Banking Regulation — Oman
Oman's banking sector is regulated by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) under the Banking Law (Royal Decree 114/2000). The CBO supervises capital adequacy (Basel III), liquidity, Islamic banking, and fintech — maintaining a stable, well-capitalised banking system.
Capital Market Authority (CMA)
Oman's Capital Market Authority regulates the securities market, insurance sector, and mortgage finance — overseeing the Muscat Stock Exchange and implementing capital market development reforms aligned with Vision 2040's financial deepening goals.
Company Formation — Oman
Setting up a company in Oman: LLCs, joint stock companies, branches, and free zone entities. The process has been streamlined through digital government and the OPAZ one-stop-shop — typically 1-3 weeks for standard companies.
Environmental Law and Regulation — Oman
Oman's environmental framework covers protected areas, EIA requirements, marine conservation, carbon emissions, and the net-zero 2050 commitment. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals and MECA jointly administer environmental regulation.
Foreign Investment Law — Oman
Oman's Foreign Capital Investment Law (Royal Decree 50/2019) and its amendments allow 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, with exceptions for strategic industries. OPAZ one-stop-shop and the Investment and Commercial Court (2025) improve the investment environment.
Free Zone and SEZ Regulations — Oman
Oman's OPAZ-regulated economic zones (Duqm SEZ, Salalah Free Zone, Sohar Free Zone, Al Mazunah) offer 100% foreign ownership, 25-30 year tax holidays, duty-free imports, and simplified licensing — the primary vehicles for industrial FDI attraction.
Labour Law and Omanisation — Oman
Oman's Labour Law (Royal Decree 35/2003 and amendments) governs employment contracts, working conditions, and termination. Omanisation quotas require private sector employers to maintain minimum percentages of Omani national employees by sector.
Land Ownership and Real Estate Regulation — Oman
Oman restricts land and real estate ownership for non-Omanis, with the primary exception being Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) where foreigners may purchase freehold residential property. Industrial land in free zones is available on long-term leasehold.
PPP and Privatisation Framework — Oman
Oman's Public-Private Partnership law and privatisation programme are central to Vision 2040's private sector development — enabling private investment in infrastructure, utilities, and government services while unlocking state asset value through partial IPOs.
Taxation Framework — Oman
Oman's tax framework includes corporate income tax (15%), VAT (5% since 2021), excise taxes, and customs duties. There is no personal income tax for individuals. Free zone investors benefit from extended tax holidays.
Oman Labour Law Guide | Oman Guide
Comprehensive guide to Oman Labour Law covering contracts, working hours, leave, and termination.