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Oman Work Permits & Visas: Processes for Employers

Looking to sponsor an international hire in Oman? This guide breaks down what employers need to know — from visa types to employer obligations and timelines. Whether you're hiring locally or relocating international talent, we've got you covered.

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Capital City

Muscat

Currency

Omani Rial

(

﷼

)

Timezone

OST

(

GMT+4

)

Payroll

Monthly

Employment Cost

12.50%

Milani Notshe

Research Specialist

Last Updated

July 11, 2025

In This Guide

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Hiring Foreign Talent in Oman: What Employers Need to Know

Are you an employer looking to sponsor international talent in Oman? Navigating Oman’s visa and work permit process can be complex — especially without a local legal entity or dedicated HR team.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about employer-sponsored work visas in Oman, including processing times, documentation, and local compliance rules. Whether relocating a team member or hiring locally, Playroll simplifies visa sponsorship through an end-to-end employer of record platform.

Key Takeaways

Employers or EOR providers must be registered with the Ministry of Manpower to sponsor foreign workers.

The work permit process typically takes one week to one month, but may take longer for certain industries.

Common types of work permits include the Employment Visa (OMR 20) and the Permanent Work Visa (OMR 50).

Independent contractors need a separate process and are considered self-employed.

Work permits are location-specific and usually tied to a specific employer. Employees may require approval to change jobs or locations.

Who Needs a Work Permit in Oman

In Oman, any foreign national aged between 21 and 60 intending to work must obtain a work permit. This requirement applies to expatriates across all sectors, ensuring that employment is regulated and compliant with Omani labor laws.

Types of Work Visas in Oman

Oman offers several work visa categories tailored to different employment needs. Employers should select the appropriate visa type based on the nature and duration of the employment.

Visa Type	Description
Employment Visa	Issued for foreign nationals employed by an Omani company; valid for two years and allows multiple entries.
Temporary Work Visa	Designed for short-term assignments; validity ranges from 4 to 9 months.
Employment Contracting Visa	Granted for specific project-based roles; typically valid for two months.

Common Hiring Scenarios for Oman

When hiring talent in Oman, employers typically choose one of three pathways depending on the role, duration, & legal requirements. Below are the most common models.

Use Case 1: Sponsoring a Foreign Employee via Work Permit or Visa

This is the most common route for companies hiring full-time foreign talent in Oman. To sponsor this visa, an employer (or Playroll as the Employer of Record) must have a registered legal entity in-country and issue a compliant offer of employment.

Key Employer Considerations:

Sponsorship is required — contractors or freelancers cannot apply under this visa.
Employees must remain in the approved work location unless authorized to relocate or change employers.
Processing timelines vary (approximately one week to one month), depending on the consulate or embassy.

This is best for: Long-term roles with in-office or hybrid presence in Oman.

Use Case 2: Hiring a Foreign Contractor in Oman

Independent professionals in Oman can legally work with international clients without employer sponsorship, but must comply with local tax registration and reporting laws.

With Playroll’s Contractor Management solution, you can:

Draft fully compliant local contractor agreements.
Automate contractor invoicing and cross-border payments, in Peruvian Sol (PEN) or USD.
Mitigate risk of permanent establishment and contractor misclassification.

This is best for: Freelancers, consultants or project-based roles, especially if the worker already lives in Oman.

Use Case 3: Relocating an Existing Employee to Oman

Transferring an existing team member to Oman? You’ll still need to navigate the same visa and payroll setup process. Even if the employee works for you elsewhere, a local employer of record is required to stay compliant.

EOR’s, like Playroll, handle all local steps, including:

Work permit sponsorship and immigration paperwork,
Registration with local authorities and payroll systems,
Enrollment in mandatory benefits and statutory schemes.

This is best for: Internal transfers or remote-first companies looking to expand into South America, or talent retention offerings for global mobility programs.

Not Sure What to Pay in Oman? Compare fair, local salaries with our free benchmarking tool.

Requirements for a Work Permit in Oman

To secure a work permit in Oman, employers and prospective employees must meet specific criteria:

Valid Passport: The employee's passport must have a minimum validity of six months.
Labor Clearance: Employers must obtain a labor license from the Ministry of Manpower, confirming the necessity to hire a foreign worker.
Medical Examination: Certain nationalities are required to provide a medical certificate attested by the Ministry of Health.
Relevant Qualifications: Employees should possess the necessary qualifications and experience pertinent to the job role.

Oman Work Permit Application Process

Obtain a labor license from the Ministry of Manpower, ensuring compliance with Omanisation quotas and job specifications.
Submit the employment visa application to the Royal Oman Police, including all required documents such as passport copies, photographs, and medical certificates.
Upon approval, the employee can enter Oman. Within 30 days of arrival, they must obtain a residence card from the Civil Status Department of the Royal Oman Police.

Process for Visa Sponsorship in Oman

In Oman, employers act as sponsors for their foreign employees. This sponsorship entails responsibility for the employee's legal status, adherence to labor laws, and fulfillment of contractual obligations. Employers must ensure all visa and permit applications are accurately completed and submitted on behalf of the employee.

What Are the Fees for a Work Permit or Visa in Oman

The fees for work permits and visas in Oman vary depending on the visa type:

Visa Type	Application Fee
Employment Visa	OMR 20
Temporary Work Visa	OMR 20
Employment Contracting Visa	OMR 20

Processing Time for a Work Permit or Visa in Oman

The processing time for work permits and visas in Oman typically ranges from one week to one month. Delays may occur due to incomplete applications or high volumes of requests. Employers are advised to plan accordingly and ensure all documentation is accurate to facilitate timely processing.

Work Permit Renewal Periods in Oman

Work permits in Oman are generally valid for two years. Employers should initiate the renewal process before the permit's expiration to maintain the employee's legal working status. Timely renewals prevent potential fines and ensure continuous compliance with Omani labor laws.

Visa Requirements for Digital Nomads in Oman

As of now, Oman does not offer a specific visa category for digital nomads. Individuals intending to work remotely from Oman should explore existing visa options, such as tourist visas, and ensure their activities comply with Omani regulations. It's advisable to consult with immigration experts to determine the most suitable visa type for remote work purposes.

Common Challenges and Tips for Employers Hiring in Oman

Employers may encounter several challenges when hiring foreign nationals in Oman:

Navigating Omanisation policies, which require a certain percentage of the workforce to be Omani nationals. Employers must balance these quotas while fulfilling their staffing needs.
Ensuring compliance with evolving labor laws and visa regulations, which necessitates staying informed about legal requirements to avoid penalties.

Tips for Employers:

Engage with local legal experts or consultants to stay updated on labor laws and ensure compliance.

Hire Global employees without hassle with an EOR solution

Expanding your workforce across international borders is an exciting step, but it can be a logistical nightmare to hire and pay employees in different countries. That’s the advantage of using a trusted Employer of Record like Playroll. They can:

Handle your international payroll: An EOR will act as your payroll provider, paying your employees on your behalf in the local currency. The company will also have in-depth knowledge of local tax codes, regulatory practices, and everything else that goes into managing global payroll.
Alleviate compliance concerns: Different countries each have their own federal and local laws governing employee payments. An EOR helps ensure that you are compliant with the unique set of laws for any country in which your company operates. This is extremely important since a compliance slip-up can result in heavy fines or even a lawsuit.
Hire and pay international contractors: Sometimes a particular project or role doesn’t require hiring a full-time employee. An EOR gives employers the flexibility to also hire contractors as needed, and avoid the potential for misclassification under local labor law.

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.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Milani Notshe

Milani is a seasoned research and content specialist at Playroll, a leading Employer Of Record (EOR) provider. Backed by a strong background in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, she specializes in identifying emerging compliance and global HR trends to keep employers up to date on the global employment landscape.

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FAQs about Work Permits & Visas in Oman

Can Playroll sponsor a visa in Oman?

We don’t currently sponsor visas in Oman — but we can still help. Our in-house compliance team supports employers through every stage of the visa process: helping you compile documentation, set timelines, and coordinate with our network of trusted local immigration advisors.

If you’re looking to hire in Oman, book a demo and we’ll help you prepare, flag potential issues, and streamline the path to compliant onboarding.

What is the difference between a work permit and a work visa in Oman?

In Oman, a work permit is the authorization obtained by the employer from the Ministry of Manpower to hire a foreign worker. A work visa, on the other hand, is the document issued to the foreign employee, allowing them to enter Oman and legally work. Both documents are integral parts of the employment process for expatriates in Oman.

How long does it take to process a work permit or visa in Oman?

The processing time for a work permit or visa in Oman typically ranges from one week to one month. Employers should ensure all required documentation is accurate and complete to minimize the possibility of delays.

What are the requirements for sponsoring a work permit or visa in Oman?

To sponsor a work permit or visa in Oman, employers must obtain a labor license from the Ministry of Manpower, submit the necessary documentation, and comply with Omanisation policies and other labor laws. Documentation generally includes the employee's valid passport, photographs, medical certificates (if applicable), and proof of qualifications.

What types of work permits and visas are available in Oman?

Oman provides several work visa types, including the Employment Visa, which is valid for two years and allows multiple entries; the Temporary Work Visa, designed for assignments ranging from four to nine months; and the Employment Contracting Visa, typically issued for project-based roles lasting up to two months.