Low-cost company setup in Oman and Bahrain
Two of the cheapest GCC jurisdictions for full foreign ownership, compared side by side.
In short
Both countries allow 100% foreign ownership for most activities. Bahrain’s Sijilat system issues commercial registrations online within days; Oman’s Invest Easy portal does the same.
- Bahrain
- Sijilat, from approx. BHD 50–500
- Oman
- Invest Easy portal
- Ownership
- 100% for most activities
- Time
- 1–3 weeks
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Check which are open to foreigners.
Week 1
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Renew CR yearly
- Register for VAT if over threshold
Don’t
- Don’t use nominee owners – illegal
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Common questions
Do I need a local partner?
Not for most activities since recent reforms.
Official links
Background and more detail
Oman
The Foreign Capital Investment Law (2020) lets foreigners own 100% of most companies, with no minimum capital for many activities. Registration runs through the Invest Easy portal of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.
- Corporate tax: 15% (3% for qualifying small companies)
- VAT: 5%
- Omanisation quotas apply per sector
- Free zones: Duqm, Sohar and Salalah for industry and logistics
Bahrain
Bahrain allows full foreign ownership in most commercial activities. You register online through Sijilat, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce portal, and many licences are issued in days.
- No general corporate income tax. Oil and gas companies pay 46%, and large multinationals fall under the 15% domestic minimum top-up tax from 2025.
- VAT: 10%
- Bahrainisation is managed through the LMRA
Which to choose
Bahrain is faster and has no profit tax for most small companies, and it is close to the Saudi market via the King Fahd Causeway. Oman has lower living costs and strong industrial free zones.
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Related guides
Starting a business in Oman
100% foreign ownership, Invest Easy and free zones.
Opening a bank account in Oman
Documents, banks and digital payments.
Oman personal income tax from 2028
Who will pay, the rate and what expats should know.