Dhofar · Port of Salalah
Salalah Free Zone company setup
Salalah Free Zone pairs a major transshipment port with an airport and a large land bank, giving manufacturers and logistics firms direct reach to Asia, Africa and the Red Sea.
Last reviewed 13 October 2026Free first consultation · reply within one business day
Why Salalah?
- The Port of Salalah is one of the region's major container transshipment hubs on the main east–west shipping route between Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe.
- Air and sea links. Salalah Airport supports sea–air logistics.
- Large land availability for industrial projects, including chemicals, minerals and manufacturing.
- Access to East Africa and the Red Sea markets, as well as the Indian subcontinent.
- Dhofar resources, including minerals and fisheries.
Incentives
- 100% foreign ownership
- Income-tax holidays for qualifying projects, which have been advertised at up to 30 years
- Customs-duty exemption on goods imported into and re-exported from the zone
- No minimum capital requirement
- Reduced Omanisation requirement (historically around 10% for many activities)
- Repatriation of capital and profits
Incentives are confirmed for each project in the zone's approval.
Sectors that fit Salalah
- Chemicals and petrochemical derivatives
- Mineral processing, including gypsum and limestone products
- Food processing and fisheries
- Assembly and light manufacturing for export
- Logistics, warehousing and transshipment services
Setup process
- Feasibility discussion: activity, land or warehouse requirement, workforce.
- Application to the zone with a project summary and investor documents.
- Initial approval and lease agreement.
- Company registration and licence through the zone's one-stop shop.
- Building, environmental and Civil Defence permits for construction projects.
- Labour approvals and residence visas.
- Bank account and customs registration.
See free zone costs and the general free zone setup process.
Typical timeline
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Project discussion with the zone | 1–3 weeks |
| Application and approval | 2–6 weeks |
| Lease of land, warehouse or office | 1–4 weeks |
| Registration and licence | 1–3 weeks |
| Building permits (if building) | 1–4 months |
| Customs, visas and bank | 2–6 weeks |
Documents you will need
- Company and shareholder documents (checklist)
- Business plan with products, volumes, markets and employment
- Space and utility requirements
- Layouts and environmental information for industrial projects
Costs
The lease (land, warehouse or office) is usually the largest cost, followed by fit-out or construction, registration and visas. See free zone setup costs.
Salalah Free Zone vs the mainland in Salalah
A free zone company suits export-led manufacturing and logistics; a mainland company licensed by Dhofar Municipality suits tourism, retail and local services. Many groups use both. See business setup in Salalah and mainland vs free zone.
How we help
We prepare the project summary and application, negotiate the lease, and handle registration, customs, visas and banking. Read how to start a business in Salalah Free Zone.
Frequently asked questions
What is Salalah Free Zone best for?
Export-oriented manufacturing, chemicals, mineral processing and logistics that benefit from the Port of Salalah's transshipment connections.
What tax holiday does Salalah Free Zone offer?
Qualifying projects can receive long income-tax exemptions, with up to 30 years advertised, subject to the zone's regulations and the project's approval.
How far is Salalah from Muscat?
Salalah is in southern Oman, about 1,000 km from Muscat by road, with frequent domestic flights.
Is Al Mazunah Free Zone the same as Salalah Free Zone?
No. Both are in Dhofar, but Al Mazunah is a separate zone on the Yemen border focused on cross-border trade.
How long does it take to set up in Salalah Free Zone?
Office and warehouse users can often be operational within two to three months; projects that build their own facilities take longer.
Can a Salalah Free Zone company sell to customers in Oman?
Yes, but goods entering the Omani market pass through customs with duty. Companies with large local sales often add a mainland company.
Does Salalah Free Zone offer ready-built facilities?
Yes. Warehouses, offices and land plots are available, depending on availability at the time of application.
Is Salalah Free Zone good for food processing?
Yes. Food processing and cold-chain businesses use the zone to import, process and re-export through the port.
Next steps
Related services and guides
- 01SalalahStart a business in Salalah, Oman: Salalah Free Zone, Raysut industrial estate or a mainland company in Dhofar. Sectors, licences, steps, costs and visas.
- 02Al 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.
- 03Sohar 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.
- 04Free Zone CostsWhat it costs to set up in an Oman free zone: registration and licence fees, office, warehouse and land lease rates, building costs, visas and annual renewals.
- 05Duqm SEZSet up a business in the Special Economic Zone at Duqm. Port, dry dock and refinery access, tax holidays, target sectors, land options and registration steps.
- 06Mainland vs Free ZoneMainland vs free zone company in Oman compared: market access, tax, customs, Omanisation, office rules, costs and visas, with clear guidance on which to choose.
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