole Proprietorship: No minimum (typically OMR 1,000-2,000)
LLC Mainland: Activity-dependent (many activities now have no fixed minimum)
Free Zone LLC: OMR 500-1,000 minimum

Foreign Ownership:

Mainland LLC: Requires an Omani partner OR 100% in certain sectors
Free Zone: 100% foreign ownership allowed
Sole Proprietorship: GCC nationals only

Office Requirement:

Physical address mandatory (office, virtual office, or approved home-based)
Virtual office: OMR 100-300/month accepted

Processing Time:

Commercial Registration: 5-10 days
E-commerce license: 3-7 days after CR
Total: 2-3 weeks typical

Government Costs:

Trade name: OMR 50-100
CR registration: OMR 200-500
E-commerce license: OMR 100-300
Municipality: OMR 100-300
Total: OMR 450-1,200

Is E-Commerce Allowed in Oman for Foreigners?

Foreign Ownership Rules for Online Business

Yes – foreigners can start ecommerce businesses in Oman through:

Option 1: Free Zone Companies (100% Foreign Ownership)

Salalah Free Zone
Sohar Free Zone
Duqm Special Economic Zone
Al Mazunah Free Zone

Advantages:

100% foreign ownership
No Omani sponsor required
Lower capital requirements (OMR 500-1,000)
Tax incentives
Simplified Registration

Limitations:

Can only sell to customers outside the free zone (export focus) OR pay additional fees for local market access
Cannot directly deliver to the Omani mainland without proper authorization
May require separate mainland registration for local ecommerce

Option 2: Mainland LLC with 100% Foreign Ownership

MOCIIP allows 100% foreign ownership in:

E-commerce retail (specific product categories)
Digital services
Online marketplace platforms
Software as a Service (SaaS)

Requirements:

Minimum investment varies by activity
Must meet sector-specific requirements
MOCIIP approval required
Some restrictions on retail categories

Option 3: Mainland LLC with Omani Partner

Traditional structure:

70% foreign + 30% Omani ownership minimum
The Omani partner is typically passive
Partner agreement essential
Applies to retail activities not covered under 100% foreign ownership

GCC Nationals:

Can establish a sole proprietorship
Treated as Omani nationals for ownership
No partnership required

E-Commerce License Oman Requirements 2026

Who Needs an E-Commerce License?

Mandatory for:

Selling products online to Oman customers
Accepting online payments through website/app
Operating a digital marketplace connecting buyers and sellers
Dropshipping to Oman addresses
Subscription-based digital services
Online food delivery platforms

Not Required for:

Social media selling without a payment gateway (subject to scale)
Offline sales only
International ecommerce not targeting Oman
Pure service provision without online transactions

MOCIIP E-Commerce Authorization

License Covers:

Legal authorization for online sales
Permission to integrate payment gateways
Protection under the consumer rights framework
Ability to advertise as a registered business

License Conditions:

Valid Commercial Registration active
Website/platform operational or planned
Terms & Conditions are compliant with consumer protection
Privacy policy meets data protection standards
Clear refund/return policy displayed
Contact information prominently shown

Step-by-Step E-Commerce Company Registration Process in Oman

Step 1: Choose Business Structure

Sole Proprietorship (GCC Nationals Only):

Simplest structure
The owner has unlimited liability
No minimum capital requirement
Lower registration costs (OMR 450-800 total)
Cannot have partners

Limited Liability Company (LLC):

Limited liability protection
Can have 2-50 shareholders
Foreign ownership possible (with conditions)
More credible for B2B ecommerce
Higher setup costs (OMR 1,000-3,000)

Free Zone Company:

100% foreign ownership
Tax advantages
Requires a free zone office/license
Limited mainland market access
Setup: OMR 2,000-5,000

Step 2: Reserve Trade Name

Process:

Search name availability on the MOCIIP portal
Submit name reservation request
Pay OMR 50-100 reservation fee
Receive approval (1-3 days)

Requirements:

Unique name in the chosen sector
Arabic translation required
No religious/governmental references
Not similar to existing trademarks
Check domain availability simultaneously

Step 3: Secure Business Address

Options:

Virtual Office:

Cost: OMR 100-300/month
Provides: Business address, mail handling
Accepted by MOCIIP for ecommerce
No physical workspace included

Physical Office:

Cost: OMR 200-600/month
Required if storing inventory
Needed for warehouse operations
Municipal approval for commercial use

Home-Based Registration:

Possible in some cases
Requires homeowner consent
Municipal restrictions may apply
Verify eligibility with MOCIIP

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

For Omani/GCC Citizens:

Valid civil ID
Passport copy
Proof of business address
Bank account details
Business plan (for ecommerce activity)

For Foreign Investors (LLC):

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Residence visa copy (if in Oman)
Emirates ID (if UAE resident)
Passport-sized photos
Educational certificates (attested)
Previous business registration (if applicable)
Partnership agreement (if multiple shareholders)
Minimum capital proof

Step 5: Submit Commercial Registration Application

Via MOCIIP Portal (invest.oman.om):

Create an account on the Invest Easy platform
Select business activity (ecommerce retail/services)
Upload required documents
Pay registration fees
Submit application

Activity Codes for E-Commerce:

47911: Online retail (general merchandise)
47919: Online retail (specialized products)
63120: Web portals and marketplace platforms
62090: IT services and digital products

Processing: 5-10 working days

Fees:

Trade name: OMR 50-100
Commercial Registration: OMR 200-500 (varies by activity/structure)

Step 6: Apply for E-Commerce License

Submit to MOCIIP:

Commercial Registration certificate
Website URL or platform details
Product category list
Payment gateway provider details
Terms & Conditions draft
Privacy policy document
Return/refund policy
Customer service contact details

Processing: 3-7 days after CR approval

Fee: OMR 100-300 depending on business scale

Step 7: Obtain Municipal Approval

Register with Municipality:

Submit the CR copy
Business address proof
Activity description
Floor plan (if physical location)

Fee: OMR 100-300 annually

Processing: 3-5 days

Step 8: Register for Tax (If Applicable)

Oman Tax Authority:

Register if turnover exceeds the threshold
Corporate tax applies (currently suspended for most SMEs)
VAT not yet implemented in Oman (as of 2026)
Maintain proper accounting records

Step 9: Set Up Payment Gateway

CBO-Approved Payment Providers:

Thawani:

Omani-focused solution
OMR currency support
2.5-3.5% transaction fee
Setup: OMR 0-200
Integration: Easy

PayPal:

International payments
Limited OMR support
3.9% + OMR 0.150 per transaction
Requires a business account

Stripe:

Global payment processing
Not directly available in Oman (use via UAE entity)
Alternative for international sales

Bank Payment Gateways:

Bank Muscat
National Bank of Oman
Ahli Bank
2-4% transaction fees

Application Requirements:

Commercial Registration
E-commerce license
Business bank account
Website URL
Processing: 1-2 weeks

Step 10: Launch Website/Platform

Website must display: CR number, e-commerce license number, business address, contact details, Terms & Conditions, Privacy policy, Return/refund policy, pricing in OMR with all fees, and delivery timeframes.

Can I Start Dropshipping in Oman?

Dropshipping License Requirements

Yes – dropshipping is allowed in Oman with proper licensing.

Legal Requirements:

Commercial Registration (mandatory)
E-commerce license from MOCIIP
Import considerations if the supplier ships from abroad
Consumer protection compliance
Clear refund policies

Dropshipping Business Structure:

How It Works:

You register an Omani ecommerce company
Create an online store with products
Customers order and pay on your site
You forward orders to the supplier
Supplier ships directly to the customer
You handle customer service and returns

Advantages:

No inventory investment
Lower startup costs (OMR 1,500-3,000 total setup)
Flexible product range
Scalable quickly

Challenges:

Longer delivery times (if international suppliers)
Less control over quality
Customs clearance responsibilities
Return/refund complexity with international suppliers

Dropshipping CR Activity:

Register as an online retailer (activity code 47911 or 47919)
E-commerce license covers dropshipping operations
Specify “online retail without physical inventory” in the application

Import Considerations:

ROP customs clearance for products entering Oman
The customer is responsible for customs duties on delivery
Ensure the supplier can ship to Oman legally
Some product categories are restricted/prohibited

Documents Required for E-Commerce License in Oman

Identity: Valid passport (6+ months), civil ID (Omani/GCC), residence visa (foreigners), passport photos
Business: Trade name reservation certificate, business address proof, bank account letter, business plan
Website: Domain registration, website URL, platform specification, hosting details
Legal: Terms & Conditions (Arabic + English), Privacy policy, Return/refund policy
Partnership (LLC): Partnership agreement (notarized), shareholder passports, capital proof, authorized signatory designation
Payment: Payment gateway agreement, proposed payment methods
Products: Product category list, supplier details, import licenses (if regulated items)

E-Commerce License Cost Breakdown Oman 2026

Government Fees (Mandatory)

Item	Cost (OMR)
Trade name reservation	50-100
Commercial Registration	200-500
E-commerce license	100-300
Municipal approval	100-300
Total Government Fees	450-1,200

Business Setup Costs (Variable)

Item	Cost (OMR)
Virtual office (annual)	1,200-3,600
PRO services (optional)	500-1,500
Payment gateway setup	0-500
Business bank account	100-300
Website development	500-5,000
Logo and branding	100-500
Total Setup Costs	2,400-11,400

Operational Costs (Monthly)

Item	Cost (OMR/month)
Virtual office	100-300
Website hosting	10-50
Payment gateway fees	2.5-4% per transaction
Marketing	200-2,000
Accounting services	100-300
Total Monthly	410-2,650+

Minimum Budget Scenarios

Lean Startup (Dropshipping):

Government fees: OMR 450-1,200
Virtual office (1 year): OMR 1,200
Basic website: OMR 500
Payment gateway: OMR 200
Total: OMR 2,350-3,100

Standard Ecommerce (Inventory):

Government fees: OMR 450-1,200
Virtual office: OMR 1,200
Professional website: OMR 2,000-3,000
Initial inventory: OMR 3,000-10,000
Marketing budget: OMR 1,000
Total: OMR 7,650-16,400

Mainland vs Free Zone E-Commerce Registration

Comparison

Aspect	Mainland LLC	Free Zone Company
Foreign ownership	100% in approved sectors OR 70/30	100% foreign ownership
Minimum capital	Activity-dependent (often no fixed minimum)	OMR 500-1,000
Market access	Full Oman market access	Export focus; mainland access requires fees
Office requirement	Virtual office accepted	Free zone office required
Setup cost	OMR 1,500-4,000	OMR 3,000-6,000
Omani partner	Sometimes required	Not required
Tax benefits	Standard	Tax holidays available
Best for	Selling to Oman customers	International ecommerce + export

Can I Run E-Commerce from Home in Oman?

Yes – with conditions:

Commercial address required for CR (virtual office OMR 100-300/month accepted)
Home address for actual operations possible
Residential zones: Cannot operate warehouse, no signage, no customer visits, inventory storage may be prohibited

Best Approach: Register with virtual office, operate fulfillment from home (no inventory/dropshipping), use third-party logistics for inventory.

Viable Models: Dropshipping, digital products, print-on-demand, low-volume inventory stored elsewhere

Online Business Registration Oman: Foreign Investors

Complete Setup Steps:

Choose Structure: 100% foreign ownership (approved sectors/free zone), 70/30 LLC with Omani partner, or GCC nationals sole proprietorship
Entry Visa: Investor visa with minimum investment commitment (6-12 months validity)
Capital Transfer: Transfer minimum capital to Omani bank, obtain certificate
Documents: Foreign documents attested through home country MOFA → Oman embassy → Oman MOFA
Company Registration: Submit MOCIIP application with attested documents
Residence Visa: After CR approval, apply for investor residence visa (1-2 years renewable)
Family Sponsorship: Sponsor spouse/children (requires OMR 600-650/month salary, attested marriage/birth certificates)

E-Commerce Activity Codes MOCIIP

Primary Codes:

47911 – Online retail (general merchandise) – Most common
47919 – Specialized online retail (niche categories)
47919-01 – Online clothing/footwear
47919-02 – Online food/beverages
63120 – Web portals (marketplace platforms)
62090 – IT services (SaaS, digital products)

Choose based on primary product category and business model (direct sales vs marketplace).

E-Commerce Website Requirements Oman

Mandatory Display:

Commercial Registration number
E-commerce license number
Company legal name (Arabic + English)
Physical address, contact phone/email
Terms & Conditions, Privacy policy, Return/refund policy
Pricing in OMR (all fees included)
Delivery timeframes, Stock availability

Technical:

SSL certificate (https://)
Secure payment processing
Mobile-responsive design
Arabic language option

Payment Gateway Options for E-Commerce Oman

CBO-Approved Providers:

Thawani (Local):

OMR native support, 2.5-3.5% fees
Setup: OMR 0-200, Settlement: 2-7 days

Bank Muscat Gateway:

2.5-3.5% fees, Setup: OMR 300-500
Requires bank account

PayPal (International):

3.9% + OMR 0.150 per transaction
Limited OMR support, USD primary

Requirements: Commercial Registration, ecommerce license, business bank account, CBO compliance

Conclusion

Navigating registration procedures, regulatory compliance, and operational setup can overwhelm first-time entrepreneurs. At Make My Company, we specialize in comprehensive e-commerce business establishment throughout Oman. Our experienced team handles complete setup including business structure consultation, trade name registration, MOCIIP application processing, e-commerce license acquisition, municipal approval coordination, payment gateway facilitation, and website development support.

We understand the unique requirements of online business in Oman and provide tailored solutions matching your specific needs. Whether you’re establishing a traditional inventory-based store, marketplace platform, or innovative business model, our business setup consultants in Oman guide you through every regulatory checkpoint and operational requirement.

Our services extend beyond initial registration. We provide ongoing support including accounting and bookkeeping services, annual license renewals, tax compliance assistance, business expansion consulting, and strategic planning for growth.

Ready to launch your e-commerce venture in Oman’s thriving digital marketplace? Contact us today to receive personalized consultation on your business vision, regulatory requirements, and strategic launch plan. Our affordable packages include complete documentation support, government liaison services, and post-launch assistance ensuring your e-commerce business achieves sustainable success in Oman’s dynamic online economy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ecommerce license mandatory in Oman?

Yes. Anyone selling products or services online to Oman customers must obtain Commercial Registration and ecommerce license from MOCIIP. Operating without proper licensing is illegal and subject to penalties including fines and business closure.

How much does ecommerce license cost in Oman?

Government fees total OMR 450-1,200 including trade name (OMR 50-100), Commercial Registration (OMR 200-500), ecommerce license (OMR 100-300), and municipal approval (OMR 100-300). Additional setup costs for virtual office, website, and payment gateway vary.

Can foreigners start ecommerce business in Oman?

Yes. Foreigners can start ecommerce through: 1) Free zone companies (100% foreign ownership), 2) Mainland LLC with 100% foreign ownership (approved sectors), or 3) Mainland LLC with 70% foreign + 30% Omani ownership. GCC nationals can establish sole proprietorship.

Do I need office for ecommerce in Oman?

Yes. Business address required for Commercial Registration. Virtual office (OMR 100-300/month) accepted by MOCIIP for ecommerce companies. Physical office only necessary if storing inventory or requiring workspace. Home-based operations possible with virtual office registration.

Can I start dropshipping business in Oman?

Yes. Dropshipping allowed with proper licensing: Commercial Registration, ecommerce license, and consumer protection compliance. Register as online retail (activity code 47911/47919). Total setup cost: OMR 2,350-3,100. Specify “online retail without physical inventory” in application.

What is ecommerce activity code in Oman?

Primary codes: 47911 (online retail general merchandise), 47919 (specialized online retail), 63120 (web portals and marketplaces), 62090 (digital products and SaaS). Choose based on product category and business model. Specified during Commercial Registration application.

How long does ecommerce registration take in Oman?

2-3 weeks total. Trade name reservation: 1-3 days. Commercial Registration: 5-10 days. E-commerce license: 3-7 days after CR. Municipal approval: 3-5 days. Payment gateway setup: 1-2 weeks. Can be expedited with PRO services.

Is VAT required for ecommerce in Oman?

No. Oman has not implemented VAT as of 2026. No VAT registration required for ecommerce businesses. Corporate tax rules apply (currently suspended for most SMEs). Monitor Tax Authority announcements for future changes.

Legal Disclaimer:
This guide is informational based on February 2026 MOCIIP and regulatory requirements. Licensing fees and requirements change periodically. Always verify current regulations through official MOCIIP channels or authorized business setup consultants before proceeding.

About the Author:
Shuja Ahmad specializes in Oman business registration, MOCIIP licensing procedures, and ecommerce company formation, helping entrepreneurs navigate commercial registration requirements successfully.

For current MOCIIP registration requirements and ecommerce licensing procedures, visit the official Invest Easy portal (invest.oman.om) or consult authorized business setup service providers.

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