Oman employment visa and work permit

Step by step

1. Work permit (labour clearance). Apply through the Ministry of Labour system for the specific occupation. Approval depends on the company's activity, premises, Omanisation and whether the occupation is open to expatriates.
2. Employment contract registered in line with the Labour Law.
3. Entry visa issued by the ROP for the employee to travel to Oman.
4. Medical fitness test at an approved centre after arrival.
5. Biometrics and resident card.
6. Health insurance under the applicable scheme.
7. WPS payroll set up for the employee. See payroll and HR.

Typical timeline: two to four weeks when the company's records are in order.

What determines approval

• Omanisation. Companies below their sector target may be refused new permits, or pay higher fees.
• Restricted occupations. Some job titles are reserved for Omani nationals.
• Company status. The CR, municipality licence and lease must be valid.
• Qualifications. Some professions, such as engineering, healthcare and teaching, require attested degrees and professional registration.

Employer responsibilities

• Pay salaries on time through WPS
• Provide the contractual benefits, leave and end-of-service entitlements
• Renew permits and residence before they expire
• Cancel permits and residence when employment ends. See visa renewal and cancellation.

Hiring staff for your new company

Employment visas are how your Omani company brings in expatriate staff. We handle them for the companies we set up and manage, starting with the hiring plan during company formation so your activities, premises and Omanisation position support the visas you need.

Typical timeline

Documents you will need

• Employee's passport copy and photograph
• Attested educational and professional certificates for certain occupations
• Signed employment contract
• Company's CR, licences and Ministry of Labour registration

Employer obligations after arrival

• Pay salaries through the Wage Protection System
• Register eligible employees for social protection contributions
• Renew residence cards before expiry and cancel them when employment ends
• Provide end-of-service benefits under the Labour Law

Common mistakes

• Applying under an occupation that doesn't match the employee's qualifications.
• Hiring before checking the company's Omanisation status.
• Letting employees start work before their permit and residence are issued.

How we help

Our PRO team handles permits, visas, medicals, contracts and renewals, and our payroll service keeps WPS and contributions compliant. Read more on sponsoring employees and labour permits.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a work visa cost in Oman?

The work permit fee depends on the occupation category and the company's Omanisation compliance. On top of that come ROP fees, the medical test, resident card and insurance. See indicative figures in our setup cost guide.

Can a new company hire foreign staff immediately?

Yes, once it is licensed and registered with the Ministry of Labour. The number of permits depends on its activities, premises and Omanisation plan.

Can employees change employers in Oman?

Under current rules, employees can move to a new employer after their contract ends, or with the conditions set by the Ministry of Labour, without the old no-objection-certificate requirement in most cases.

How many employees can my new company sponsor?

It depends on your activity, premises and Omanisation status. We plan this with you during setup.

Can I hire someone already living in Oman?

Yes. Employees already resident in Oman can usually move under the transfer rules, which can be quicker than recruiting from abroad.

What is the difference between a work permit and an employment visa?

The work permit (labour clearance) comes from the Ministry of Labour and authorises the job; the visa and resident card from the Royal Oman Police authorise entry and residence.

How long is an Oman employment visa valid?

Residence is usually issued for one or two years and renewed with the employment.

Does the employee need a medical test?

Yes. Medical fitness testing is part of the residence process after arrival.

Can an employee bring their family?

Yes, if they meet the conditions for sponsoring dependants. See family visa.

Who pays for the employment visa?

The employer pays work-permit and visa fees for its staff.