Al Wusta · Arabian Sea
Duqm Special Economic Zone company setup
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is Oman's largest economic zone, built around a deep-water port, a dry dock and a refinery, for projects that need scale and space.
Last reviewed 13 October 2026Free first consultation · reply within one business day
About the zone
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD) covers around 2,000 sq km on Oman's Arabian Sea coast, roughly midway between Muscat and Salalah. It is regulated under the OPAZ framework and includes:
- Port of Duqm, a deep-water multipurpose port outside the Strait of Hormuz
- Duqm dry dock for ship repair
- Duqm Refinery and a growing petrochemical and energy cluster
- A fishery harbour and fish-processing industrial area
- Land zoned for heavy and light industry, logistics, tourism, residential and commercial use
- A regional airport
Duqm is also a focus for Oman's green hydrogen and renewable energy ambitions, with large land blocks allocated to energy projects.
Incentives
- 100% foreign ownership
- Income-tax holidays for qualifying projects, with up to 30 years advertised
- Customs-duty exemption on imports into the zone
- No minimum capital
- Reduced Omanisation requirement (often around 10%)
- Long-term land leases, a one-stop shop for licences and permits, and freedom to repatriate profits
Best-fit activities
- Petrochemicals, refining derivatives and energy services
- Ship repair, marine services and offshore support
- Fisheries processing and cold storage
- Logistics, warehousing and bonded storage
- Building materials and heavy fabrication
- Renewable energy, green hydrogen and related supply chains
- Tourism and hospitality projects on zoned land
Setup process
- Initial discussion of your project, land requirement and timeline.
- Investment application to SEZAD with a business plan.
- Land allocation or lease of built facilities.
- Company registration and licence through the one-stop shop.
- Environmental permits, building permits and utilities.
- Labour approvals and visas under SEZAD rules.
- Bank account and customs registration.
Large projects typically agree an investment agreement setting out land, utilities and incentive terms. Budget guidance is on our free zone costs page.
Typical timeline
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Project profile and pre-application discussion | 2–4 weeks |
| Application and approval | 1–3 months |
| Land allocation and lease | 1–2 months |
| Registration and licence | 2–4 weeks |
| Environmental and building permits | 2–6 months |
| Visas, customs and bank | 1–2 months |
Documents you will need
- Company and shareholder documents (checklist)
- Business plan with investment, phasing and employment
- Land, utility and infrastructure requirements
- Environmental information and technical studies for industrial projects
Costs
Duqm budgets are driven by land, infrastructure connections, construction and workforce housing. Registration fees are minor in comparison. See free zone setup costs.
Who regulates the zone
The Special Economic Zone at Duqm is regulated by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ), which took over from the former Special Economic Zone Authority at Duqm (SEZAD) in 2020. The name SEZAD is still widely used for the zone.
How we help
We prepare the project profile and application, coordinate land and permits, and handle registration, visas and PRO services. See business setup in Duqm.
Frequently asked questions
What is SEZAD?
SEZAD is the Special Economic Zone at Duqm, Oman's largest economic zone, with its own regulations, one-stop shop and incentives for investors.
What tax incentives does Duqm offer?
Qualifying projects can receive long income-tax holidays (up to 30 years have been advertised) plus customs exemptions, subject to SEZAD's regulations and approval.
Is Duqm suitable for small businesses?
Duqm's strengths are large industrial, energy and logistics projects. Smaller service providers often set up there to supply those projects, but many small businesses are better served on the mainland or in a zone closer to Muscat.
Can I live in Duqm?
Yes. Duqm has residential and hotel developments. Many companies combine residence in Duqm with travel to Muscat.
Can smaller service companies set up in Duqm?
Yes. Contractors, suppliers, logistics and service companies of all sizes set up in Duqm to serve the large projects.
How long does it take to set up in Duqm?
Office-based service companies can be operational in a couple of months; industrial projects that need land, permits and construction take considerably longer.
Is Duqm a free zone?
Duqm is a special economic zone with a free zone area, its own regulations, one-stop shop and incentives for investors.
Can I get visas for my workforce in Duqm?
Yes. Companies in the zone sponsor visas under the zone's labour rules, with a reduced Omanisation requirement compared with the mainland.
Next steps
Related services and guides
- 01DuqmSet up a company in Duqm, Oman, in the Special Economic Zone: sectors, incentives, land, licences, steps, costs and visas for industrial and port projects.
- 02Sohar Free ZoneSohar Free Zone company registration next to Sohar Port: tax holidays, duty-free import and re-export, 100% foreign ownership, cost, documents and steps.
- 03Vision 2040 OpportunitiesBusiness opportunities under Oman Vision 2040: logistics, manufacturing, tourism, mining, fisheries, green hydrogen, technology and In-Country Value.
- 04Industrial LicenceHow to obtain an industrial licence in Oman for manufacturing. Industrial registration, environmental permits, land in Madayn estates or free zones, and incentives.
- 05Al Mazunah Free ZoneSet up in Al Mazunah Free Zone on Oman's border with Yemen. Cross-border trade benefits, tax and customs incentives, eligible activities and setup steps.
- 06Salalah Free ZoneSet up in Salalah Free Zone beside the Port of Salalah. Tax holidays, duty-free trade, transshipment access, target sectors, costs and setup steps.
1.0
Planning a company in Oman?
Tell us your activity, shareholders and visa needs. We’ll recommend a structure and location, then send a written, itemised quote. The first consultation is free.