How to Get an Oman Freelance Visa

Why choose Oman for freelancing?

Oman is rapidly opening to foreign founders: simple one-owner company setup (SPC), world-class free zones with strong incentives, predictable taxes, and clear residency pathways. The cost of living is competitive, the rial is pegged to the USD, and visa options range from 2-year company/investor routes to long-term Investor Residency (5–10 years).

Key benefits of the Oman freelancer visa

Cost-effective setup

You can register a Single-Person Company (SPC) — a limited-liability company with one shareholder with streamlined formation and lighter documentation than a full multi-shareholder LLC. Free zones typically offer 0% corporate tax via long tax holidays, while on the mainland the standard rate is 15%. There is also SME relief potentially lowering the effective rate to 3% if you meet specific criteria. There’s no personal income tax currently in force, and overheads can stay lean with serviced/shared offices (mainland) or in-zone desks (free zones).

Pathway to residency

Your licensed entity is your visa platform. The common 2-year options are:

• Work (employment) visa sponsored by your own company; or
• Investor/Partner visa as a shareholder.

If you meet capital thresholds, the Investor Residency Program (“Golden Residency”) provides 5- or 10-year self-sponsored residency via qualifying investment in business or real estate.

Political and economic stability

Oman is known for policy continuity and a USD-pegged currency (OMR), which reduces FX risk and makes it a solid “Plan B” base for founders who value safety, predictable rules, and banking stability.

Import–export advantages

Free zones such as Salalah and Sohar combine 0% customs on imports/re-exports, extended corporate tax holidays, modern ports and proximity to airports—ideal if your freelance practice also handles product sourcing, fulfillment, or 3PL.

VAT overview

Oman applies 5% VAT on most local supplies. Exports and some categories can be zero-rated/exempt. If you sell digital services B2C into Oman from abroad, expect non-resident VAT registration; B2B is often handled via reverse charge by the Omani customer.

Who is eligible for the Oman freelance visa?

Foreign nationals can obtain residency in Oman on the basis of registering a business in the Sultanate. For freelancers, the relevant legal forms are:

• Sole Proprietorship — available only to Omani (and generally GCC) nationals.
• Single-Person Company (SPC) — available to foreigners who meet the requirements, submit the necessary documents, and pay the official fees.

Eligibility categories: freelancers and small founders in e-commerce, consulting, design, marketing, software, content, and professional services.

Basic Oman visa requirements:

• Clean criminal record and a valid passport.
• Proof of income or business activity (basic KYC).
• A compliant Omani entity (e.g., SPC) and a leased address on the mainland or a free-zone desk/office.

General applicant criteria:

• 21+ years old.
• Evidence of financial stability sufficient to support your stay in Oman.
• No criminal record or prior legal issues that could affect approval.

Required documents for Oman visa application

To ensure a smooth application process for the Oman “freelance visa”, it's crucial to prepare and submit the necessary documents accurately. Below is a comprehensive list of the required documents:

• Valid passport copy: Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the date of application.
• Lease contract for business premises. Office or in-house desk is required for SPC on mainland and in Oman free zones.
• Passport-sized photographs: Typically, two recent color photos with dimensions of 6x4 cm are required.
• Business plan: A detailed description of the services you intend to offer as a freelancer, including your objectives and target market. ​
• Proof of residency in Oman: Documents such as a tenancy contract or utility bill in your name to confirm your place of residence.
• Health insurance: Proof of valid health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Oman.
• Medical certificate: A medical certificate attested by the Ministry of Health is required for applicants from certain countries, including India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Syria, and Nepal.
• Criminal record certificate: A certificate from your home country indicating a clean criminal record. ​
• Proof of financial stability: Evidence demonstrating your financial ability to support yourself during your stay in Oman. ​

How to apply for an Oman freelance visa step-by-step

To ensure the best result it is recommended to seek assistance from professional business consultants in Oman.

Step 1. Pick your activity and jurisdiction

Choose mainland SPC or a Free Zone if you need logistics/tax perks.

Step 2. Reserve a trade name.

Step 3. Incorporate your entity (SPC/LLC)

Add the e-commerce/service activity, obtain the Commercial Registration (CR).

Step 4. Secure premises:

Mainland: sign a lease and register it (3% of annual rent).
Free Zone: lease an in-zone desk/office.

Step 5. Obtain municipal/commercial license

Also, secure OCCI membership (by category).

Step 6. Open a corporate bank account.

Step 7. Labour clearance

Apply to the Ministry of Labour for a quota/approval for your role (e.g., General Manager).

Step 8. Get residence visa

Your company sponsors your work (employment) visa, handles an entry permit, medicals and Residence Card.

Note: After the first year (mainland) plan Omanization (hire at least one Omani, unless your category exempts/defers).

Oman freelance visa costs and fees

The total cost depends on your license type and jurisdiction (mainland or free zone).

Mainland (company + facilities)

Visa (mainland)

The approximate total cost of setting up a Single-Person Company on the Oman mainland and getting visa would be approx. OMR 4,320.

Free zone (Salalah, Sohar)

Visa (free zone)

The approximate total cost of setting up a Single-Person Company in the Oman free zone and getting visa would be approx. OMR 4,300.

Consultant service fees are not included in the amounts above.

Oman freelance visa processing time and company setup timeline

Company setup: from several days up to a few weeks (faster in free zones with one-stop desks).

Visa: typically 1–3 weeks. The process is the following: entry permit → medical → residence visa → Residence Card.

Oman freelance visa vs. traditional business visas: what's the difference?

Oman doesn’t issue a stand-alone “freelancer visa.” For foreign nationals, “freelance” residency is achieved through existing business-linked visas.

What people call the freelance visa in Oman

• Work Visa via your own SPC

You register a Single-Person Company (SPC) and your company sponsors you (e.g., as General Manager). Typical validity: up to 2 years, renewable. Best for solo operators who want control over invoicing, banking, and contracts.

• Investor/Partner Visa

Residency as a shareholder/owner of your Omani entity. Typical validity: around 2 years, renewable. Suits founders who prefer owner status rather than being on company payroll.

Traditional alternatives

• Golden Residency — 5 or 10 years, self-sponsored, based on qualifying investments in business or real estate. Chosen for long-term stability and family sponsorship.
• Family Visa — dependent residency for spouse/children; tied to a primary resident (not a work route by itself).
• Retiree Visa — for applicants meeting set income/asset criteria; a lifestyle route rather than a business visa.

For foreigners, an “Oman freelance visa” is either a Work Visa via your own SPC or an Investor/Partner Visa based on your Omani business and license. The other visas (Golden, Family, Retiree) are alternative residency options.

Key points you should know

• License ≠ visa: your trade/e-commerce license doesn’t automatically grant residency.
• Omanization: on the mainland, expect to hire at least one Omani after the first year. Free zones often have lighter quotas (~10%) depending on category.
• Office requirement: mainland needs a registered lease (with a 3% lease-registration fee). Free zones (e.g., Salalah, Sohar, Duqm) require an in-zone desk/office.
• Taxes: corporate tax is 15% (SME reliefs may apply); VAT is 5%. No personal income tax currently in force; there are plans to introduce a 5% personal income tax from 2028.
• No “country-special” shortcuts: there’s no official “freelance visa without investment for nationality X.” Only Omani authorities can issue/approve visas—no private company can sell guaranteed approvals.

A quick guide to choosing your Oman visa path

• Fastest control, lowest capital: SPC + Work Visa (you sponsor yourself via your company).
• Owner status without being an employee: Investor/Partner Visa.
• Long-term, self-sponsored residency: Investor Residency (5–10 years) if you meet thresholds.
• Logistics/import-export: consider a Free Zone entity (Salalah/Sohar/Duqm) for tax/customs perks and lighter Omanization.