E-commerce licence in Oman

Licensing an online business

E-commerce is licensed through the activities on your Commercial Registration, for example retail sale via the internet alongside the trading activities for the goods you sell. If you hold stock, you also need suitable storage premises, or a contract with a fulfilment provider.

Rules that apply to online sellers

• Consumer protection. The Consumer Protection Law and the Consumer Protection Authority's rules cover pricing transparency, Arabic-language information, returns and warranties.
• E-commerce and electronic transactions. Oman's electronic transactions legislation governs online contracts and electronic signatures.
• Personal data. The Personal Data Protection Law (Royal Decree 6/2022) applies to customer data.
• Product rules. Food, cosmetics, supplements, medical products and electronics have their own approval and labelling rules.
• VAT. Register once taxable supplies exceed the threshold, and charge 5% VAT on standard-rated goods. See VAT registration.

Payments and banking

To accept card payments you need a merchant account and payment gateway through an Omani bank or licensed payment service provider. Gateways ask for your CR, website terms, refund policy and product list. We prepare the company documents and bank account application with this in mind.

Fulfilment options

• An in-house warehouse in Muscat or Khazaen Economic City
• A third-party logistics provider
• Drop-shipping, where the supplier's location and customs treatment must be considered

Who this licence is for

Online shops selling to Omani consumers, brands selling through marketplaces and social media, dropshipping and subscription businesses, and digital service providers. E-commerce is growing quickly in Oman, and authorities expect online sellers to operate through a registered business.

Choosing a structure

• Mainland SPC or LLC with e-commerce and trading activities — the usual route for foreign founders.
• Free zone warehouse for regional fulfilment, combined with a mainland company for sales into Oman.

Step-by-step setup

Documents you will need

• Shareholder documents (checklist)
• Website or store URL, terms, returns and privacy policies
• Product list and supplier details
• Bank and payment-gateway application documents

Costs to budget for

Registration costs follow our setup cost guide. Add website, payment gateway fees, fulfilment or storage, and marketing.

Common mistakes

• Selling through social media without a registered business.
• Missing Arabic labelling or product-registration rules for regulated goods.
• Ignoring VAT registration once sales cross the threshold.

How we help

We register the company with the right activities, help with bank and payment-gateway onboarding, and run accounting and VAT. Read our guides on starting an e-commerce business, the e-trader licence and how to sell online in Oman.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a company to sell online in Oman?

Yes, for regular commercial selling. Foreign nationals need a registered company, such as an SPC or LLC, with e-commerce activities.

Can I sell on Instagram or WhatsApp without a licence?

Commercial selling, whatever the channel, should be done through a registered business. Oman has also introduced home-based business registrations for Omani nationals.

Do I need a physical shop?

No. An online business needs a registered office, plus storage if it holds stock. A walk-in shop is only needed if customers visit.

Which payment gateways can an Omani e-commerce company use?

Banks and licensed payment service providers in Oman offer online payment gateways to registered companies. The bank account usually needs to be open first.

Do I need VAT registration for an online shop?

Yes, once taxable supplies exceed OMR 38,500 a year. Voluntary registration is possible below that.