Oman is an attractive location for doing business, thanks to its strategic location, friendly business environment, and the government’s commitment to economic diversification. If you’re planning to set up a business in Oman, it’s important to understand the country’s legal and regulatory framework, and the steps involved in registering a business. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of registering a business in Oman.
Table of Contents
Choose your business structure
The first step in registering a business in Oman is to decide on the legal structure of your company. The most common types of business structures in Oman are:
Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest and most common form of business entity in Oman. In this structure, the business is owned and managed by a single individual.
Limited Liability Company (LLC): This is the most common form of business entity for foreign investors in Oman. An LLC can have up to 40 shareholders, and the liability of each shareholder is limited to their share of the company’s capital.
Joint Stock Company (SAOG): This is a public company that can be listed on the Muscat Securities Market. The minimum capital required to establish a SAOG is OR 2 million.
Branch office: A foreign company can establish a branch office in Oman to carry out business activities.
Reserve a business name
Once you’ve decided on the legal structure of your company, the next step is to reserve a business name. You can check the availability of the name you want to use on the Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s website. If the name is available, you can reserve it for a period of 90 days by submitting an application along with the required fee.
Obtain necessary licenses and approvals
Depending on the nature of your business, you may need to obtain licenses and approvals from various government agencies. For example, if you’re planning to open a restaurant, you’ll need to obtain a food license from the Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources. Similarly, if you’re planning to import goods, you’ll need to obtain an import license from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Register your business
Once you’ve obtained all the necessary licenses and approvals, the next step is to register your business with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. You’ll need to submit the following documents:
Application form for commercial registration
Copy of the lease agreement or title deed of the office or warehouse
Copy of the commercial name reservation certificate
Copy of the IDs of the partners or the owner
Open a bank account
After you’ve registered your business, you’ll need to open a bank account in the name of your company. You’ll need to provide the bank with a copy of your commercial registration certificate and other documents as required by the bank.
Register for taxes
All businesses in Oman are required to register for taxes with the tax authorities. You’ll need to obtain a tax registration number (TRN) and submit regular tax returns.
Generis Global can help you with your business in Oman
Registering a business in Oman can be a complex process, and it’s important to ensure that you comply with all the legal and regulatory requirements. Generis Global, a leading international law firm, can assist you with the legal part of your business journey in Oman. We have a team of experienced lawyers who can guide you through the entire process of registering your business and help you navigate the legal and regulatory framework in Oman. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your business in Oman.