Essential First Steps for New Arrivals

Visa and Entry
Employment visas, family joining visas, investor visas, student visas, and tourist e‑visas.

Residence Card
Required after arrival; needed for banking, healthcare, mobile contracts, and renting property.

Register Your Address
Required for official documentation.

Open an Omani Bank Account
Requires passport, Resident Card, and proof of address.

Healthcare Registration
Private health insurance is mandatory for expats.

Housing in Oman

Types of Housing

• Furnished and unfurnished apartments
• Villas and townhouses
• Compounds (gated communities)
• Coastal homes
• Shared housing

Market Characteristics

• Affordable compared to UAE and Qatar
• High demand in Muscat
• Deposits typically 1 month
• Spacious, well‑maintained rentals

Popular Expat Areas

• Muscat: Al Mouj, Qurum, Madinat Sultan Qaboos, Al Khuwair, Azaiba
• Other Cities: Sohar, Salalah, Nizwa

Practical Advice

• Check AC systems
• Understand electricity costs
• Consider proximity to schools/work
• Villas offer more space but higher utilities

Working in Oman

Work Permits
Employer sponsors employment visa, residency card, and renewals.

Employment Standards

• Standard workweek: 40–48 hours
• Friday is the main rest day
• Minimum 30 days paid vacation
• End‑of‑service benefits required

Key Industries

• Oil and gas
• Engineering and construction
• Logistics and ports
• Tourism and hospitality
• Education
• Healthcare
• Manufacturing

Financial Overview: Taxes and Income

Income Tax
No personal income tax for employees.

Other Taxes

• VAT: 5%
• Corporate tax applies to businesses
• Municipality fees on rent

Entrepreneurs and Freelancers
Options include investor visas, company formation, and free zone companies (Duqm, Sohar, Salalah).

Healthcare System

Oman has a high‑quality healthcare system with public hospitals, private hospitals, and specialized clinics.

General Practitioner
Residents can choose any clinic; referrals may be required.

Costs

• Public healthcare affordable
• Private healthcare modern and high‑quality
• Dental care mostly private

Transportation and Mobility

Public Transport

• Buses in Muscat
• Taxis
• Ride‑sharing (Mwasalat, Otaxi)

Driving

• International licenses accepted temporarily
• Local license required long‑term
• Modern, well‑maintained roads
• Fuel inexpensive
• Calm driving culture

Domestic Travel
Affordable domestic flights and excellent highways.

Culture and Society

Omani culture values hospitality, tradition, family, and calm social interactions, with a deep connection to nature and heritage.

Social Norms

• Dress modestly
• Respect local customs
• Alcohol only in licensed venues
• Cashless payments increasingly common

Religion in Oman

Predominantly Ibadi Islam, with Christian, Hindu, and other expat communities.

Daily Life

Shopping and Services
Carrefour, Lulu, Al Fair; moderate prices.

Language
Arabic official; English widely spoken in business, tourism, and daily life.

Digital Services
Online banking, government portals, mobile payments.

Education and Family Life

School Options

• Public schools
• Private schools
• International schools (British, American, IB, Indian)
• Bilingual programs

Childcare

• Nurseries
• Kindergartens
• After‑school programs

Community and Integration

Active expat communities in Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah.