Welcome to Bondoni’s FAQs section! Here, we aim to provide answers to frequent questions you may have about our company formation and business support services in Oman. If you do not find the information you need, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated team for expert guidance.
Yes, Oman allows 100% foreign ownership for businesses. This came after the new Foreign Capital Investment Law (FCIL) RD 50/2019 that was passed in January 2020 where it allows international organisations and entrepreneurs to invest in Oman with 100% Foreign Ownership.
Although over 80% of Oman’s trade licenses (Activities) allow 100% foreign ownership there are certain categories where local partners/sponsors are required. These include areas such as consultancy, accounting, legal and other professional services.
- Limited Liability Company
- Sole Proprietor Company
- Freezone company
- Joint Venture with Omani Partner
- Branch Office
- Representative trade office
The documents vary depending on the type of business entity you choose to set up. The common ones are:
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Tax registration certificate
- Shareholders’ Visas and Passports
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry affiliate certificate
- Certificate of Initial deposit
- Identity cards for the shareholders
- Company registration form
Yes. After successfully registering your new company with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and obtaining the Commercial Registration, the next step is securing physical office space and acquiring a lease agreement. This is crucial for applying for the company’s Municipality (Trade) License and subsequently for bank opening. The size and type of office can be either a Serviced Office Provider or a traditional office.
Whatever you choose will determine the number of staff you can accommodate, and certain business activities may require specific office types and locations.
An SPC has one shareholder (company or individual)
An LLC requires two or more
In Oman, businesses are subject to various taxes and fees once registered. However, it is important to note that Oman follows a relatively business-friendly tax regime compared to many other countries. Here are the main taxes and fees applicable to businesses in Oman:
- Corporate Income Tax: Corporate tax baseline for all businesses is 15%. There are exceptions which include tax holidays for Freezone sectors and reduced tax to incentivize SMEs.
- Withholding Tax: Withholding tax may apply to payments made to non-residents, including dividends, interest, royalties, and fees for technical services. The withholding tax rates baseline is 10% but vary depending on the nature of the payment and the applicable tax treaties.
- Customs Duties: Customs duties are levied on imported goods from 5% and vary depending on the type of product and its classification under the customs tariff.
- Social Protection Fund (SPF) (Ex PASI): Employers are required to contribute to the Social Protection Fund (SPF) earlier known as Public Authority for Social Insurance (PASI) for their Omani and expatriate employees. The contributions are based on employees’ salaries and are calculated as a percentage of the total payroll. The current baseline is 20.5%, which includes employee contributions. They are always subject to change.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): As of 2021, Oman introduced VAT at a standard rate of 5%. VAT is applicable to most goods and services supplied in Oman, although certain exemptions and zero-rated supplies may apply.
Yes – Bondoni can provide local sponsorship services in Oman. Many corporates still choose to have a local partner giving them certain benefits including:
- In Country Value (ICV) qualifications,
- Priorities for certain tenders
As Bondoni has a company that is 100% Omani owned limited liability registered company, we are fully qualified to be your local corporate partner.
The shareholder allocation is flexible. We commit to mutually agreed commercial terms set out in an international standard Shareholders Agreement (SHA) that will fully protect your interests and give you full management and financial control of the business.
As our partner you will also benefit from all our business support services.
At Bondoni, we specialize in company formation and offer a comprehensive range of business support services in Oman. Our services include company registration, legal and administrative assistance, all the back-office services (locally known as PRO services) visa processing, Omanisation & HR strategy, tax advisory, document renewals and much more to help businesses establish and grow in Oman.
Bondoni is “Uniquely Oman” so has an unrivalled network and local knowledge.
Choosing Bondoni ensures a smooth and hassle-free company formation process in Oman. With our extensive experience and expertise in local regulations and procedures, we provide tailored solutions to meet your specific business needs. Our dedicated team guides you through every step of the process, from initial consultation to post-incorporation support, ensuring compliance and peace of mind.
Without using an expert such as Bondoni the process can take up to two months.
Using a specialist like Bodoni the time required depends on the teamwork between our clients and Bondoni.
After the client has returned all the correctly completed (and attested documents) the registration averages between 1-3 days. After obtaining the tenancy agreement the incorporation can take between 5- 10 days depending on the Trade licences and the Parent Company origin. At Bondoni, we prioritize efficiency and transparency, providing realistic timelines and regular updates throughout the process.
Our commitment to client satisfaction extends beyond company formation. Bondoni provides ongoing outsourced business support services to help your company ramp up in the early years and thrive in Oman’s competitive market. From visa renewals, customs clearances, annual document renewals and legal compliance to accounting and tax advisory, we ensure that your business operations run smoothly, allowing you to focus on growth and success.
Getting started with Bondoni is simple! You can contact us through our website or directly reach out to our team via email at enquiries@bondoni-me.com or call us at (+968) 24213946 . Our experienced consultants will assess your requirements, provide personalized recommendations, and guide you through the process from start to finish. Let Bondoni be your trusted partner for company formation and business support services in Oman.
Obtaining a Municipality (Trade) License involves registering your business with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, securing a physical office space, and submitting a lease agreement. The type of office and location may vary based on your business activities. Bondoni can assist in ensuring all steps are completed smoothly.
Yes, Bondoni can assist with opening a corporate bank account in Oman. We guide you through the required documentation and processes, ensuring compliance with local banking regulations.
Omanisation is a government policy aimed at increasing the employment of Omani nationals in the private sector. Depending on your industry, you may need to meet specific Omanisation targets. Bondoni provides advisory services to help businesses comply with these regulations.
Yes, Bondoni offers comprehensive PRO (Public Relations Officer) services, including government representation, bank opening, tax & VAT registration, visa management, custom clearance, omanisation & HR strategy, legal services, and annual document renewals.
Our team ensures that all administrative procedures are handled efficiently, saving you time and effort.
Bondoni offers ongoing support to ensure your business remains compliant with Omani laws and regulations. We assist with document renewals, tax filings, and other legal requirements, helping you avoid potential penalties and legal issues.
The initial capital required to establish certain business structures can vary. Although there is no minimum capital requirement to set up a business entity. The authorised minimum capital required for every business structure varies. Bondoni can provide specific guidance based on your business structure.
Yes, Bondoni provides end-to-end support for obtaining employee visas and work permits. We handle the entire process, from initial application to renewals, ensuring compliance with Omani immigration laws.
Oman currently has several Freezones strategically located to encourage investment across various sectors. The primary Freezones in Oman include:
- Sohar Freezone
- Salalah Freezone
- Al Mazunah Freezone
- Duqm Special Economic Zone These Freezones offer unique advantages such as tax incentives, customs exemptions, and full foreign ownership. Bondoni can assist you in selecting the most suitable Freezone based on your business requirements.
Setting up a business in an Omani Freezone offers several advantages, including 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and duty-free import and export. Bondoni can help you navigate the Freezone regulations and set up your business for success.