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Oman Residency Visa Through Business Investment in 2025 | Setup & Benefits
Introduction
Oman is rapidly expanding its aquaculture sector as part of its national strategy to diversify beyond oil and bolster food security. In 2024 alone, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources (MAFWR) issued 24 integrated aquaculture licenses, projecting 498 tonnes of farmed fish at an estimated RO 746,000 market value.
If you’re exploring freshwater fish farming, sea cage projects, ornamental fish breeding, or integrated farming, acquiring the proper aquaculture license is essential. This blog guides you through everything—from license types and requirements to costs, timelines, regulations, and practical tips.
Types of Aquaculture Licenses in Oman
Oman issues several specific aquaculture licenses depending on scale, purpose, and farming type:
Commercial Fish Farming License (Sea or Pond-Based)
This covers sea cage farms or ponds near the coast. Applicants must submit feasibility and environmental impact studies to MAFWR and undergo technical committee review before license issuance, which costs OMR 1,020 Gov.om.
Integrated Freshwater Fish Farming License (Individuals)
For agricultural businesses combining crops and fish farming (e.g. aquaponics), with a minimum size of 3 acres and fish ponds not exceeding 10% of total farmed area. This license requires proof of land ownership or lease and adherence to wastewater rules. Fee: OMR 15. Processing timeline is up to 90 days .
Freshwater Fish Hatchery License
For those breeding juvenile fish in freshwater environments. Requires water analysis certificates, schematic designs, location documents; review process can take up to 120 days, with fees of OMR 5 for initial review and OMR 10 for final issuance.
Ornamental Fish Breeding License
For breeding ornamental fish in freshwater integrated farms. Includes environmental and civil defense fees—typically OMR 20–500—from various authorities. Service approval can take as little as 20 minutes if conditions are met.
Import Permit for Aquaculture Species
If you’re importing fingerlings, broodstock, or quarantine-bound species, MAFWR issues an import permit for OMR 5. Processing time is typically within two hours, and shipments are cleared 24/7 upon inspection .
Who Needs an Aquaculture License in Oman?
Any individual or company planning to:
Operate commercial fish farms (sea cages or coastal ponds)
Launch integrated freshwater farming combining crops and fish
Set up a fish hatchery (breeding juvenile/mature fish)
Breed ornamental freshwater fish
Import aquaculture species (fingerlings, broodstock) for farming
Major licenses are issued by MAFWR under Ministerial Decree No. 177/2012, with separate categories for operational aquaculture (OAL) and planning/feasibility (PAL) licenses. Operational licenses offer 20-year validity and may be renewable for another 20 years, subject to performance standards and environmental compliance
Key Benefits of Aquaculture Licensing in Oman
Government Support and Sustainability Goals
Oman’s National Aquaculture Strategy (developed alongside FAO and the World Bank) incentivizes sustainable aquaculture to support food security and rural development. Licensed farms may receive ministry support in site allocation, quarantine protocols, and import facilitation.
Streamlined Permitting for Imports
The import permit process for aquaculture species is highly efficient: applications approved within hours, and shipments cleared around the clock. The fee is minimal—only OMR 5.
Long-Term License Validity
Commercial aquaculture licenses are valid for 20 years, extendable for another term, providing operational stability and investor confidence .
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
Step 1: Define Your Farming Model
Decide your license category based on type: sea-based commercial farm, integrated freshwater farm, hatchery, or ornamental breeding.
Step 2: Feasibility & Environmental Studies
Prepare an economic and technical feasibility study along with an environmental impact assessment (EIA). These are mandatory for commercial and integrated licenses.
Step 3: Secure Land or Aquatic Site
Ensure land ownership or a valid agricultural lease (3 acre minimum for integrated projects). For sea farming, coordination with MAFWR on lease zones or sea cages is needed.
Step 4: Submit Application to MAFWR
Apply via gov.om services, choosing the appropriate license path (commercial, freshwater integrated, hatchery, or ornamental). Include all required documentation and standardized fees.
Step 5: Technical Committee Review & Inspections
Applications undergo review by a technical committee. Inspections and interviews may be requested depending on project type and scale.
Step 6: Pay Fees & Receive License
Once approved, pay the designated fees—ranging from OMR 15 to OMR 1,020. Operational licenses can be issued swiftly, while integrated and hatchery schemes may require site verification (up to 90–120 days)
Cost Breakdown & Financial Planning
| License Type | Fee (OMR) | Estimated Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Importing Aquaculture Species | 5 | ~2 hours | Fast-track customs clearance Reddit+15Customs Oman+15Leap+15 |
| Integrated Freshwater License (individuals) | 15 | Up to 90 days | Requires farm land and crop integration |
| Freshwater Hatchery License | 10 (+5 review) | Up to 120 days | Technical review and water testing required |
| Ornamental Fish Breeding License | ~0.4 + fees (env, defense) | ~20 mins to days | Requires CR, cadastral info, and certificates |
| Commercial Fish Farming License | 1,020 | Several weeks | Includes feasibility, EIA, committee review |
Additional costs may include environmental assessment preparation, feasibility studies, civil defense certificates, veterinary health permits, and legal consulting.
Timeline Overview
Import Permit: Approved within hours, shipment released within 2 hours Customs Oman+1Reddit+1
Ornamental Water License: As fast as 20 minutes if all documents meet conditions.
Integrated Freshwater License: Up to 90 days including proof of construction and compliance
Fish Hatchery License: Up to 120 days for inspections and document review Gov.om
Commercial Aquaculture License: Several weeks through feasibility study, technical committee review, and payment.
Key Regulatory Requirements
Ministerial Decree No. 177/2012 Compliance
All aquaculture licenses fall under this regulation, which defines operational licenses, quality control standards, import/export rules, and environmental safeguards .
Technical and Health Standards
Facilities must adhere to HACCP-based quality control plans, safe feed storage, disease monitoring, and avoidance of prohibited veterinary products. Records and sampling must be accessible to ministry inspectors .
Environmental Protection and Wastewater Use
Especially for integrated and hatchery farms, wastewater must be reused prudently—fish effluent should irrigate crops, not drain into sewage systems. No chemical use near the ponds or farm area is permitted.
Import Regulations
Imports of fingerlings or species require CITES permits, health certification, and Ministry embassy authentication. All imports go through quarantine and inspection to prevent environmental contamination
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Challenges & Tips for Success
Delays or License Revocations
In 2024, several licenses were withdrawn due to investor inactivity or lack of funding. Delays in execution or missing milestones can lead to forfeiture of allocated sites.
Thorough Documentation Matters
Feasibility studies, EIA, land proof, schematic design, and compliance documents must be meticulously prepared to avoid delays.
Engage Local Authorities Early
MAFWR may assist in securing site leases and navigating community outreach. They offer letters of support to smooth access to resources and equipment importation.
Focus on Sustainability & Standards
Adhering to internationally recognized standards (e.g., HACCP, BAP) enhances credibility—Oman’s first BAP-certified marine facility, Blue Waters LLC, is a standout example.
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Why Invest in Oman’s Aquaculture Sector?
Before diving into the process, it’s essential to understand the strategic advantages that make Oman a compelling choice for aquaculture investment:
Long-Term Vision: Aquaculture is a core pillar of Oman’s national food security strategy, with government-led initiatives aimed at significantly increasing domestic fish production.
Strategic Location: Oman’s 3,165-kilometer coastline and warm, nutrient-rich waters are ideal for cultivating a wide variety of marine species, including shrimp, sea bream, grouper, and abalone.
Government Support: The government is actively promoting the sector through investment-friendly policies, direct financial support, and a streamlined regulatory process designed to facilitate new projects.
100% Foreign Ownership: Under Oman’s new foreign investment laws, a foreign investor can establish and own a company with 100% foreign capital, eliminating the need for a local sponsor in most cases.
The Licensing Authority and Process
The primary authority responsible for regulating and issuing aquaculture licenses is the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources (MAFWR). Within the Ministry, the Directorate of Aquaculture Development acts as a centralized “One-Stop Shop” to guide investors through the application process and coordinate with other relevant ministries.
The application process is designed to be efficient and is handled electronically through the government’s “Invest Easy” platform or via authorized Sanad offices. The entire process, from application submission to license issuance, is typically completed within 120 days.
Step 1: Initial Application & Pre-Feasibility Study
The first step is to submit an initial application to the MAFWR. This application is a formal expression of interest and should be accompanied by a preliminary project proposal.
Key Action: Prepare a pre-feasibility study outlining the project’s concept, the species you plan to cultivate, the proposed location, and the scale of the operation. This initial document demonstrates your project’s viability to the Ministry.
Step 2: Site Selection and Technical Committee Review
Upon initial approval, the technical committee for aquaculture, which includes representatives from various government bodies, will review your application. A critical part of this stage is securing approval for the project site.
Key Action: The Ministry will conduct a technical survey and site inspection to ensure the location is suitable for aquaculture and complies with environmental and land-use regulations. The site must have a sufficient source of water and must adhere to all zoning and environmental laws.
Step 3: Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
This is the most critical and comprehensive stage of the process. Your project must undergo a thorough evaluation to ensure its technical, financial, and environmental viability.
Feasibility Study: You must prepare a detailed and comprehensive feasibility study covering all aspects of the project, including:
Technical design and specifications.
Financial projections and capital expenditure.
Marketing and sales strategy.
Operational plan and management structure.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): An EIA is mandatory for all aquaculture projects. You must hire a consultancy registered with the Environment Authority (EA) to conduct this study. The EIA report will assess the project’s potential environmental impact and outline mitigation strategies for issues such as water discharge, waste management, and the use of chemicals.
Step 4: Commercial Registration (CR) and Final Approvals
Once your feasibility study and EIA are approved, you can proceed with the commercial and legal registration of your company.
Commercial Registration (CR): You must register your business with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) through the Invest Easy platform. Your CR must list “aquaculture” or a related activity in its business activities.
Final License: With your CR and all relevant approvals in hand, you will submit a final application to the MAFWR for the issuance of your aquaculture license.
Required Documents, Costs, and Incentives
Essential Documents for Application
To ensure a smooth and efficient process, prepare the following documents and information:
A copy of your company’s Commercial Registration (CR).
A copy of the land ownership certificate or a valid long-term lease agreement.
A detailed project proposal or business plan.
The approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report from the Environment Authority.
Site layout plans and drawings.
A signed application form.
Costs and Fees
The total cost of obtaining an aquaculture license varies based on the project’s complexity and scale.
Service Fee: The government service fee for the license is OMR 100.
Other Fees: You should also budget for additional charges, including:
Initial application fees (approx. OMR 50 – OMR 150).
Inspection charges (approx. OMR 100 – OMR 300).
Environmental clearance fees (approx. OMR 200 – OMR 500), which do not include the consultancy fees for preparing the EIA report.
Government Incentives and Support
Oman’s government offers several key incentives to stimulate investment in the aquaculture sector:
100% Foreign Ownership: The new Foreign Capital Investment Law allows for full foreign ownership in most sectors, providing complete control over your business.
Tax Exemptions: Aquaculture projects may be eligible for a 5-year corporate tax exemption, which can be renewed for an additional period.
Financial Support: Government-affiliated entities like the Oman Development Bank (ODB) provide project financing and loans to support viable projects that contribute to food security and economic growth.
Access to Technology and Expertise: The government, through entities like the Oman Aquaculture Development Company (OADC), collaborates with investors to provide technical support, research, and expertise to ensure project success.
Partner with Setup in Oman
The process of obtaining an aquaculture license is complex, involving multiple government bodies and specialized documentation. It requires a deep understanding of local regulations and a proactive approach to compliance.
Setup in Oman specializes in providing end-to-end support for foreign investors in the Sultanate. Our services for aquaculture projects include:
Expert Consulting: Guiding you through the initial pre-feasibility and site selection stages.
Government Liaison: Managing all communications and applications with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, the Environment Authority, and other government bodies.
Documentation & Submission: Preparing and submitting all required documents, including your CR and license applications.
Financial Facilitation: Connecting you with the right financial institutions to secure project funding.
Conclusion
Oman offers a structured yet flexible licensing environment for aquaculture ventures—from importing broodstock to running sea cage farms or integrated freshwater setups. With efficient processes, long-term licensing options, and government support, Oman is an excellent destination for sustainable aquaculture investment.
To recap:
Choose your license type: commercial, integrated freshwater, hatchery, or ornamental
Prepare feasibility studies, environmental and health assessments
Submit your application through gov.om or MAFWR platforms
Pay the applicable fees and pass through technical reviews or inspections
Expect a license valid for 20 years, with the possibility of renewal
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