Top Sectors Allowed for 100% Foreign Ownership in Oman (2025)

Are you finding it difficult to start a business in Oman without sharing ownership? Are you looking for the activities allowed for foreign investors to ensure full control over your investment? Oman has restructured its business laws in 2025. These changes allow foreign individuals and companies to fully own their businesses in a wide range of industries. That means no shared control, no split decisions, no third-party interference.

At Jitendra Consulting Group (JCG), we help you, the foreign investor, get started with complete clarity, the right approvals, and fast results. Keep reading to learn which sectors are now open and how you can move forward with establishing your business.

Oman’s New Investment Landscape 2025: What’s Changed?

In recent updates released after May 2025, the Omani government has clearly laid out a list of sectors where foreign investors can have full control of their businesses. The objective is to attract new talent, technology, and capital, while also creating more jobs for Omanis. The policy shift is part of the wider Oman Vision 2040, which aims to reduce the country’s dependence on oil by strengthening manufacturing, services, and clean energy sectors.

Can a foreign investor fully own a company in Oman?

Yes, since the 2025 updates, a foreign investor can own 100% of a company in the Sultanate of Oman, provided the activity falls within the allowed activities under the Foreign Investment Law. There is no longer a need for an Omani partner in most economic sectors, with some specific exceptions.

1. Manufacturing and Industrial Projects (Industrial Activities)

Oman’s industrial zones in Sohar, Duqm, and Salalah are opening up to foreign businesses in 2025. With no equity restrictions, foreign companies can now enter fields such as:

• Food and beverage processing
• Chemical and plastics production
• Construction materials
• Heavy machinery assembly
• Electronics and consumer goods manufacturing

These zones come with tax breaks, duty exemptions, and long-term land leases, making them an ideal destination for manufacturing activities aimed at production and export.

2. Hospitality and Tourism Ventures (Tourism Activities)

Oman is actively promoting tourism by allowing full foreign ownership of businesses in this vital sector. The government has identified the sector as a top job creator. From five-star hotels to desert camps, from travel tech to events, foreign investors can operate freely and scale fast within these tourism activities. Foreign investors are also eligible for benefits in selected tourism zones across Muscat, Al Sharqiyah, and Dhofar, including quick license processing, tourism land plots, and promotional support.

3. Renewable Energy and Green Technology (Green Activities)

The clean energy sector is now fully open to foreign control. The government is offering land and project clearances for solar farms, wind turbines, and green hydrogen plants. Foreign investment in clean energy has become easier. Projects over a certain size may still require evaluation by the Ministry of Energy and Minerals. However, you no longer need to dilute your equity in order to get these projects off the ground. This is especially relevant for companies looking to build renewable infrastructure with regional or global supply contracts.

4. IT, Fintech, and Digital Startups

The digital shift in Oman is real. Technology companies, especially in AI, payments, telecom infrastructure, and cloud services are now eligible for full foreign ownership. The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and the Central Bank of Oman have opened more licensing categories to international founders within these technological activities. This covers:

• Software and mobile apps
• Fintech products
• Online marketplaces
• Data analytics and AI services
• Cybersecurity consulting

This move gives overseas investors a stable, legal way to expand operations in the Gulf without needing a middle party.

5. Education and Medical Services (Specialized Service Activities)

Private education and healthcare are two of the fastest-growing sectors in Oman. You can now fully own:

• Medical clinics and diagnostic centers
• International schools and training institutes
• Specialty hospitals and day care clinics
• Nursing colleges and vocational education units

You will need clearance from the Ministry of Health or the Ministry of Education, depending on your activity. But once issued, the license allows total control of operations. Many investors are targeting niche sectors like physiotherapy, autism support, and medical technology, which are gaps that still exist in the local market within these specialized activities.

6. Logistics and Special Economic Zones (SEZs) (Logistics Activities)

Oman’s location gives it a trade advantage, and the government knows it. That’s why it has offered 100% foreign ownership in key SEZs like Duqm, Sohar, and Salalah. Businesses in these areas enjoy significant investment incentives:

• No import or export duties
• Tax holidays for up to 30 years
• Repatriation of profits and capital
• Easy leasing of commercial and industrial land

You can set up regional hubs for e-commerce, third-party warehousing, product assembly, or cold storage within these logistics activities. The free zones also allow multi-country ownership structures and ease of bringing in international staff.

7. Agriculture and Food Security Projects (Agricultural Activities)

Oman’s vision for food sustainability is opening new doors for investors. Foreign companies are being encouraged to take full ownership in activities such as:

• Aquaculture and marine farming
• Organic and smart farming
• Greenhouse projects
• Fertilizer production

Though the sector still requires site-specific clearance, the equity structure is now completely in your hands. Long-term leases for farmland are being offered on a case-by-case basis in locations across Al Batinah and Dhofar.

Labor Rule for Fully Foreign-Owned Businesses in 2025

A new rule enforced from April 1, 2025, requires every fully foreign-owned company to employ at least one Omani national during its first year of business. This employee must also be registered with the national social insurance system. This rule is applicable across all sectors and acts as a minimum compliance benchmark. Some industries may also have higher Omanization targets based on the number of employees and activity type.

Want to Start a Fully Owned Business in Oman? Here’s How We Help

You don’t need to go through confusing rules and long approval cycles alone. At Jitendra Consulting Group Oman (JCGO), we assist foreign entrepreneurs and corporate groups with end-to-end business setup support. Our local experts simplify the process, explain every step clearly, and ensure your setup is clean and compliant from day one. 

Ready to launch your business with 100% ownership in Oman? Book a free consultation with our setup team. Let’s get started.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the most significant changes in Oman’s foreign investment laws for 2025?

The most significant change is allowing 100% full foreign ownership in a wide range of economic sectors and activities, eliminating the requirement for an Omani partner in most cases.

What are the top sectors allowed for 100% foreign ownership for foreign investors in Oman?

Key sectors include manufacturing, hospitality and tourism, renewable energy, IT and Fintech, education and medical services, logistics and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and agriculture and food security.

Are there any conditions for employing Omanis for wholly foreign-owned companies?

Yes, effective April 1, 2025, every wholly foreign-owned company must employ at least one Omani national during its first year of operation and register them with the national social insurance system.

Does foreign investment in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) require an Omani partner?

No, SEZs in Oman, such as Duqm, Sohar, and Salalah, offer 100% foreign ownership and provide significant investment incentives like tax and customs duty exemptions.

How can a foreign investor begin establishing a 100% owned company in Oman?

The process starts with selecting an allowed activity, obtaining necessary approvals from relevant ministries (if any), then registering via the “Invest Easy” platform, providing required documents, opening a commercial bank account, and employing at least one Omani national.