Visa Quota for New Businesses in Oman: What to Expect

Starting a company in a new country brings along unfamiliar challenges. One of the first roadblocks foreign investors face in Oman is understanding the visa quota system. How many employees can you bring in? What are the strict Omanisation rules? What does the Omani Ministry of Labour really expect from you? These questions about the visa quota in Oman are vital for the success of any new business.

These concerns can delay decision-making. For a new business setup, the thought of dealing with the visa quota for businesses, especially without knowing the current visa allocation rules, can be overwhelming. And with recent regulations tightening around expat hiring, things can get even more complicated.

At Jitendra Consulting Group, we specialize in removing the fog so that your business can take its first step confidently in Oman.

Understanding Visa Quota Oman 2025: What’s Changed?

For 2025, the Omani Ministry of Labour has introduced revised frameworks that impact the visa quota for all new businesses. These changes focus on reducing dependency on foreign labor and boosting local employment within the visa quota system.

Every new business is expected to hire at least one Omani national within its first year of operation. This rule applies even if the business is 100% foreign-owned. Companies that fail to comply may face restrictions during registration renewals and visa issuance, affecting new visa allocation.

The visa allocation for new businesses in Oman is now sector-specific. This means your quota will depend on the industry you operate in, with the Ministry of Labour conducting a comprehensive assessment based on the approved business size and activity, and the availability of Omani competencies. For example, IT, consulting, logistics, or manufacturing may each receive different visa allowances based on the required Omanisation percentages for each sector. (For instance, required Omanisation percentages in certain sectors might range from 15% to 35%, while in other sectors, they could go up to 80-90%).

Key Highlights: Business Startup Visa Rules in Oman

Oman has made progress in simplifying company registration through the Oman Business Platform. However, the real complexity starts when you move toward hiring and visa planning. Understanding the visa rules for new businesses in Oman is crucial.

Here’s a quick overview of what you must consider:

• Foreign-owned companies must hire at least one Omani within the first year.
• Omanisation percentages are different for each sector.
• New visas are issued based on MoL approvals and aligned with business activity codes.
• Employment visa rules in Oman for startups have become more specific.
• Labor clearances are only issued when Omanisation targets are met or justified.

Understanding Omani company registration and visa quota policies is essential. Missing out on any step could lead to registration delays or work visa rejections.

Oman Business Visa Requirements for Entrepreneurs

Foreign investors can explore different types of visas when planning to start a company. One of the most popular options is the Oman investor visa for new companies. This visa allows business owners and stakeholders to reside in Oman and manage operations.

Requirements typically include:

• A minimum investment threshold.
• Company documents (commercial registration, Chamber of Commerce certificate, etc.)
• A clear business activity and office location.
• A bank certificate showing proof of capital.
• Approval from relevant authorities depending on the sector.

Also, the Oman business visa requirements now include Social Protection Fund registration and MoL approvals. Without these, new visas for staff will be withheld.

Expat Hiring Rules for New Businesses in Oman

Oman has taken firm steps to regulate the hiring of expatriates. The government wants businesses to balance expat roles with national employment, which is known as the Omanisation policies. This is not just a guideline but a condition tied directly to visa approvals.

New companies must follow these steps:

• Submit a manpower plan during registration.
• Justify the need for each expatriate role.
• Comply with Omanisation targets to get visa slots.
• Reapply for visa quota only after fulfilling compliance checks.

For every expat position, you’ll need to show why the role cannot be filled by a local candidate. This evaluation is done by the Omani Ministry of Labour before approving your employment visa requests.

Visa Application Process for New Business Oman

Setting up your visa plan right from the start can save you from legal and financial risks. The visa application process involves several stages:

• Labor Clearance: Apply through MoL with a clear hiring plan.
• Investor or Partner Visa: Required to begin operations.
• Employment Visas: Issued only after clearance and Omanisation fulfillment.
• Medical and Residency Card: Final steps after the visa is stamped.

Many entrepreneurs fail to consider that visa allocation for new businesses in Oman depends heavily on the approved activities during company registration. Without aligning your company’s purpose with the right activity codes, the visa quota can be restricted.

What Support Can You Expect from Jitendra Consulting Group?

At Jitendra Consulting Group, we understand how frustrating visa planning can be, especially when rules keep shifting. As leading business setup consultants in Oman, our goal is to simplify the process for you.

If you’re launching a consultancy, retail unit, logistics company, or tech firm, our team can help ensure your hiring plans are in sync with the current visa quota Oman 2025 rules.

Instead of struggling through applications or facing rejection due to incomplete submissions, let us make the process smoother. With our experience, you’ll be able to start your business faster, safer, and with full compliance.

Connect with us today to begin your Oman journey the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Omanisation rate for new companies in Oman?

Every new company is required to hire at least one Omani national within its first year of operation, even if it is 100% foreign-owned. Overall, Omanisation percentages vary depending on the sector and commercial activities.

How does the visa quota system work for new businesses in Oman?

The visa quota system depends on the company’s business activity and sector. Visa allocation is based on approvals from the Omani Ministry of Labour, which considers the company’s size, activity, and the availability of Omani competencies.

Are there specific visa quota rules for different business sectors in Oman?

Yes, visa allocation in Oman is now sector-specific. This means each sector (such as IT, industry, logistics) has different allocated quotas and Omanisation percentages that must be complied with.

What happens if a new company in Oman fails to meet Omanisation targets?

Companies that fail to meet Omanisation targets may face restrictions on renewing their commercial registration, difficulties in issuing new employee visas, and could have their ability to conduct business normally impacted.

What documents are needed for an expatriate employment visa in Oman for a new company?

Required documents typically include a manpower plan, justification for expatriate roles, proof of compliance with Omanisation targets, and core company documents, in addition to approvals from the Ministry of Labour and the Social Protection Fund.