Oman Work Visa: Requirements, Cost & Application Process
Hire foreign employees or secure your own employment visa in Oman. We handle labour permits, ROP processing, and everything in between.
Inquire on WhatsAppThe Oman work visa — also called the employment visa or work permit — allows foreign nationals to live and work in the Sultanate. Every expatriate employee in Oman needs one. The visa is employer-sponsored, meaning your company (or the company hiring you) initiates and pays for the process.
We help business owners sponsor work visas for their employees. Whether you are an Indian IT professional joining a Muscat company, a Pakistani construction worker heading to Sohar, a Bangladeshi labourer, an Iranian trader, or a Filipino nurse — the fundamentals are the same.
Who Needs an Oman Work Visa?
All foreign nationals aged 21 and above who wish to work in Oman need a valid work visa. This applies regardless of nationality — Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Iranian, Filipino, Nepali, Sri Lankan, European, or any other.
The only exception is GCC nationals (citizens of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE) who can work in Oman under reciprocal GCC agreements without a separate work visa.
Oman Work Visa Process — Step by Step
Employer Obtains Labour Permit
The employer applies for a labour permit from the Ministry of Labour. The permit specifies the job title, salary, required qualifications, and the nationality of the hire. The employer must demonstrate that the role requires skills not readily available among Omani nationals.
Employee Prepares Documents
The employee gathers: valid passport (6+ months validity), certified educational certificates relevant to the position, work experience documents (employment letters, recommendation letters), passport-sized photographs, and any profession-specific documents.
Employer Submits Visa Application
The employer submits the complete application to the Royal Oman Police (ROP). This includes the labour permit, employee documents, and visa application form.
Government Processing
The ROP reviews the application. Processing time is typically 15–30 working days depending on complexity and government workload.
Visa Issuance and Entry
Once approved, the work visa is issued. The employee enters Oman and completes a medical fitness examination at a government-approved facility. After passing the medical, the residence card is issued.
Documents Required for Oman Work Visa
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid for 6+ months with blank pages |
| Educational certificates | Attested/certified copies relevant to the job |
| Work experience letters | From previous employers |
| Passport photographs | Recent, white background |
| Medical certificate | Completed in Oman at approved facility |
| Labour permit | Obtained by employer from Ministry of Labour |
| Employment contract | Signed by both employer and employee |
Oman Work Visa Cost
Work visa costs depend on the visa duration and specific processing requirements. As a general guideline:
Standard work visa: OMR 200–400 per employee. This covers labour permit fees, ROP processing, and visa issuance.
The employer pays for work visa processing in Oman. It is not the employee's responsibility. This includes the initial visa, medical examination costs, and residence card issuance.
See detailed work visa cost breakdown →
Work Visa Cost by Nationality
Oman does not charge different visa fees based on nationality. Whether you are sponsoring an Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Filipino, Iranian, or European employee, the government fees are the same. Processing times may vary slightly for some nationalities due to additional verification requirements.
Oman Work Visa by Nationality
Oman Work Visa for Indian Citizens
Indian nationals form the largest expatriate community in Oman. The process is well-established. Educational certificates issued in India should be attested by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Omani Embassy in New Delhi or Mumbai. Processing time: 15–25 working days.
Oman Work Visa for Pakistani Citizens
Pakistani workers are the second-largest expatriate group in Oman. Documents should be attested by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Oman Embassy in Islamabad. The process is straightforward and well-practiced.
Oman Work Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens
Bangladeshi nationals commonly work in construction, retail, and hospitality in Oman. Documents require attestation from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some positions may require additional skills testing.
Oman Work Visa for Iranian Citizens
Iranian professionals — particularly in trading, engineering, and healthcare — work across Oman. The proximity of Muscat to Iranian cities (2-hour flight from Tehran) makes the work visa process convenient. Documents should be attested through the appropriate Iranian authorities.
Oman Work Visa for Filipino Workers
Filipino professionals in healthcare, hospitality, and domestic services regularly obtain Oman work visas. Documents require authentication by the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Omani Embassy in Manila.
Oman Work Visa for Nepali Workers
Nepali workers, particularly in construction and hospitality, are a significant part of Oman's workforce. The Nepali government has specific processes for verifying overseas employment contracts.
Oman Work Visa Rules and Labour Laws
Employment Contracts
Every employment relationship must be formalized through a written contract. It covers job description, salary, benefits, working hours, probationary period, and termination clauses. Contracts must comply with Omani labour law.
Working Hours
Standard workweek: 48 hours (9 hours per day, 6 days). During Ramadan: 30 hours per week for Muslim employees (6 hours per day). Employers must provide a 30-minute rest break after 6 continuous hours of work.
Overtime
Overtime requires employer authorization. Compensation is typically calculated as a percentage above the base hourly rate, as specified in the employment contract.
Leave Entitlements
Annual leave: minimum 30 calendar days per year (paid). Sick leave: paid, duration depends on illness and contract terms. Maternity leave: paid, as per contract. National holidays: paid leave on all Omani public holidays.
Minimum Wage
Oman has a minimum wage that varies by sector and nationality. The latest rates are published by the Ministry of Labour. Confirm the applicable rate for your specific position before accepting a job.
Health Insurance
Employers are legally required to provide basic health insurance coverage for all employees. The extent of coverage varies by company plan.
Omanization Policy
The government's Omanization programme requires companies to hire a certain percentage of Omani nationals. New companies are exempt in year one. From year two, a minimum of one Omani employee is required. The percentage increases by industry and company size. More on Omanization →
Probationary Period
Most employment contracts include a 3-month probationary period. During this time, either party can terminate the contract with shorter notice.
Types of Work Visas in Oman
Standard Employment Visa: The most common type. Issued for a specific employer and job role. Valid for 1–2 years, renewable.
Temporary Work Visa: For short-term contracts or project-based work. Duration matches the contract period.
Single Entry Employment Visa: A one-time entry visa for initial entry. Converted to a multi-entry residence visa after medical clearance in Oman.
Work Visa FAQs
Job offer from an Omani employer, valid passport, educational certificates, work experience documents, medical fitness certificate, and a labour permit obtained by the employer.
OMR 200–400 per employee, depending on visa duration. The employer pays these costs.
15–30 working days from submission of complete documents.
The employer initiates the process through the ROP's electronic system. The employee does not apply directly — the sponsoring company handles the application.
No. Government fees are the same regardless of the employee's nationality.
Typically, you need to exit Oman and re-enter on the work visa. Direct conversion is not standard practice.
Blood tests (including HIV, Hepatitis B/C), chest X-ray, and a general health examination at a government-approved facility in Oman.
Some work visa categories allow family sponsorship. The ability to sponsor dependents depends on your salary level and visa type. The investor visa is a better option for family sponsorship.