Oman Free Zone Regulations: What Foreign Investors Get

Oman has issued new Oman free zone regulations that bring its 2025 law on special economic and free zones into operation. Gulf News reported on 20 September 2026 that the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones (OPAZ) issued them as Resolution No. 81/2026, implementing Royal Decree No. 38/2025. For foreign founders and property investors, the rules cover ownership, residency, licensing and buyer safeguards. The report does not state an effective date, so confirm that with OPAZ.

What this covers

• Ownership and capital
• Tax and customs incentives
• Licensing and residency
• Buyer safeguards
• What is still unclear
• Oman free zone questions

Ownership and capital

The underlying law lets foreign investors hold 100 percent of operators, enterprises and real estate developers, according to a KPMG Oman summary of the law. Enterprises and developers are exempt from a minimum capital requirement, subject to approvals. Developers may sell units to non-Omanis on a freehold basis. Gulf News says the new regulations let expatriates acquire freehold ownership of units in qualifying developments and cover licensing for projects and off-plan sales.

Tax and customs incentives

KPMG describes a 10-year income tax exemption from the start of commercial operations. It may be extended twice for activities of a special nature, which the executive regulations are to specify. The exemption excludes banks, financial institutions, insurers and reinsurers, telecommunications companies, construction companies, and land and maritime transport companies. Goods moving into or out of the zones are not subject to customs duties. Existing incentives and approvals for current operators stay in place until their operating periods end.

Gulf News says the new framework also covers incentives and exemptions, but its article gives no figures. Founders should read the Royal Decree text on the OPAZ website and the resolution itself rather than rely on summaries.

Licensing and residency

A digital one-stop shop is the main channel for investor services. According to Gulf News, applications for land, property, licences, approvals, permits and certificates go through it, with electronic links to government authorities. KPMG adds that a branch of the Directorate General of Passports and Civil Status will sit in each zone to issue visas, permits and clearances to non-Omanis on site.

The residency provisions apply to expatriate investors, foreign property owners and their spouses and first-degree relatives, subject to the applicable legislation. The article gives no thresholds, durations or fees, so none can be quoted here.

Buyer safeguards

For anyone buying off plan, the safeguards matter most. Gulf News reports that developers must meet financial and technical conditions before marketing units, and that withdrawals from escrow accounts are regulated. These are conditions on the developer, not guarantees to the buyer, so due diligence on the developer and the project licence is still necessary.

What is still unclear

Several points remain open. The Gulf News report gives no effective date and no numerical thresholds. KPMG notes that the law’s executive regulations were expected within one year of issuance and would set timelines, transitional rules and qualifying conditions. A hypothetical founder, such as a Nigerian entrepreneur planning a logistics or light-manufacturing business, would need to check three things before committing: which zone is open for licensing, whether the planned activity falls under an excluded sector, and what residency route applies to the founder’s family.

For comparison with other Gulf jurisdictions, read our guides to the UAE commercial companies law amendments and Saudi company registration for non-Saudi firms. Our company formation page explains the setup options we cover, and the visa eligibility checker can help with the residency side.

Oman free zone questions

Who issued the new Oman free zone regulations?

The Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones issued them as Resolution No. 81/2026, according to Gulf News.

Can foreigners own 100 percent of a company in Oman’s free zones?

KPMG’s summary of Royal Decree 38/2025 says foreign investors may hold 100 percent of operators, enterprises and real estate developers.

Is there a tax exemption?

KPMG describes a 10-year income tax exemption from the start of commercial operations, extendable twice for special activities, with exclusions such as banks, insurers and telecoms.

Can expatriates buy freehold property?

Gulf News says the regulations let expatriates acquire freehold ownership of units in qualifying developments.

When do the regulations take effect?

The Gulf News report does not state an effective date. Check with OPAZ.

Sources

• Gulf News — Oman rolls out new investment rules for special economic and free zones. https://gulfnews.com/world/gulf/oman/oman-rolls-out-new-investment-rules-for-special-economic-and-free-zones-1.500681573
• KPMG Oman — Oman issues law for special economic zones and free zones. https://kpmg.com/om/en/home/insights/2025/06/oman-issues-law-for-special-economic-zones-and-free-zones.html
• OPAZ — Royal Decree 38/2025 (English). https://opaz.gov.om/upload/files/decisions/Royal_Decree38_2025_Issuing_the_law_of_Special_Economic_Zones_and_Free_Zones_English.pdf