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Women Entrepreneur Support Programs Oman
📋 Table of Contents
Introduction: Women Entrepreneur Support Programs Oman
Why Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Matters in Oman
Omani Government & Institutional Framework for Women in Business
Key Support Programs: Mulhimat, Rifi & NBC Najihat Initiatives
Financial Support: Grants, Loans & Zero‑Interest Products
Sharakah & Private Sector Partnerships for Women SME Growth
Corporate Programs: Ooredoo Women’s Incubator & Vodafone Initiatives
Visa She’s NextGrant Program – Empowering Female SMB Owners
Training & Mentorship Programs for Women Entrepreneurs in Oman
Digital and Marketing Skill Workshops
Networking Platforms & Women Business Chambers
Incubation, Acceleration & Coworking Spaces with Women Focus
Sector-Specific Support: Rural, Craft, Agritech & Tourism
Impact of Women Entrepreneur Programs on Oman Vision 2040 Goals
Where Women Face Challenges & How Programs Fill Gaps
Success Factors & Strategies for Women-Led Startups
How Women Can Access & Apply for These Support Programs
Measuring Impact: Women Entrepreneurship Outcomes in Oman
Future Opportunities to Improve Oman Women Entrepreneur Support
Conclusion: Strengthening Women Entrepreneurs in Oman
FAQs – Women Entrepreneur Support Programs in Oman
Quick Overview: Women Entrepreneur Support Programs Oman
Omani women entrepreneurs now benefit from a growing array of support women entrepreneurs in Oman initiatives—ranging from startup incubators and grants to mentorship schemes and corporate-backed accelerators. These programs enable talented women to launch, scale, and sustain high-potential businesses aligned with Oman Vision 2040.
Why Supporting Women Entrepreneurs Matters in Oman
Economic and social development goals emphasise greater female participation. Women now represent:
37% of Omani managers and business leaders
32% of business registrations through government SME programs
6.1% of female workers as business owners in 2022.
Supporting women entrepreneurs accelerates diversification, creates jobs, and boosts inclusive growth.
Omani Government & Institutional Framework for Women in Business
Institutions like the National Business Centre (NBC) and Oman Chamber of Commerce operate initiatives for female entrepreneurs. The Najihat programme, part of NBC’s incubator support network, specifically targets women-led startups across sectors including handicrafts, services, and SMEs.
Riyada and ministries also administer rural and women-targeted support through funding schemes like Rifi under the Ministry of Agriculture.
Key Support Programs: Mulhimat, Rifi & NBC Najihat Initiatives
Mulhimat Programme (Tawasul & BP Oman) offers mentorship, coaching, and a digital trading platform to female SME owners. It’s served dozens of businesswomen since 2020.
The Rifi initiative supports rural women in agriculture, honey, spices, dates and processed goods with 50% subsidy on equipment plus capacity-building Muscat Daily.
Najihat incubator under NBC helps women entrepreneurs build ventures via training, workspace access, and coaching .
These form a foundation of women entrepreneur programs Oman.
Financial Support: Grants, Loans & Zero‑Interest Products
Financial inclusion for women entrepreneurs includes schemes like:
A RO 12 million funding product supporting rural female entrepreneurs with non-interest loans in 2023.
Bank-led SME competitions targeting women, such as Oman Arab Bank’s “Tumouhi” programme, offering business development support and visibility.
Sharakah’s financial support programmes include collaboration with Sohar International specifically for women-led SMEs, offering advisory, mentoring and non-dilutive financing.
Sharakah & Private Sector Partnerships for Women SME Growth
Sharakah, a government-backed SME incubator, partners with institutions like Sohar International to deliver tailored support:
A six-month women entrepreneur growth programme offering digital transformation coaching, strategy planning, marketing templates, and life-coaching sessions.
Their Khazzan programme (with BP) supports SMEs including women-led ventures with consultancy, grants and capacity-building tools.
Corporate Programs: Ooredoo Women’s Incubator & Vodafone Initiatives
Telecom sector players also innovate in women entrepreneur support Oman:
Ooredoo Women’s Incubator Forums provide workshops in social media marketing, e-commerce, and digital tools for female business leaders across Oman—reaching over 5,000 participants since 2015.
These incubators focus on Instagram marketing, e-marketing, and tech readiness skills.
Visa She’s Next Grant Program – Empowering Female SMB Owners
In partnership with Bank Muscat, Visa launched the “She’s Next” grant in Oman, offering one female-owned SMB:
A USD 20,000 grant
Tailored training programs
Access to an entrepreneur community and mentorship network.
This programme showcases cross-sector collaboration to empower women entrepreneurs.
Training & Mentorship Programs for Women Entrepreneurs in Oman
Training modules and mentorship include:
Tawasul’s Mulhimat coaching sessions, addressing individual business needs
Sharakah’s advisory packages through Imtidad & Khazzan for tailored support in strategy, marketing, funding, and growth.
OAB’s Women’s Leadership Development Programme delivers strategic planning, decision-making, and leadership training for women in corporate and business roles.
These programs help women entrepreneurs build strategic skills and confidence.
Digital and Marketing Skill Workshops
Ooredoo’s incubator series include:
Social media marketing on Instagram, content creation, e‑customer engagement
Virtual workshops scaled nationwide under CSR campaigns
Focus on digital, e‑commerce, and brand-building training for women-led ventures.
These equip women entrepreneurs with digital tools to grow.
Networking Platforms & Women Business Chambers
Women entrepreneurs benefit from networks including:
OCCI’s MBWC (Women’s Business Committee) offers consultation, networking, and event coordinate for female SME owners.
Social groups and GCC-wide forums (via Reddit insights) indicate women-led networks using WhatsApp or Facebook groups to support and exchange resources within the community.
Incubation, Acceleration & Coworking Spaces with Women Focus
Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM) offers The Knowledge Mine incubator with subsidized offices, mentorship, and access to academic hubs for tech businesses, including women-led startups.
NBC Najihat and Tawasul’s programmes provide shared working environments, coaching, and peer support tailored for women-led enterprises.
Sector‑Specific Support: Rural, Craft, Agritech & Tourism
The Rifi programme provides subsidised equipment and training to rural women in agriculture, fisheries, honey, and spices—with focus on food security and local value-add.
Omran’s Intajee and Zaree initiatives support micro-businesses and female artisans in crafts and local food production.
These tailored programmes reflect sector-specific support for women entrepreneurs across Oman.
Impact of Women Entrepreneur Programs on Oman Vision 2040 Goals
These programmes advance Vision 2040 goals by:
Expanding female business ownership
Enhancing participation in SME sector (now 32% women in Riyada)
Empowering women-led MSMEs in alignment with economic diversification and social inclusion targets.
Women entrepreneur support Oman is central to national development plans.
Where Women Face Challenges & How Programs Fill Gaps
Challenges faced include:
Limited early-stage access to finance
Skills gap in digital marketing and business planning
Insufficient visibility or networks
Rural inclusion and equitable access to resources
Support programmes provide grants, mentoring, networking, and incubator access to address these barriers.
Success Factors & Strategies for Women‑Led Startups
Key lessons from successful participants:
Align with incubator programmes like Mulhimat, Najihat, or Sharakah-Khazzan to receive structured coaching and business planning
Prioritise digital presence and social media techniques taught in Ooredoo programmes
Leverage networks through MBWC or Riyada to access funding windows and procurement pathways
New businesswomen who leverage these ecosystem enablers position themselves for sustainable growth.
How Women Can Access & Apply for These Support Programs
To access these programmes:
Register as an SME via Riyada portal, apply to NBC Najihat incubator, or Tawasul’s Mulhimat intake
Monitor calls for applications from Ooredoo, Visa/Bank Muscat, or Sharakah partnerships
Prepare basic profiles, business plans, and hardship/success metrics to submit with applications
Engage via entrepreneur events, LinkedIn, or relevant Chambers to hear about upcoming cohorts
Proactive engagement increases success chances.
Measuring Impact: Women Entrepreneurship Outcomes in Oman
Program metrics show:
Hundreds of women trained annually via Ooredoo incubators
Mulhimat and Najihat graduating dozens of women-led MSMEs per cohort
Riyada increasing female entrepreneurs to 32% of participants
Rural women funded through Rifi growing agro‑based micro-businesses with local economic impact.
Such impact demonstrates scaling and empowerment through targeted women entrepreneur programs.
Future Opportunities to Improve Oman Women Entrepreneur Support
Opportunities include:
Launching equity crowdfunding platforms tailored for Omani women-led ventures
Scaling mentorship networks via GCC-wide digital forums
Expanding sector-specific accelerator cohorts in tech, tourism, agritech
Enhancing women-specific venture capital or angel networks
These steps would deepen impact and visibility further.
Conclusion: Strengthening Women Entrepreneurs in Oman
Oman’s women entrepreneur support ecosystem is now robust, featuring women entrepreneur programs Oman that offer financial, digital, mentorship, and incubator support. From rural agritech to tech-enabled startups, these opportunities help women transition from idea to impact. For any aspiring female founder in Oman, engaging early with these programmes is a strategic leap toward success.
FAQs – Women Entrepreneur Support Programs in Oman
What government programmes support women entrepreneurs in Oman?
Initiatives include NBC Najihat, Rifi for rural women, and SME grant facilitation via Riyada.What is the Mulhimat programme?
A mentorship, coaching, and trading platform initiative by Tawasul and BP Oman targeting female SME owners.How much subsidy does Rifi provide?
Programs offer 50% subsidy on production equipment for rural women in agriculture and related sectors.Does Sharakah support women entrepreneurs?
Yes—through partnerships such as the Sohar International programme and Khazzan, offering advisory and growth support.What digital training is available for female-led SMEs?
Ooredoo incubators offer workshops on social media marketing, e-commerce, and digital branding.Is there grant funding specifically for women-owned SMEs?
Yes—Visa’s She’s Next grant (USD 20k) with training is available for female SMBs in Oman.How can women join the Najihat incubator?
Apply via the NBC or industrial estates’ incubation platform, typically open registrations periodically.Are rural women included in support programmes?
Yes—programmes like Rifi and others target women in agriculture, fishery, crafts, and local production.Can expat women participate in these programmes?
Most are designed for Omani citizens; Riyada or Sharakah support may limit to local founders.Do these initiatives align with Vision 2040?
Yes—they support female economic participation, SMEs, and national diversification goals.What kind of mentorship is provided?
Business planning, finance management, digital marketing, and growth strategy coaching are common.Are networking events available?
Yes—through MBWC, NBC events, or corporate events targeting female entrepreneurs.Is co-working space provided?
Some incubators such as KOM, NBC provide subsidised workspace and peer-support networks.Are these programmes non-dilutive?
Yes—most grants and advisory initiatives do not require equity.How competitive are these programmes?
Cohorts vary—some accept 10–25 women per cycle. Early application and clear business plans help.Can women-led SMEs access finance through these programmes?
Yes—Sharakah and Sohar International offer co-financing, and Bank Muscat supports She’s Next winners.Is there support for handicraft or artisanal women?
Yes—Omran’s Intajee and Zaree programs help craftswomen with packaging, marketing, and product support.Are there digital portals for applications?
Programs typically publish calls on Twitter, Facebook, Riyada portal, or partner websites.Do these programs provide follow-up support?
Several include follow-up mentorship sessions to help participants sustain growth (e.g. Sharakah–Sohar initiative).How can women track program impact?
Monitoring includes number of businesses launched, revenue growth, jobs created, and training hours delivered across cohorts.
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Compliance & Renewal Requirements
Maintain active business operations
Renew business license annually with MOCIIP
Renew residency visa as per the issued duration
Maintain minimum shareholding or capital
Submit audited financials (especially for premium tracks)
Failure to meet ongoing compliance can result in visa revocation.
Oman Golden Visa for Investors: Premium Residency Track
Launched in 2021 and expanding in 2025, the Golden Visa offers high-net-worth individuals the option to secure 5–10 year residencies based on:
Large-scale business investments
Real estate investments
Job creation for Omanis
Social contributions
It is ideal for investors seeking longer stays, greater flexibility, and enhanced privileges.
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Sector-Specific Investment Routes to Qualify for Residency
Oman encourages foreign investment across a wide range of sectors. Choosing the right industry can streamline both business approval and residency visa eligibility.
Top Sectors for Investment-Based Residency in 2025:
Tourism & Hospitality: Establish hotels, desert camps, or travel services aligned with Vision 2040 tourism growth.
Logistics & Transportation: Leverage Oman’s location to operate cargo, warehousing, or port services.
Renewable Energy: Solar and wind energy startups receive strong government backing and incentives.
Technology & IT Services: Ideal for app development, SaaS, e-commerce, and fintech.
Education & Training: Open institutes, tutoring centers, or skill development facilities in partnership with local bodies.
Healthcare & Wellness: Clinics, diagnostics labs, and wellness centers are in growing demand.
Each of these sectors has its own licensing pathway, and many qualify for foreign ownership exemptions.
Business Setup in Oman Free Zones vs Mainland for Residency
Residency via business investment is allowed in both mainland Oman and designated free zones, though their benefits differ.
Mainland Oman:
Direct access to local market
Wider sector coverage
Eligible for all visa types
Oman Free Zones (e.g., Duqm, Salalah, Sohar):
0% corporate tax for a limited period
Full repatriation of profits
100% foreign ownership
Dedicated infrastructure and customs benefits
However, not all free zone businesses qualify for long-term residency, so careful planning is required.
Renewal Strategy for Investor Visas
Investor residency visas are typically issued for 2 to 10 years, depending on the investment type and visa class. Here’s how to ensure smooth renewals:
1. Maintain Active Business Operations
Dormant or non-operational companies may lead to rejection.
2. Renew All Business Licenses on Time
Delays in commercial registration (CR) or tax filings can affect visa status.
3. Maintain Minimum Capital & Shareholding
Any drop below the qualifying investment threshold may void your eligibility.
4. Submit Annual Audited Financials
Especially relevant for Golden Visa holders or companies with employees.
Real Estate vs Business Investment: What’s Better for Residency?
Oman allows long-term residency through both real estate ownership and direct business investment.
| Factor | Business Investment | Real Estate Ownership |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Duration | 2–10 years | 5–10 years |
| Eligibility for Employees | Yes (under your company) | No |
| Control Over Operations | Full business ownership | Property only |
| Income Potential | High (profits, contracts) | Rental yield |
👉 For entrepreneurs and job creators, business investment offers more flexibility, while real estate is better for passive investors.
Common Challenges in the Investor Visa Process (and Solutions)
1. Delayed Security Clearance
Solution: Begin documentation early and avoid errors in name/passport submissions.
2. Commercial Activity Restrictions
Solution: Verify sector eligibility with MOCIIP before incorporation.
3. Difficulty Opening Bank Accounts
Solution: Work with local business consultants who can guide you through preferred banking channels.
4. Lack of Office Space
Solution: Consider virtual or co-working options approved by the Ministry.
5. Visa Application Rejection
Solution: Ensure proper translation, attestation, and compliance at each step; consult legal advisors if necessary.
Relocating to Oman: Practical Considerations for New Investors
Relocation involves not only the legal process but also adjusting to life in a new country. Here’s what investors should plan:
Housing: Residential properties are widely available in Muscat, Sohar, and Salalah.
Schooling: Reputed international schools (British, Indian, IB) for expat children.
Transport: Private vehicles are common; taxis and limited public transport in major cities.
Healthcare: Access to private hospitals with expat-friendly services.
Lifestyle: Calm, family-oriented environment with low crime and high quality of life.
Tax Considerations for Residency via Business
While Oman has no personal income tax, businesses are subject to certain obligations:
Corporate Tax: 15% flat rate on profits
VAT: 5% applicable on most goods and services
Withholding Tax: 10% on certain cross-border payments
Foreign investors must register with the Oman Tax Authority and file annual returns. Tax compliance directly impacts visa renewals and business continuity.
Golden Visa vs Standard Investor Visa: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Standard Investor Visa | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Required | OMR 20,000 – OMR 50,000 | OMR 250,000+ |
| Duration | 2–5 years | 5–10 years |
| Fast Track Processing | No | Yes |
| Real Estate Option | Not applicable | Available |
| Access to Government Deals | Limited | Broader participation possible |
If you’re looking to settle long-term with minimal visa renewals and expanded rights, Golden Visa is your best option.
How to Include Employees Under Your Investor Setup
Once your business is operational, you may hire staff and sponsor employee visas under your company:
Steps to Sponsor Employees:
Register your company with the Ministry of Labour
Apply for a Labour Clearance for each job title
Process visas via the Royal Oman Police
Issue contracts and maintain payroll compliance
Ensure annual labor card and insurance renewal
This is a major benefit of investment-based residency, as it allows entrepreneurs to build and scale their team directly.
Mistakes to Avoid in Oman’s Investor Residency Route
Choosing the wrong business structure for your sector
Failing to maintain minimum capital in your corporate account
Attempting to work under a tourist visa while awaiting business formation
Using a PO box as your only registered address
Not translating or notarizing documents as per Omani law
✅ Pro Tip: Work with local specialists to ensure you’re not overlooking any regulatory nuance — especially in sectors like finance, tech, or real estate.
Why Choose Us for the Right Business Structure?
At setupinoman, we specialize in assisting businesses with establishing their presence in Oman. Our services include:
Business Registration & Licensing – Handling all MoCIIP applications and approvals.
Legal Documentation & Compliance – Ensuring smooth document translations and notarization.
Banking & Office Setup – Helping businesses secure bank accounts and office leases.
Visa & Employee Services – Managing work permits and Omanization requirements.
FAQs
What is the minimum investment required to qualify for a residency visa in Oman?
The minimum investment typically starts from OMR 20,000 for standard investor visas. However, the Golden Visa program requires investments starting from OMR 250,000.
Can I own 100% of my business in Oman as a foreign investor?
Yes, Oman allows 100% foreign ownership in most sectors, especially under the Foreign Capital Investment Law. Some regulated sectors may require local participation.
Is real estate investment enough to obtain a residency visa in Oman?
Yes, under the Golden Visa category, purchasing property worth at least OMR 250,000 can qualify you for long-term residency.
What is the difference between the Golden Visa and the Standard Investor Visa?
Golden Visas offer longer residency terms (5–10 years), faster processing, and broader eligibility, while Standard Investor Visas require lower investment but shorter duration and renewals.
How long does the investor visa process take?
On average, it takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on security clearance, company registration, and documentation accuracy.
Can I apply for residency before launching my business?
You must complete company registration and capital deposit before applying for the residency visa under the business investor category.
Is it necessary to open a corporate bank account in Oman for this process?
Yes, you need to deposit the minimum share capital into a corporate account to receive the capital deposit certificate, which is essential for visa processing.
Are there any age or nationality restrictions for investor visas?
There are no age restrictions, and citizens from most countries are eligible, although background checks and financial verification are required.
Do I need a physical office in Oman for my business registration?
Yes, a registered office address is mandatory — this can be a virtual office, shared workspace, or physical premises, depending on your business type.
What types of businesses are best for investment-based residency?
Tourism, tech, healthcare, logistics, real estate development, and manufacturing are some of the most attractive sectors for foreign investors.
Is free zone investment also eligible for residency visas?
Yes, businesses established in Oman’s free zones like Duqm or Salalah can qualify, though some limitations apply based on visa type and activity scope.
Can I bring my family with me under an investor visa?
Yes, investor visa holders can sponsor family members including spouse and children, subject to documentation and proof of income.
What are the key documents required for an investor visa application?
Passport copies, security clearance, MOA, business license, capital deposit certificate, tenancy contract, and recent photographs are commonly required.
Do I need to hire local employees?
While not mandatory in all cases, certain sectors may require a minimum Omanization rate to qualify for full operational licensing and staff visa issuance.
What happens if I close my company after receiving the residency visa?
Your visa may be cancelled unless you transfer your sponsorship or obtain a different qualifying residency basis (e.g., real estate or employment).
How long is the investor visa valid?
Standard visas are issued for 2–5 years and renewable; Golden Visas are valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the investment category.
Can I operate multiple businesses under one investor visa?
Yes, but you must ensure each entity is properly registered, and you hold a qualifying ownership percentage in each.
Are there any tax advantages for foreign investors?
Oman offers no personal income tax and competitive corporate tax rates (15%). Free zones also offer tax holidays for up to 10 years.
Can I change business activities after obtaining a visa?
Yes, but you must update your commercial registration and possibly re-obtain approvals or licenses depending on the new activity.
Is a local sponsor required for mainland businesses?
Not anymore in most sectors. Since the law change in 2020, most businesses can be 100% foreign-owned without requiring a local partner.
How do I maintain my visa status if I spend time abroad?
Investor visas typically allow you to spend time abroad, but extended absence (6+ months) may affect renewal or validity, unless explained.
Are digital or online businesses eligible?
Yes, tech and e-commerce businesses are highly encouraged and eligible for both investor and long-term residency options.
Do I need to show ongoing revenue to maintain the visa?
Not always, but inactivity or lack of compliance may risk rejection during renewal. Annual filings and proof of operation are recommended.
Can I apply for residency through an existing business I acquire?
Yes, provided you meet ownership thresholds and the business is compliant with all legal, tax, and licensing requirements.
What is the role of the Oman Investment Authority in this process?
OIA supports large-scale strategic investments, especially in sectors aligned with Vision 2040. Smaller businesses work mainly with MOCIIP and ROP.
Is the visa tied to one company or can I invest in multiple?
You can invest in multiple companies, but your primary residency visa will be tied to the company where you have majority stake or initial approval.
Do I need health insurance for the investor visa?
Yes, valid health insurance is a prerequisite during visa application and renewal processes.
How much capital is required for the Golden Visa through real estate?
You must invest at least OMR 250,000 in approved properties; for 10-year visas, the amount increases to OMR 500,000 or more.
What is the role of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) in this process?
ROP handles visa issuance, background verification, residency cards, and security clearances.
Can I get citizenship through business investment in Oman?
Currently, Oman does not offer direct citizenship-by-investment programs. However, long-term visa holders may be eligible for permanent residency or naturalization under exceptional circumstances.
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