Oman Work Visa Guide 2026: Types, Requirements & Processing

Overview of Oman Work Visas in 2026

The Sultanate of Oman offers a structured and increasingly modernized immigration system managed jointly by the Ministry of Labour (MOL), the Royal Oman Police (ROP), and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP). Oman's work visa framework is shaped by two defining forces: the Oman Vision 2040 economic diversification program and the Omanisation policy that mandates specific ratios of Omani nationals across all sectors. Together, these create a system that actively recruits foreign talent in areas of genuine need while systematically building local capacity over time.

With a population of approximately 5.1 million — roughly 40% of whom are expatriates — Oman's economy balances its traditional oil and gas revenues with growing investments in tourism (anchored by the country's dramatic landscapes and cultural heritage), logistics (centered on the ports of Salalah, Sohar, and Duqm), manufacturing, mining, and fisheries. The Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), the largest in the Middle East, and the Sohar Free Zone represent major growth engines generating sustained demand for foreign professionals, particularly in engineering, project management, healthcare, tourism management, and technology.

Oman's visa system is more conservative than the UAE or Bahrain but offers stability, competitive tax-free salaries, and a high quality of life. The introduction of the Talent Visa program for exceptional professionals and the investor visa with more accessible thresholds signal the sultanate's commitment to attracting high-value talent while maintaining its deliberate, well-managed approach to economic development. The Royal Oman Police processes all residency permits, giving the system a centralized and consistent administration that, while sometimes slower than its GCC peers, is generally reliable and predictable.

Visa Types Explained

Employment Visa

The employment visa is the standard pathway for professionals relocating to Oman. Your employer acts as your sponsor and is responsible for all visa processing, costs, and administrative obligations. The visa is typically valid for 2 years and is renewable for the duration of your employment contract, subject to continued Omanisation compliance by the employer.

The process begins with the employer obtaining a labour clearance card from the MOL, which authorizes the company to hire foreign workers for specific positions. The employer then submits the work permit application through the MOL's online portal, specifying the job title, required qualifications, and salary. Once the MOL approves the work permit, the employer applies for an entry visa through the Royal Oman Police (ROP) online system. The entry visa is sent electronically to your email or issued through the Omani embassy in your country.

After arriving in Oman, you must complete a medical fitness examination at a government-approved health center within 30 days. The examination includes a chest X-ray (TB screening), blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, and Malaria (for applicants from endemic regions), and a general physical examination. Following medical clearance, you register for your resident card at an ROP office, providing biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). The entire post-arrival process typically takes 2-4 weeks, and your employer's PRO (mandoob) handles most of the administrative steps on your behalf.

Key obligations include maintaining the specific job title and employer listed on your work permit — working outside your declared occupation or for a different employer is illegal. The employer is responsible for providing housing (or a housing allowance), health insurance, and an annual return ticket to your home country, as stipulated in Oman's labor law.

Investor Visa

Oman's investor visa program is designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs and business owners to the sultanate. Administered through MOCIIP and the ROP, the investor visa requires establishing a registered business in Oman with a minimum capital investment of OMR 50,000 (approximately USD 130,000) for most commercial activities. Certain sectors designated as priorities under Vision 2040 — such as tourism, technology, logistics, and manufacturing — may have adjusted thresholds and additional incentives.

The investor visa is valid for 2 years and renewable as long as the business remains active and compliant with its commercial registration terms. Holders can sponsor employees within their company (subject to Omanisation quotas) and bring dependents. The application process involves registering the company through MOCIIP's Invest Easy portal, depositing the required capital in an Omani bank, and obtaining the commercial registration and relevant operating licenses.

Oman's free zones — the Special Economic Zone at Duqm (SEZAD), Sohar Free Zone, Salalah Free Zone, Al Mazunah Free Zone, and the Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) — offer additional incentives including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions (up to 30 years in SEZAD), customs duty exemptions, and streamlined visa processing. Establishing operations in a free zone is particularly attractive for manufacturers, logistics companies, and technology firms targeting the broader Middle East and East African markets.

Talent Visa

The Talent Visa is Oman's newest visa category, introduced to attract exceptional professionals, researchers, scientists, and creative individuals who can contribute to the country's knowledge economy. Modeled partly on similar programs in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the Talent Visa offers multi-year residency (typically 5 years, renewable) and is self-sponsored — holders are not tied to any single employer.

Eligibility criteria include demonstrated expertise in a priority field (technology, healthcare, education, renewable energy, cultural industries), relevant advanced qualifications (master's degree or higher), significant professional achievements (patents, publications, awards, senior leadership positions), and a minimum income threshold (varies by category). Applications are reviewed by a committee under the MOL, and the process includes professional credential verification and background checks.

Talent Visa holders can work for any employer, consult for multiple organizations, or establish their own business. They can also sponsor dependents and enjoy priority processing for government services. While the program is still relatively new and the number of visas issued annually remains limited, it represents a significant evolution in Oman's approach to attracting global talent.

Temporary Work Permit

The temporary work permit covers short-term assignments including project-based work, installations, training, and consulting engagements. Valid for 3-6 months (extendable to 9 months in exceptional circumstances), this permit is processed more quickly than a full employment visa and does not require a full resident card. Employers apply through the MOL portal, specifying the project scope, duration, and the worker's qualifications.

This category is commonly used in the oil and gas sector for shutdown and turnaround projects, in construction for specialized installation work, and in the technology sector for system implementations. Processing typically takes 1-2 weeks once the employer submits all required documentation.

Dependent Visa

Employed residents earning a minimum of OMR 600 per month can sponsor their spouse, children, and in some cases parents on dependent visas. Each dependent requires a medical fitness test, resident card registration, and attested relationship documents (marriage and birth certificates attested by the Omani embassy and MOFA Oman). Children can be sponsored until age 18 (extendable to 21 for students).

The process takes 2-4 weeks and costs approximately OMR 50-150 per dependent, excluding medical test fees. Dependent visa holders cannot work in Oman unless they obtain their own separate employment visa through an employer. The application is processed through the ROP online portal, with the primary visa holder acting as sponsor.

General Requirements for Oman Visas

All work visa applicants must provide the following:

• Valid passport: Minimum 6 months validity from the date of entry, with at least two blank pages for visa stamping
• Passport photographs: White background, recent (within 6 months), meeting Oman's specifications (4cm x 6cm)
• Medical fitness certificate: Conducted at ROP-approved medical centers in Oman; includes chest X-ray (TB screening), blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, and Malaria screening for certain nationalities, plus a general physical examination
• Police clearance certificate: Criminal background check from your country of residence, attested and Arabic-translated
• Educational certificates: Attested by your country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Omani embassy. Healthcare professionals must additionally verify credentials through the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB). Engineers require registration with the Oman Society of Engineers
• Labour clearance card: Issued to your employer by the MOL, authorizing the hire of a foreign worker for the specific position
• Employment contract: Bilingual (Arabic and English), compliant with Oman labor law, specifying salary, benefits, working hours (45 hours per week maximum), leave entitlements, and end-of-service provisions
• Health insurance: Mandatory for all residents. Employers must provide coverage for employment visa holders
• Resident card registration: Biometric data collection at ROP offices upon arrival

Oman's attestation chain follows the standard GCC pattern: notary public in your home country, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Omani embassy, then MOFA Oman upon arrival. Healthcare professionals face additional credential verification through OMSB, which can take 6-8 weeks. Engineers must register with the Oman Society of Engineers, a process that takes 2-4 weeks.

Processing Timeline and Costs

The MOL's online portal and the ROP's e-services platform handle most visa applications electronically, though the system is not as fully digitized as Bahrain's or the UAE's. Some steps still require in-person visits to ROP offices, particularly for biometric registration and resident card collection.

For standard employment visas, the typical timeline is 3-6 weeks: MOL work permit approval (1-2 weeks), ROP entry visa issuance (1-2 weeks), embassy stamping if required (3-5 working days), and post-arrival processing including medical, biometrics, and resident card (2-3 weeks). Employer-borne costs include the work permit fee (OMR 201), medical test (OMR 20-40), resident card (OMR 20-50), and mandatory health insurance. Under Oman labor law, employers bear all visa processing costs — charging employees is prohibited.

Investor visas process within 4-8 weeks once the commercial registration is complete. The Talent Visa typically takes 2-4 months due to the committee review and credential verification process. Temporary work permits are the fastest at 1-2 weeks.

Recent Reforms and Changes

Oman has implemented measured but meaningful reforms to its labor and immigration systems under Vision 2040:

• Talent Visa Introduction: The new program for exceptional professionals provides self-sponsored, multi-year residency — a significant departure from Oman's exclusively employer-sponsored system. While still in its early stages, it signals the sultanate's intent to compete for global talent.
• Labour Mobility Improvements: Workers can now transfer between employers under certain conditions, including contract completion or documented employer violations, without requiring the current employer's consent. The transfer process is managed through the MOL portal.
• Omanisation Updates (2025-2026): Revised quotas increase the required ratio of Omani nationals in banking (90%), insurance (60%), hospitality (40%), and logistics (35%). Sectors with persistent talent gaps, including oil and gas technical roles, specialized healthcare, and IT, maintain lower quotas to ensure continued foreign recruitment.
• Invest Easy Portal: MOCIIP's digital business registration platform has streamlined company formation and investor visa processing, reducing the time to establish a business in Oman from weeks to days for straightforward applications.
• Free Zone Expansion: SEZAD, the Sohar Free Zone, and the Salalah Free Zone continue to expand, offering dedicated visa processing channels that cut typical processing times by 30-50% for zone-licensed companies and their employees.
• Remote Work Pilot: Oman launched a limited remote work visa pilot in 2024 for professionals employed by overseas companies, allowing them to reside in Oman for up to one year while working remotely. The program focuses on digital nomads and remote workers with income above OMR 1,000 per month.

Complete Document Checklist by Visa Type

Employment Visa Document Checklist

1. Original passport with minimum 6 months validity and 2 blank pages
2. 8 passport-sized photographs (white background, 4cm x 6cm, recent within 6 months)
3. Attested educational certificates — full chain: notary, home country MOFA, Omani embassy, MOFA Oman
4. Police clearance certificate from country of residence (attested, Arabic-translated)
5. Employment offer letter on company letterhead specifying role, salary, and benefits package
6. Employment contract signed by both parties (bilingual Arabic/English, compliant with Oman labor law)
7. Company commercial registration (CR) copy from MOCIIP
8. Employer's labour clearance card from MOL authorizing the foreign hire
9. Medical fitness report from ROP-approved medical center in Oman
10. Resident card application and biometric registration at ROP
11. Credential verification: OMSB registration (healthcare), Oman Society of Engineers (engineering), MOE verification (teaching)
12. Health insurance enrollment confirmation from employer

Investor Visa Document Checklist

1. All standard personal documents listed above
2. MOCIIP commercial registration obtained through Invest Easy portal
3. Company articles of association (notarized and attested)
4. Business plan demonstrating alignment with Vision 2040 priorities
5. Proof of minimum capital deposit (OMR 50,000+ in Omani bank account)
6. Bank letter confirming capital deposit and account opening
7. Office or commercial premises lease agreement
8. Municipal license for business premises
9. Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OCCI) membership certificate
10. Omanisation plan showing compliance with sector-specific quotas

Talent Visa Document Checklist

1. All standard personal documents
2. Completed MOL Talent Visa application form
3. Advanced degree certificates (master's or higher, fully attested)
4. Detailed professional CV with complete career history
5. Evidence of exceptional achievement: patents, peer-reviewed publications, international awards, senior leadership positions
6. Letters of recommendation from recognized institutions, employers, or industry bodies
7. Proof of income meeting the minimum threshold for the declared category
8. Portfolio of work (for creative and technology professionals)
9. Business plan or professional development proposal for Oman

Temporary Work Permit Document Checklist

1. Valid passport with 6 months validity
2. Invitation letter from the Omani host company specifying project scope and duration
3. Proof of employment with the overseas company
4. MOL-approved temporary work authorization
5. Project scope documentation
6. Return flight booking or travel itinerary
7. Medical insurance covering the assignment duration

Dependent Visa Document Checklist

1. Sponsor's valid passport and resident card copy
2. Sponsor's employment contract and salary certificate (minimum OMR 600/month)
3. Dependent's passport with 6 months validity
4. Attested marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children) — attested by Omani embassy and MOFA Oman
5. Dependent's passport photographs (6 copies)
6. Medical fitness test for each dependent upon arrival
7. Health insurance coverage for each dependent

Step-by-Step Processing Guide

Step 1: Secure Employment and Verify Omanisation Compliance

Before starting any visa process, confirm that your employer holds a valid labour clearance card from the MOL and that their Omanisation ratio allows for a new foreign hire in your declared job category. Omanisation quotas vary significantly by sector — banking requires 90% Omani staff, while oil and gas technical roles may require only 20-30%. If your employer is not compliant with their quota, the MOL will reject the work permit application. Ask your prospective employer directly about their current Omanisation status and whether they have available clearance for your specific role.

Step 2: Document Attestation (Begin 4-6 Weeks Before Travel)

Oman's attestation chain requires careful planning: notary public in your home country (1-3 days), Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country (5-10 days), Omani embassy or consulate (5-10 days), and MOFA Oman upon arrival (3-5 days). For healthcare professionals, initiate registration with the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) simultaneously — this is mandatory for all healthcare roles and takes 6-8 weeks. Engineers should begin registration with the Oman Society of Engineers (2-4 weeks). Teachers require MOE credential verification (4-6 weeks). Start these processes as soon as you accept your offer, as they run in parallel with the attestation chain.

Step 3: Work Permit Application through MOL

Your employer submits the work permit application through the MOL's online portal, attaching your attested documents, employment contract, and labour clearance card authorization. The MOL reviews the application against the company's Omanisation status, commercial license activities, and the declared job category. Approval typically takes 1-2 weeks for companies with clean compliance records. The MOL may request additional documentation or clarification, which can add 3-5 working days.

Step 4: Entry Visa from ROP

Once the MOL issues the work permit, your employer applies for your entry visa through the ROP's e-services portal. The entry visa is typically approved within 1-2 weeks and sent electronically to your email. For some nationalities, the visa is processed through the Omani embassy in your country (allow 3-5 additional working days for embassy stamping). The entry visa is valid for 30-60 days from issuance — enter Oman within this window.

Step 5: Medical Fitness Examination

Within 30 days of arrival, complete the mandatory medical examination at an ROP-approved medical center. Oman's standard panel includes chest X-ray (TB screening), blood tests for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Syphilis, Malaria screening for applicants from endemic regions, and a general physical examination. Results typically take 5-7 working days. Medical centers in Muscat, Salalah, and Sohar process the highest volumes and are generally efficient. Failing any infectious disease test results in visa cancellation and mandatory departure with no appeal.

Step 6: Resident Card Registration at ROP

Visit the nearest ROP office for biometric data collection (fingerprints, photograph, and signature) and resident card application. Bring your passport, entry visa, medical fitness certificate, and employment documentation. Your employer's PRO (mandoob) typically accompanies you and handles the administrative submission. The resident card is usually ready within 7-14 working days and must be collected in person from the issuing ROP office. This card is your primary identification in Oman and must be carried at all times.

Step 7: Labour Card and Social Insurance Registration

Your employer registers you with the MOL's labour card system and the Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI). The labour card confirms your legal authorization to work in the declared occupation for the specific employer. PASI registration is mandatory for all private sector employees and involves employer contributions of 11.5% and employee contributions of 7% of monthly salary toward the social insurance fund. Complete this registration within the first month of employment to ensure compliance.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

• Omanisation non-compliance: This is the most common rejection reason in Oman. If your employer's foreign-to-Omani worker ratio exceeds the quota for their sector and size category, the MOL will not approve new foreign work permits. Verify your employer's Omanisation status through the MOL portal or by requesting their current compliance certificate before accepting the offer.
• Labour clearance card expired or unavailable: Employers must hold a valid, sector-specific labour clearance card from the MOL. If the card has expired, is suspended due to violations, or the allocated positions have been exhausted, the work permit application cannot proceed. Confirm your employer has available clearance for your specific job category.
• Incomplete document attestation: Oman requires the full attestation chain including MOFA Oman attestation upon arrival. Missing any step — particularly the Omani embassy attestation — results in rejection. The most common error is skipping the Omani embassy step in countries where Oman has limited consular presence. Verify the specific requirements for your nationality through the nearest Omani diplomatic mission.
• Medical test failure: Testing positive for TB, HIV, Hepatitis B/C, or Syphilis results in automatic visa cancellation and departure. Malaria screening failure for applicants from endemic regions also triggers rejection. Get comprehensive screening in your home country before committing to relocation.
• Credential verification failure (healthcare/engineering): OMSB verification for healthcare professionals and Oman Society of Engineers registration can fail if your qualifying institution is not recognized, if there are discrepancies in your records, or if the verification body cannot confirm your credentials. Contact your institution proactively to ensure records are current and accessible.
• Job title mismatch: The MOL cross-references the declared job title against the company's commercial registration activities and the Omanisation quota category. A mismatch between the work permit job title and the company's licensed activities causes rejection. Ensure your employer selects the correct occupational classification.
• Age restrictions: Certain visa categories have age limits for initial issuance, particularly in specific sectors. While not a blanket policy, applicants over 60 may face additional scrutiny or restrictions depending on the role and employer's quota status.

Oman's visa processing is methodical and predictable. Rejections are almost always procedural and resolvable with corrected documentation. Your employer's mandoob (PRO) is the key facilitator — ensure your company has an experienced mandoob who understands the current MOL and ROP requirements for your specific visa category.