Oman Work Visa for Foreign Workers 2026: Steps, Fees, Rules

Oman is one of the Gulf’s quieter job markets, but its work visa system is simple once you see who does what. The employer starts the process, not you. This guide explains the Oman work visa for foreign workers in 2026: the steps, the paperwork, the reported costs, how long permits last and how to avoid paying for a “visa” that does not exist.

How the Oman Work Visa Works

Oman uses an employer-sponsored system. A local company, or in some cases a licensed employer of record, sponsors you and handles the applications. That means a genuine job offer comes first. If someone offers you a visa but no named employer, treat it as a warning sign.

ROP describes the work visa as being for a foreigner coming to Oman for employment at the request of a local employer, unless a government body sponsors the worker. The employer must have full legal capacity, and the occupation on the visa application must match the labour permit issued by the Ministry of Labour.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Employer gets Ministry of Labour clearance

The company obtains a labour permit for the position. This approval is tied to the job title, so the role written on your contract should match the role on the permit. Mismatches can delay or block the visa.

2. Employer applies for the ROP employment visa

The employer submits the application electronically to the Royal Oman Police with photographs, a copy of your passport and the labour permit. ROP lists an initial fee of OMR 20. The visa is valid for two years from passport stamping and allows multiple entries.

3. You complete the medical check

Workers from certain countries need medical certificates, and some occupations need extra approval from the relevant ministry. ROP names teaching, medical and engineering roles as examples that can require additional permits, approvals or letters.

4. You travel and receive your resident card

After arrival, the employer completes registration and you receive a resident card, typically valid for up to two years. Keep your original passport and card copies safe, and remember that your employer cannot keep your passport without your written consent.

Requirements at a Glance

Fees can change, and some nationalities and professions face extra rules, so always confirm the current position with your employer and the official ROP and Ministry of Labour channels.

What Changed in Oman’s Work Permit Rules

In November 2025 the Ministry of Labour published Ministerial Decision 602/2025. Reports say it extended the work licence for non-Omani workers from 15 months to 24 months, so it lines up with residency periods. That means fewer renewals and less paperwork for employers.

The same decision sets penalties on employers who register or renew late: OMR 10 a month per worker, capped at OMR 500. It also offers a 30% reduction in permit fees for employers who meet Omanisation targets, and doubles fees for those who do not.

Changing Jobs in Oman

Since ROP Decision 157/2020, which took effect in January 2021, the No Objection Certificate requirement and the two-year re-entry ban have been abolished. Expats can change employers under defined conditions without an NOC. Read the conditions carefully before resigning, and keep your contract, payslips and resident card details ready.

New Sick Leave Insurance

Oman began a sick leave insurance scheme in July 2026 that extends to specified categories of expatriate workers. Employers pay 1% of the covered wage, and workers do not make a separate contribution. Employers pay full wages for the first seven days of sick leave, and the fund reimburses later days at reducing rates, up to 182 days a year. Reports cite a start date of 19 or 20 July, and they do not spell out which expat categories qualify, so ask your employer.

How to Avoid Oman Visa Scams

• Never pay for a “free visa” or “block visa”: Legitimate employers cover their sponsorship costs.
• Ask for the employer’s name and registration: Check that the company exists and that the job matches the labour permit.
• Refuse offers sent through personal chat accounts only: Real offers come with a written contract.
• Do not send your original passport to agents: Send copies until an employer you have verified requests the original.

Our guides on the Gulf job scam safety checklist and the reality behind free visa job offers explain the common tricks in detail.

Compare With Other Gulf Countries

If you are weighing options, compare the paperwork. Our guide to the Saudi Arabia work visa, the article on the Kuwait Article 18 work visa and the overview of Qatar jobs for Pakistanis cover the neighbouring systems, which are also employer-led.

Frequently Asked Questions