Oman allows foreign investors and expats to open companies in many business sectors. However, not every activity is available for foreign ownership. Some activities are restricted, prohibited for foreign investment, or reserved for Omani nationals only.
Before choosing a business activity, it is very important to check whether that activity is open for foreign investors or restricted. Sometimes an activity may look simple, but the official business code may have special conditions, approvals, or ownership limits.
Quick answer: which activities are not available for expats in Oman?
Some activities in Oman may be restricted for expats and foreign investors, especially selected small retail activities, traditional crafts, local service activities, vehicle-related services, real estate brokerage, manpower recruitment, laundry services, salon and beauty activities, grocery stores, mobile cafes, selected water-related activities, LPG-related services, and other activities listed by the authorities.
Why some activities are restricted
The purpose of these restrictions is to protect local businesses, support Omani entrepreneurs, and create more opportunities for Omani nationals. This does not mean expats cannot open a company in Oman. Many business sectors may still be available, depending on the latest rules and approvals.
Oman’s business environment still offers opportunities in commercial, professional, industrial, technology, consultancy, trading, tourism, logistics, manufacturing, and service sectors, but the exact activity must be checked before registration.
Examples of activities that may be restricted
The restricted activity list can include different categories, and the exact official list should always be checked before making a decision. Commonly discussed restricted or Omani-reserved areas may include:
- Selected traditional Omani crafts and heritage products
- Some tailoring, textile, and traditional clothing activities
- Selected retail shops and small local service activities
- Real estate brokerage and some property-related activities
- Manpower recruitment and labour-related office activities
- Laundry services and selected personal service activities
- Beauty, salon, and grooming-related services
- Grocery stores and selected small food retail activities
- Mobile cafes and selected small food-service activities
- Some vehicle repair, vehicle service, and related technical activities
- Some water supply, drinking water, and related services
- LPG, fuel, and selected supply-related services
Available activities for expats may still be wide
Even with restricted activities, expats and foreign investors may still have many company setup options in Oman. Depending on the latest rules, available areas may include trading, consultancy, IT services, software development, marketing, tourism, logistics, manufacturing, industrial services, import and export, professional services, and other approved activities.
The right option depends on your nationality, business activity, company structure, location, visa requirement, and whether you want a mainland, free zone, SPC, or LLC setup.
Why activity checking is important before company registration
A company name and general business idea are not enough. Oman company registration depends on selecting the correct official activity code. A simple business idea may have more than one possible activity code, and each code may have different rules, approval requirements, or ownership conditions.
If the wrong activity is selected, the company may face delays, rejection, wrong license scope, visa issues, or difficulty opening a bank account. This is why activity checking should be done before paying fees or submitting documents.
The restricted activity list can change
The list of restricted activities can change at any time. A business activity that is available today may have new requirements later, and a restricted activity may also change depending on government updates.
For this reason, expats and foreign investors should always confirm the latest rules before starting company formation in Oman.
How GlobelZone can help
If you are planning to open a company in Oman, GlobelZone can help you check the latest available activities, nationality rules, company setup options, visa possibilities, and documentation requirements before you start the process.
Contact GlobelZone for updated guidance on which business activities are currently available for expats in Oman.
FAQ: restricted activities for expats in Oman
Can expats open a company in Oman?
Yes. Expats and foreign investors can open companies in many sectors in Oman, but some activities are restricted or reserved for Omani nationals.
Are all business activities available for foreign ownership?
No. Some activities may be prohibited for foreign investment, restricted, or subject to special approval requirements.
Why are some activities reserved for Omanis?
These restrictions are intended to support Omani entrepreneurs, protect local businesses, and create more opportunities for Omani nationals.
Can a restricted activity become available later?
Rules can change. A restricted activity may be updated later, and an available activity may also receive new requirements, so the latest rules should always be checked.
How do I know if my business activity is allowed?
You should check the official activity code, ownership rules, approval requirements, and current government updates before company registration.
Can GlobelZone check activity availability before I start?
Yes. GlobelZone can help check whether your planned activity is available for expats, what documents are needed, and which company setup route may fit your business.
