Oman Work Visa (Employment Visa)

The Oman Work Visa, often referred to as the employment visa or work permit, enables foreign nationals to legally live and work in the Sultanate of Oman. Every expatriate employee working in Oman must hold this visa.

This visa is sponsored by the employer, which means the company hiring the employee is responsible for initiating the application and covering the processing costs.

We assist companies and business owners in obtaining work visas for their employees. Whether you are an Indian IT specialist joining a company in Muscat, a Pakistani construction worker traveling to Sohar, a Bangladeshi labourer, an Iranian business professional, or a Filipino healthcare worker, the overall procedure remains largely the same.

If you already own a company in Oman, we can help you sponsor work visas for your staff. The typical processing time is 15–30 working days. Contact us for pricing and assistance.

Who Requires an Oman Work Visa?

Any foreign national aged 21 or older who plans to work in Oman must obtain a valid work visa, regardless of nationality. This includes citizens from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, European countries, and others.

The only exception is citizens of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE). Under GCC agreements, they can work in Oman without a separate employment visa.

Oman Work Visa Process – Step by Step

1. Labour Permit Issuance

The employer must first apply for a labour permit from the Ministry of Labour. This permit outlines details such as the job position, salary, nationality of the employee, and required qualifications. Employers must demonstrate that the role requires expertise not readily available among Omani citizens.

2. Employee Document Preparation

The employee prepares necessary documents including:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)

• Educational certificates relevant to the job

• Employment history or experience letters

• Passport-size photographs

• Any profession-specific documentation

3. Visa Application Submission

After obtaining the labour permit, the employer submits the work visa application to the Royal Oman Police (ROP). The application includes the labour permit, employee documentation, and the completed visa form.

4. Government Processing

The Royal Oman Police review the application. Processing usually takes 15–30 working days, depending on documentation and workload.

5. Visa Approval and Entry into Oman

Once the visa is approved, the employee can enter Oman. After arrival, the employee must complete a medical examination at an authorized medical center. Following successful medical clearance, the residence card is issued.

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Required Documents for an Oman Work Visa

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Oman Work Visa 

The cost of obtaining a work visa depends on the visa duration and administrative processing.

Which typically covers:

• Labour permit fees

• Visa processing through the Royal Oman Police

• Work visa issuance

In Oman, the employer is responsible for paying these costs, including medical examination and residence card issuance.

Work Visa Cost by Nationality

Government visa fees do not vary based on nationality. Sponsoring an employee from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Iran, or Europe generally involves the same official fees. However, some nationalities may require additional document verification, which can slightly affect processing time.

Oman Work Visa by Nationality

Work Visa for Indian Citizens

Indian nationals represent the largest expatriate workforce in Oman. Educational certificates issued in India must be attested by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Omani Embassy in New Delhi or Mumbai. Typical processing time: 15–25 working days.

Work Visa for Pakistani Citizens

Pakistani workers form a large portion of Oman’s workforce. Documents usually require attestation from Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Omani Embassy in Islamabad.

Work Visa for Bangladeshi Citizens

Bangladeshi nationals frequently work in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and retail. Certificates must be attested by the Bangladesh Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and some roles may require additional verification.

Work Visa for Iranian Citizens

Iranian professionals are active in trading, engineering, and medical sectors in Oman. Because of the short distance between Iran and Oman, the visa process is relatively convenient. Documents should be authenticated by the relevant Iranian authorities.

Work Visa for Filipino Workers

Filipino professionals working in healthcare, hospitality, and domestic services must have their documents authenticated by the Philippines Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Omani Embassy in Manila.

Work Visa for Nepali Workers

Many Nepali citizens work in construction and hospitality sectors. The Nepali government requires verification of overseas employment contracts before workers can travel.

Oman Labour Laws and Work Visa Regulations

Employment Contracts

All employment relationships must be formalized through a written employment contract that specifies job responsibilities, salary, working hours, benefits, probation period, and termination conditions.

Working Hours

The standard working schedule is 48 hours per week, typically 9 hours per day over six days. During Ramadan, Muslim employees work 30 hours per week (6 hours per day).

Overtime

Overtime work must be approved by the employer and is usually compensated at a higher rate than regular working hours.

Leave Entitlements

Employees are entitled to:

• Annual leave: minimum 30 paid calendar days

• Sick leave: paid depending on contract terms

• Maternity leave: paid according to labour law

• Public holidays: paid leave on official Omani holidays

Minimum Wage

Oman has minimum wage regulations that vary by industry and worker category. Updated wage levels are issued by the Ministry of Labour.

Health Insurance

Employers must provide basic health insurance coverage for all employees.

Omanization Policy

The Omanization policy requires companies to hire a certain percentage of Omani nationals. Newly formed companies are usually exempt in their first year but must begin employing Omani citizens from the second year onward.

Probation Period

Most employment contracts include a 3-month probation period, during which either party can terminate the contract with shorter notice.

Types of Work Visas in Oman

Standard Employment Visa
The most common visa type issued for a specific employer and job role. Usually valid for 1–2 years and renewable.

Temporary Work Visa
Used for short-term employment or project-based contracts.

Single Entry Employment Visa
Issued for initial entry into Oman and later converted to a residence visa after medical clearance.

Need to Sponsor Work Visas for Your Employees?

We assist companies with the entire work visa process, including labour permits, ROP processing, documentation, and residence card issuance.

Contact us today to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for an Oman work visa?
A valid passport, job offer from an Omani employer, educational certificates, work experience documents, medical fitness certificate, and labour permit obtained by the employer.

How long does the process take?
Processing generally takes 15–30 working days after all documents are submitted.

Can employees apply for the visa themselves?
No. The sponsoring employer must submit the application through the Royal Oman Police system.

Are visa fees different for different nationalities?
No, the official government fees remain the same for all nationalities.

Can a visit visa be converted to a work visa?
In most cases, the employee must exit Oman and re-enter using the issued work visa.

What medical tests are required?
Blood tests (including HIV and Hepatitis), chest X-ray, and a general health check conducted at a government-approved facility.

Can work visa holders bring their families?
Yes. Once employed and meeting salary requirements, employees may sponsor their spouse and children through dependent visas.