Requirements for Company Registration in Oman

Oman is a country situated in the Arabian Peninsula, and it is known for its vibrant economy and diverse business opportunities. If you plan to start a business in Oman, the first step is to register your company. Company registration is a legal process that involves obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to operate your business in Oman. This article will discuss the requirements for company registration in Oman.

1. Business Activity

The first requirement for company registration in Oman is to determine the nature of your business activity. You can choose from three types of business activities in Oman: commercial, industrial, and professional. Commercial activities include trading and selling goods, while industrial activities involve manufacturing and production. Professional activities include providing services such as consultancy and legal advice. Once you have determined the nature of your business activity, you can proceed with the company registration process.

Business Name

The next step in the company registration process is to choose a business name. The name should be unique and not already registered by another company. You can check the availability of your desired business name on the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s website. Once you have selected a name, you must get it approved by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Legal Structure

Your company’s legal structure is an essential aspect of company registration in Oman. You can choose from several legal structures, including a limited liability company (LLC), a joint-stock company (JSC), and a sole proprietorship. An LLC is Oman’s most common legal structure and is preferred by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A JSC is suitable for large companies that plan to go public.

Share Capital

The share capital requirement for company registration in Oman depends on your company’s legal structure. For an LLC, the minimum share capital requirement is 20,000 OMR (approximately USD 52,000), while for a JSC, the minimum is 150,000 OMR (approximately USD 390,000). Before registering your company, you must deposit the share capital in a bank account.

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

The Memorandum of Association (MOA) is a legal document that outlines the company’s objectives, activities, share capital, and shareholders’ details. A licensed notary public in Oman must draft and notarise the MOA. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry must also approve it.

Articles of Association (AOA)

The Articles of Association (AOA) is another legal document that outlines the company’s internal regulations and procedures. A licensed notary public in Oman must draft and notarise the AOA. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry must also approve it.

Commercial License

A commercial license is required to operate a business in Oman. You must obtain a license from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The license fee depends on the nature of your business activity and your company’s legal structure.

Registration with the Chamber of Commerce

After obtaining the commercial license, you must register your company with the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber of Commerce will issue a membership certificate required for opening a bank account, applying for visas, and participating in tenders.

Visa and Work Permit

To work and reside in Oman, you must obtain a visa and work permit. You can apply for a visa and work permit through the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The visa and work permit fee depends on the duration of your stay and the type of work you will be doing in Oman.

Tax Registration

Finally, you must register your company with the Oman Tax Authority for tax purposes. The tax registration process is straightforward, and you can do it online. The tax registration fee depends on the nature of your business activity and your company’s legal structure.

Registering a company in Oman requires following a specific process, which involves fulfilling legal requirements and obtaining necessary licenses and permits. It is essential to understand your company’s legal structure, the nature of your business activity, and the minimum share capital requirement. You must also prepare the Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association, obtain a commercial license, register with the Chamber of Commerce, apply for a visa and work permit, and register your company for tax purposes. It is recommended to seek legal and financial advice from experts who can guide you through the registration process and ensure you comply with all legal requirements. Following the necessary steps, you can establish a successful business in Oman and contribute to the country’s vibrant economy.