Saturday 11 / October / 2025
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has achieved notable competitiveness in business start-ups, with recent indicators showing a reduction in the average time required to establish a company to just 4–5 days, compared to 10 days in some regional countries. The process now involves only four main procedures and does not require a minimum capital.
Oman continues to accelerate its efforts to position itself as an attractive investment destination through wide-ranging legislative and regulatory reforms and innovative digital transformations that have enhanced the flexibility and efficiency of its business environment, in line with the goals of Oman Vision 2040.
The company registration process in Oman is organized and transparent, featuring a clear sequence of steps that make it easier for both local and foreign investors to launch their ventures. The process begins via the “Invest Easy” platform operated by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion.
Efforts to facilitate business start-ups are reflected in the Business Start-up Index, managed by a national team under the National Competitiveness Committee. The initiative aims to make Oman a vibrant business hub and competitive investment destination by stimulating the private sector, promoting exports, and strengthening partnerships with government entities. It also includes incentives and initiatives to support investments and expand foreign trade.
Oman’s business ecosystem places great emphasis on digital transformation as a key driver of economic growth and business facilitation. Digitization has simplified start-up procedures through unified smart platforms that reduce time and effort for investors, offering a more transparent and efficient environment. These platforms also enhance connectivity between government entities and the private sector, providing integrated services from company registration to licensing and financing, leveraging modern technologies and artificial intelligence to boost Oman’s regional and global competitiveness.
Mubarak bin Mohammed Al-Dohani, Director General of Planning and Head of the Digital Transformation Team at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, stated that the ministry has launched unified digital platforms offering over 50 integrated electronic services. These range from company registration and trade name reservation to issuing licenses and commercial records, linking more than 17 government entities under one umbrella.
He added that the “Invest Easy” platform leads these efforts, providing services such as commercial registration, license issuance, certificates of origin, intellectual property services, commercial permits, agency management, and company liquidation—all within a unified and user-friendly digital environment. The platform has digitized 76.5% of its services, with 89% of commercial activities licensed automatically, and over 1.263 million licenses issued since its launch in April 2021 through mid-2025.
Saqr bin Said Al-Rubaie, Director of Employment Applications and Job Opportunities Analysis at the Ministry of Labour, emphasized the importance of integrating national talent into various economic sectors. He noted that sustaining job opportunities and ensuring the availability of qualified national cadres are essential for the stability and growth of private sector institutions. The ministry is implementing training programs and financial support policies to enhance national employment, including wage subsidies for new entrants to the labor market for one to two years, and training initiatives such as on-the-job training and employment-linked programs.
Dr. Said bin Khalifa Al-Quraini, Director General of Investment Sector Development and official spokesperson for the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, highlighted the Authority’s focus on facilitating business start-ups in its supervised zones. These efforts aim to enhance the business environment and expand investment in Oman through integrated infrastructure and competitive incentives that have strengthened Oman’s appeal to regional and international investors.
He explained that special economic zones, free zones, and industrial cities are key pillars in positioning Oman on the global investment map. They offer competitive advantages such as strategic location, advanced infrastructure, diverse natural resources, and low operating costs. Benefits include 100% foreign ownership, long-term tax and customs exemptions, and a flexible investment environment characterized by fast procedures and integrated services.
Land lease costs are highly competitive, with various incentives and exemptions available. Investors also benefit from simplified labor recruitment and generous tax breaks, including up to 30 years of income tax exemption and customs exemptions for importing equipment and raw materials. The Authority provides all services through a unified electronic portal, making these zones highly attractive to investors seeking low-cost, high-value business environments.
