Real estate business licence in Oman

Real estate activities

• Property development: residential, commercial, mixed-use
• Property management and facilities management
• Real estate brokerage
• Valuation, which requires professional licensing

Regulation

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MOHUP) oversees land, development and real estate practitioners. Brokerage and valuation activities require practitioner licensing, and some activities have nationality restrictions. Development projects need planning approvals and, for off-plan sales, compliance with rules on escrow and sales registration.

Foreign ownership of property

Foreigners can generally own freehold property in Oman only in designated areas, such as Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) and other zones opened to non-Omanis, under specific laws and conditions. Companies registered in Oman may hold land for their business use subject to approvals. Ownership rules change, so we confirm the position for each project.

Property investment can also support long-term residence. See the Oman golden visa.

Setup steps

1. Confirm whether your activity, especially brokerage, is open to your ownership structure.
2. Register the company with real estate activities.
3. Obtain practitioner licences and MOHUP approvals as required.
4. Lease the office and obtain the municipality licence.
5. Apply for visas for staff.

Who this licence is for

Companies that broker sales and rentals, manage properties or owners' associations, value property, market off-plan projects or develop real estate in Oman. Each of these is a separate activity on the Commercial Registration, and several need approval from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning before you trade.

Choosing a structure

• Brokerage and property management: a mainland LLC or SPC, usually with an office in Muscat, where most transactions happen.
• Development: a project-specific LLC, often with a holding company above it, and larger capital to satisfy banks and the regulator.
• Integrated tourism complexes: projects in designated complexes where foreigners can own freehold units, which come with their own development agreements.

Step-by-step setup

Documents you will need

• Shareholder and company documents (checklist)
• Office lease registered with the municipality
• Manager's and agents' qualifications and IDs for the ministry
• Standard agency and tenancy agreements you will use
• For developers: land documents, project feasibility and bank letters

Costs to budget for

Brokerages have modest set-up costs: registration, office rent, ministry fees, marketing and staff. Developers' budgets are driven by land, design, approvals and construction finance. See our setup cost guide.

Common mistakes

• Advertising or taking commissions before the brokerage licence is issued.
• Assuming foreigners can buy any property — freehold ownership is limited to designated areas.
• Mixing brokerage and development in one company without considering the separate approvals and risks.

How we help

We structure the business, register the company, prepare the ministry application and handle visas and PRO services. See also our guides to a real estate brokerage licence, becoming a real estate agent and foreign ownership of real estate.

Business ideas under a real estate licence

Real estate activities are regulated and split into several licences:

• Brokerage and agency: representing buyers, sellers and tenants.
• Property management: managing rentals, maintenance and service charges.
• Real estate development: building and selling projects, with strict approvals.
• Valuation and advisory: property valuation and investment advice.
• Facility management: building services and maintenance.

Checklist before you apply for a real estate licence

1. Confirm which activity you need and the regulator's requirements.
2. Check rules on foreign ownership of property and in integrated tourism complexes.
3. Plan the capital and any bank guarantees required.
4. Prepare qualified staff and certificates.
5. Prepare shareholder documents and the application.

Frequently asked questions

Can a foreigner open a real estate brokerage in Oman?

Brokerage is regulated, and nationality and licensing rules apply. Check the current position with us before registering. Property management and development may follow different rules.

Can foreigners buy property in Oman?

Yes, in designated areas such as Integrated Tourism Complexes, and under conditions set by law.

Does buying property give residency in Oman?

Qualifying property investments can support long-term residence under the investor residency programme, subject to minimum values and conditions.

How long does it take to open a real estate brokerage in Oman?

Usually four to eight weeks: one to three weeks for the company, then the ministry approval, municipality licence and agent registration.

Can a property investor get residence in Oman?

Investors buying qualifying property in designated areas can apply for residence, and larger investments may qualify for long-term residency. See golden residency.

Can foreigners work as real estate agents in Oman?

Brokerage is regulated, and requirements depend on the activity and ownership. We confirm the route before you apply.

Can I buy property in Oman as a foreigner?

Foreigners can buy property in designated integrated tourism complexes and certain areas. See the real estate ownership guide.

Do property developers need extra approvals?

Yes. Developers need approvals for projects, escrow and sales. We list them for your plan.