Gulf sultanate of Ibadi heritage, wadis, and the Khareef monsoon
No. As of 2026 there is no personal income tax in Oman. Salaries are received in full. A 5% tax on income above OMR 42,000 per year begins on 1 January 2028.
Only individuals whose annual taxable income exceeds OMR 42,000 (about USD 109,000). The government estimates around 99% of the population will remain below the threshold and pay nothing.
From 2028, tax residents (present 183+ days in a year) will be taxed on worldwide income above the threshold. Non-residents are taxed only on Oman-sourced income. Double-tax treaties may provide relief.
VAT is 5% on most goods and services. Many essential foods, healthcare, education, residential rent, exports and international transport are zero-rated or exempt.
There is no annual property tax or personal capital gains tax for individuals in Oman. Landlords pay a rental/municipality tax, and some purchases carry registration fees, but ordinary homeowners are not taxed on gains.
No. Oman does not tax remittances, and there is no restriction on repatriating your salary or capital abroad.
Yes, most landlords require a valid residence card to sign a lease. Some may accept an employment letter and passport with entry visa while your residence card is being processed, but this varies. Employer-provided temporary housing during the initial processing period is common in many expat packages.
Yes, but only in designated Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITCs) such as Al Mouj, Muscat Hills, Jebel Sifah, and Salalah Beach. Property ownership in an ITC grants a renewable residence visa without employer sponsorship. Outside ITCs, only Omani and GCC nationals can own property. Usufruct (long-term lease) arrangements of up to 50 years are available in some areas.
It depends on the employer and seniority level. Many larger companies, particularly in oil and gas (PDO, Shell, BP), provide housing allowances (OMR 200–500/mo) or company accommodation. Smaller firms and local companies may not include housing. Always negotiate a housing component as part of your package — it significantly impacts your net savings.
Qurum, Al Mouj, Muscat Hills, and Azaiba are the most popular family neighborhoods. They offer proximity to international schools (American British Academy, The British School Muscat, ABA Oman), parks, beaches, and family-friendly amenities. Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos (MQ) is another established residential area popular with families.
Oman is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is extremely rare, petty crime is uncommon, and the streets of Muscat and other cities are safe to walk at any hour. The country's low crime rate is a product of strong community bonds, cultural values, and effective policing. Women generally feel safe traveling and living alone. Oman is widely considered the safest country in the Middle East for expats.
Alcohol is legal but regulated. It is available at licensed hotel bars and restaurants (no personal licence needed to drink there). To purchase alcohol for home consumption you need a **personal liquor licence** from the Royal Oman Police, typically endorsed by your employer. The licence allows purchases from the government-run **Oman Beverage Company (NBO)** stores. **Clarification on eligibility**: the licence is generally issued to **non-Muslim residents**; **Muslims — including Omani nationals — are generally not permitted to purchase alcohol**. The earlier "Omanis only" framing some travel guides used is the opposite of the legal reality: it is Muslim prohibition, not Omani restriction. Since 2023 the licensing process has been simplified and moved partly online. Drinking in public, public drunkenness, and driving under the influence are serious offences (zero-tolerance BAC).
The standard **public-sector work week** is Sunday to Thursday with **Friday–Saturday weekend** under the Civil Service Law. In the **private sector, only Friday is a statutory weekly rest day** under the Omani Labour Law; most private employers nonetheless observe a 5-day Sun–Thu week with Saturday as a customary second day off. Government offices typically operate 7:30 AM–2:30 PM; private-sector hours are usually 8:00 AM–1:00 PM then 4:00 PM–7:00 PM (split shift), or 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (straight shift). Public holidays include Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, Islamic New Year, Prophet's Birthday, and **National Day on 20–21 November** (Royal Decree 15/2025 — moved from 18 November to mark the 1650 Portuguese-expulsion anniversary). During Ramadan, working hours are reduced by 2 hours per day.
Oman is exceptionally tolerant and welcoming by regional standards. Ibadi Islam, the dominant faith, emphasizes coexistence and moderation. Christian churches, Hindu temples, and a Sikh gurdwara operate openly in Muscat. The Omani government actively promotes interfaith dialogue. Expats from South Asia, East Asia, Europe, and the Americas all report positive experiences. Omanis are genuinely curious about other cultures and take pride in their reputation for hospitality.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is prohibited for everyone, including non-Muslims (you can eat and drink privately at home). Many restaurants close during the day or serve behind screens. Working hours are typically reduced by 2 hours. Evenings come alive with Iftar gatherings and night markets. It is a beautiful time to experience Omani culture — many restaurants offer special Iftar buffets. Be respectful and dress more conservatively during this month.
Yes — Oman consistently ranks among the safest countries in the Middle East, with low crime rates and a stable, calm society. Standard precautions apply, but violent crime against residents is rare.
Alcohol is legal for non-Muslims but tightly controlled. It is served in licensed hotels and restaurants and sold to permit-holding residents at licensed shops. Public drunkenness and drink-driving are serious offences.
No. English is widely spoken in business, healthcare and retail, and among the large expat community. Learning basic Arabic greetings is appreciated but not essential for daily life.
Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is expected in public. Headscarves are not generally required except when entering mosques, though carrying one is convenient.
Generally more affordable — especially rent — while offering a similar tax-free salary environment (income tax on high earners begins only in 2028). Alcohol, tobacco and imported goods are pricey.