Working in Oman: Omanisation, the 2023 labour law and taxes
Reserved professions, new labour protections and the income tax coming for high earners.
In short
Oman’s 2023 labour law modernised contracts, leave and end-of-service rules. Omanisation reserves many job titles for nationals, so specialised roles are the easiest route in.
- Working week
- 45 hours, 5 days
- Income tax
- 0% (planned for high earners from 2028)
- Annual leave
- 30 days
- End of service
- 1 month basic per year
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Search the Ministry of Labour list of Omanised professions.
Before applying
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Keep contract copies
- Ask about the annual flight allowance
Don’t
- Don’t accept roles listed as Omanised
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- A personal income tax on very high earners has been announced for 2028. Check how it may affect you.
Common questions
How long is maternity leave?
98 days under the 2023 labour law.
Official links
Background and more detail
Omanisation
Oman reserves a long list of professions for citizens, and companies must meet sector quotas. Before accepting an offer, confirm your exact job title is open to expatriates.
The 2023 labour law
The new law introduced clearer rules on working hours, annual leave, maternity and paternity leave, and remote work. Contracts can be fixed or open-ended. End-of-service benefits are being replaced over time by a social protection fund.
Permits and the resident card
The employer obtains labour clearance from the Ministry of Labour. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) then issues the employment visa and, after a medical test and biometrics, your resident card.
Income tax from 2028
Oman has announced a personal income tax for individuals earning above a high annual threshold, planned to start in 2028. Most expat salaries fall below it, but senior packages may not.
Free zones
Duqm, Sohar and Salalah free zones have their own incentives and some separate permit procedures.
Lifestyle
Oman is quieter and greener than its neighbours, with mountains, wadis and long coastline. Muscat housing is affordable compared with Dubai and Doha.
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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.