Visas for company owners, staff and families

Who issues visas in Oman?

• Royal Oman Police (ROP), Directorate General of Passports and Residence: entry visas, residence visas and resident cards
• Ministry of Labour: work permits (labour clearances) for expatriate employees and Omanisation compliance
• Ministry of Health and approved medical centres: medical fitness tests for residence

Residence for foreign nationals is generally sponsored by a company or family member, apart from the long-term investor residence programme.

Visa types for business

The residence process in brief

1. Work permit or investor approval: Ministry of Labour approval for employees, or the CR showing you as a shareholder for investors
2. Entry visa issued by the ROP, if you are outside Oman
3. Medical fitness test at an approved centre in Oman
4. Biometrics and resident card application
5. Health insurance, where required for your category
6. Resident card issued, at which point the visa is stamped or recorded electronically

Renewals and cancellations are covered on our visa renewal and cancellation page.

Common reasons for delays

• Company registrations or chamber membership not current
• The company has not met its Omanisation targets, which blocks new work permits
• Degree attestation outstanding for professions that need it
• Medical test results requiring follow-up

How visas fit into your company setup

Residence in Oman for business people follows the company: first the company is registered and licensed, then it sponsors visas for the people who own and work in it.

Planning visas when you set up

• Choose the structure with visas in mind. An LLC or SPC can sponsor owners and staff; a representative office has limited visa options.
• Premises affect quotas. Companies planning several hires usually need a physical office rather than a virtual office.
• Plan Omanisation early. Your sector's targets decide how many expatriate permits you can get.
• Free zones have their own rules, often with reduced Omanisation requirements. See free zones in Oman.

What it costs

Expect roughly OMR 350–800 per employee visa all-in, excluding salary, and a similar fee structure for investor residence without the work-permit element. See visa costs.

Why arrange visas with your company setup

Visa applications depend on the company's records being correct and current: the CR, municipality licence, lease, Omanisation status and labour registration. Because we set up and manage the company, we keep those records aligned and handle every visa for owners, staff and families in one place.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get residency in Oman by opening a company?

Yes. Shareholders of an Omani company can usually obtain investor residence through it. Larger investments can qualify for 5- or 10-year long-term residence.

How long does an Oman work visa take?

Typically two to four weeks from work permit application to resident card, provided the company's registrations and Omanisation are in order.

Can my family live with me in Oman?

Yes. Residents who meet the sponsorship conditions, including the minimum salary set by the ROP, can sponsor a spouse and children.

Do I need a visa to visit Oman for business meetings?

Many nationalities can enter visa-free or obtain an e-visa for short visits. See business and visit visas.

Official sources

Requirements and fees change, so confirm current details with the authority concerned. This page is general guidance, not legal advice.

• Royal Oman Police – residence, visit and work visa rules.
• Ministry of Labour – labour permits and Omanisation.