Employer of Record in Oman

Guide to Hiring Employees in Oman

Your guide to hiring employees in Oman, covering the employment landscape, employer of record responsibilities, working customs, and local labor laws.

Hiring Employees In Oman
Employer Of Record In Oman

Capital City

Muscat

Currency

Omani Rial

 (

)

Timezone

GMT+4

Payroll Frequency

monthly

Tax Year

1 January - 31 December

Employer Tax

12.50%

Languages

Arabic

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How to Hire Employees In Oman

Hiring in Oman for the first time can be overwhelming, especially when navigating unfamiliar employment laws.  Whether you hire independent contractors, set up a legal entity, or use an EOR service, understanding the local employment landscape is crucial for success.  Playroll’s comprehensive guide can help you get started if you're hiring locally or relocating a team member.

Companies can hire employees in Oman in the following three ways:

  • Setting up a local entity. Entity establishment reduces risk exposure and enables direct hiring, but can be costly and time-consuming – making it less practical for companies seeking quick and flexible solutions for hiring in Oman.
  • Partnering with an Employer Of Record. An EOR, like Playroll, is a third-party entity that serves as the legal employer of your international workforce which hires, pays, and manages compliance with Oman’s labor laws and tax regulations.
  • Hiring independent contractors. Hiring contractors gives companies a flexible, affordable alternative to hiring local employees, though it involves unique misclassification risks.

Good To Know

Oman offers a stable and business-friendly environment, making it an attractive destination for hiring skilled professionals.

The country's strategic location provides easy access to key markets in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, fostering international business opportunities.

Oman's government actively promotes economic diversification, investing in infrastructure and education to support workforce development and innovation.

With a growing economy and various investment incentives, hiring in Oman can provide access to a talented and motivated workforce while benefiting from favorable business conditions.

Employment and Labor Laws in Oman

Businesses can only operate smoothly in Oman if they comply with local labor laws including drafting compliant employment contract agreements and meeting taxation and payroll obligations. Learn more about the employment laws and regulations in Oman below, to avoid any compliance issues.

Employment Contract Requirements

The Omani government has implemented reforms aimed at streamlining employment and business procedures. Employment contracts, which can be verbal or written, must be in Arabic or a notarized Arabic translation if written. Essential components for employers in contracts include:

  • Identification of both parties
  • Commencement date
  • Employee's compensation and other benefits
  • Workplace

Onboarding Process

We can help you get a new employee started in Oman quickly, with a minimum onboarding time of just 1-2 working days. The timeline starts once the employee submits all required information onto the Playroll platform and completes any necessary local authority registrations.

For non-nationals, the Right to Work assessment (if applicable) may add up to three extra days. Additional time may be needed for follow-ups on this assessment. Please note, payroll cut-off dates can impact the actual start date. Playroll's payroll cut-off date is the 10th of each month unless otherwise specified.

Working Hours in Oman

In Oman, regular working hours are 45 hours per week, Employees can work nine hours per day. However, during Ramadan, work hours are reduced to 30 hours per week (six hours per day) for employees.

Overtime in Oman

If an employee works beyond 45 hours per week mentioned in Article 68, the employer should pay them overtime equivalent to their basic salary, plus an extra 25% for daytime overtime and 50% for nighttime overtime.

Probation Period in Oman

Probation periods in Oman are determined by the employee's contract or collective agreement, typically lasting up to three months. During this period, no notice is required for termination.

Employer of Record in Oman

An Employer of Record (EOR) acts as the legal employer for workers in Oman, taking on key responsibilities to ensure compliance with local labor laws and regulations. The EOR facilitates the hiring process for businesses that want to employ workers without establishing a legal entity in the country.

The employer of record in Oman is responsible for:

  • Employment Compliance: Ensure all employment contracts comply with Oman's labor laws and regulations, including proper classification of employees.
  • Payroll Management: Calculate, process, and distribute employee salaries in accordance with Oman's payroll laws, including deductions for taxes and social security contributions.
  • Tax Filing and Contributions: Handle the registration, filing, and payment of employer taxes and social security contributions to the relevant authorities.
  • Employment Contracts: Draft and maintain compliant employment agreements, detailing salary, benefits, working hours, and termination terms in line with Oman's legal requirements.
  • Benefits Administration: Provide mandatory employee benefits as required by Oman's labor laws, such as health insurance, pension contributions, and statutory leave.
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Payroll Management in Oman

Fiscal Year in Oman

1 January - 31 December is the 12-month accounting period that businesses in Oman use for financial and tax reporting purposes.

Payroll Cycle in Oman

The payroll cycle in Oman is usually monthly, with employees being paid as stipulated in the employment contract.

Minimum Wage in Oman

The minimum wage for employees in Oman is typically 1.80 OMR per hour, amounting to ~ 325 OMR per month for a typical 45 hour work week.

Bonus Payments in Oman

In Oman, the payment of a 13th salary or bonus is not a legal requirement. However, many employers in Oman choose to offer bonuses or additional compensation to their employees, typically during festive seasons or as a reward for performance. The provision of such bonuses is usually at the discretion of the employer and may vary depending on the company's policies and financial performance.

Employment Taxes in Oman

Employer Tax Contributions

Employer payroll contributions are generally estimated at an additional 12.5% on top of the employee salary in Oman.

Tax TypeTax Rate
Social Security10.5%
Occupational Injury and Disease1%
Job Security Fund1%

Employee Payroll Tax Contributions

In Oman , the typical estimation for employee payroll contributions cost is around 8%.

Tax TypeTax Rate
Social Security7%
Job Security Fund1%

Individual Income Tax Contributions

Oman does not impose personal income tax.

Income BracketTax Rate
NoneNone

Pension in Oman

In Oman, employers are required to contribute 10.5% of their employees' salaries to social security, managed by The Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI). This system provides pensions and various other benefits for insured individuals and their dependents, ensuring financial security and support for workers and their families.

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The tax-related information provided in this guide is intended for general guidance and informational purposes only. Reach out to our dedicated team for insights on remote hiring in Oman tailored to your needs.

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Work Permits & Visas in Oman

Annual Leave & Company Policies In Oman

Mandatory Leave Entitlement in Oman

The annual leave entitlement in Oman is 30 days for a full time worker. These can include public holidays on top of that or within those days, which would otherwise be unpaid.

Public Holidays In Oman

Oman observes 8 national public holidays alongside additional state-specific holidays whose dates vary according to the Lunar calendar.

HolidayDate
Sultan Qaboos Mourning Day12th to 14th January
Prophets AscensionExact date varies
Eid al-FitrExact date varies
Renaissance Day23 July
Eid al-AdhaExact date varies
Islamic New YearExact date varies
Prophets BirthdayExact date varies
Oman National DayExact date varies

Paid Time Off in Oman

Employees in Oman are entitled to a 30-day annual leave with full pay after six months of consecutive employment at one organization. They receive 100% of their regular salary during this leave, and any unused leave can be carried over to the following year.

Maternity Leave In Oman

In the Omani private sector, women receive 50 days of maternity leave at full pay, with some organizations allowing this leave three times. In the public sector, female employees can take maternity leave up to five times during their service, although the exact duration is not specified by law. These regulations aim to support women's health and rights during pregnancy and childbirth while promoting a favorable work environment.

Paternity Leave In Oman

Male employees receive seven days of paid paternity leave, which must be taken within 98 days of the child's birth. This provision applies to both Omani and non-Omani employees across various sectors.

Sick Leave In Oman

In Oman, employees receive 10 days of sick leave paid at 100% of their regular income by the employer. Compensation beyond two weeks of sickness is calculated as follows:

Parental Leave In Oman

Oman does not have a separate shared parental leave policy.

Employment Termination and Severance Policies in Oman

Termination Process in Oman

Termination procedures in Oman depend on the employment agreement, contract type, and the reason for termination. Employers must have valid grounds, offer notice, and provide end-of-service gratuity. Immediate termination without notice or gratuity is only permissible for gross misconduct; otherwise, termination requires a justifiable cause.

Notice Period in Oman

In Oman, monthly salary employees typically have a one-month notice period, while other cases require a 15-day notice, unless specified otherwise in the contract. Written notices are mandatory, and no notice is required during the probation period.

Severance in Oman

In Oman, employers provide severance pay based on an employee's tenure as follows:

  • 15 calendar days' basic pay per year for the initial three years.
  • 30 calendar days' basic pay per year beyond three years of service.

Disclaimer

THIS CONTENT IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE. You should always consult with and rely on your own legal and/or tax advisor(s). Playroll does not provide legal or tax advice. The information is general and not tailored to a specific company or workforce and does not reflect Playroll’s product delivery in any given jurisdiction. Playroll makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of this information and shall have no liability arising out of or in connection with it, including any loss caused by use of, or reliance on, the information.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jesse Weisz

Jesse is an experienced R&D Analyst at Playroll, a leading Employer of Record (EOR) provider. With a strong background in data analysis and market research, Jesse specializes in identifying emerging trends and driving innovation in global HR solutions. She is an all-rounder, critical thinker and success-seeker (often inextricably linked to being a late-night tea drinker).

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FAQS

FAQs About Hiring In Oman

Questions and Answers

What Is an EOR in Oman?

An Employer of Record (EOR) in Oman is a third-party organization that legally employs workers on behalf of your company. The EOR handles all local employment tasks, including compliance with labor laws, payroll, taxes, benefits, and employment contracts. This allows businesses to easily hire talent in Oman without the need to set up a legal entity there, saving time and ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Can I Hire in Oman Without an Employer of Record?

Yes, you can hire in Oman without an Employer of Record, but this typically requires setting up a legal entity in the country. Establishing a local entity involves navigating registration processes, tax systems, and employment regulations. This can be costly and time-consuming, often taking between 4-6 months to enter a new market. An EOR provides an alternative by allowing you to hire talent quickly and compliantly without the need to establish a legal presence in Oman.

How Much Does It Cost To Employ Someone In Oman?

The cost of employing someone in Oman includes more than just their salary. You also need to consider mandatory contributions such as taxes, social security, insurance, and benefits. These additional costs can vary based on the role, location, and specific employment laws in Oman. When using an Employer of Record, there are additional service fees, usually charged as a percentage of the employee's salary or as a monthly or annual fee. This ensures compliance and covers administrative tasks.

What Is the Minimum Wage In Oman?

As of January 1, 2024, Oman's minimum wage rates are:

  • 1.80 OMR p/h OMR per month.
  • Applies nationwide across all sectors.
  • Adjustments typically occur annually.

How Does an EOR Help You Run Payroll In Oman?

An EOR simplifies payroll management in Oman by handling all aspects of salary payments, tax deductions, and compliance with local labor laws for your international employees. The EOR calculates gross pay, deducts necessary taxes and contributions, and ensures employees are paid accurately and on time. They also manage year-end tax reporting and compliance filings, reducing the administrative burden on your team and minimizing the risk of errors or penalties.

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