You’re looking to hire someone in Oman. The talent market there? It’s growing. Fast. And you’re ready, with the role and maybe even the candidate. But now you’re staring at this whole other thing—the how. How do you actually hire someone there legally, efficiently, and without falling into a bureaucratic black hole?
It gets complicated quickly.
So this guide focuses on the stuff you actually need—the key steps for hiring and paying talent in Oman, without losing your mind. And if you do want to dive deeper into work visas and legal authorizations in Oman, we’ve got you covered there as well.
Understanding Oman’s hiring framework
Hiring in Oman starts with knowing how the system works—no shortcuts, no guesswork. Here’s what you need to get right from the beginning:
Key regulations and work eligibility
If you’re hiring foreign nationals, the first step is securing a labor permit through the Ministry of Manpower. This document proves you’re authorized to hire for the role and that your business meets Omanization requirements—rules that ensure a minimum percentage of local hires.
Once approved, your next move is the employment visa, issued through the Royal Oman Police. It’s usually valid for two years and must align with your labor permit. After your employee arrives, they’ll need to complete a medical exam and apply for a residence card (Oman ID) within 30 days.
Types of employment allowed
- Omani nationals: No restrictions—they can work across the economy.
- Foreign nationals: Must be tied to an Omani sponsor. The kafala system means their job is legally connected to their employer, unless transferred with permission.
Current hiring demand
Oman’s key industries—energy, finance, healthcare, construction, and tech—continue to draw foreign talent. Salaries range widely, but competitive pay and benefits make these attractive markets if you know how to navigate them.
Hiring employees in Oman
Hiring in Oman follows a clear sequence. Here’s how to do it right:
- Apply for a labor permit through the Ministry of Manpower.
- Request an employment visa from the Royal Oman Police, submitting all supporting documents (passport, offer letter, medical results, etc.).
- Upon arrival in Oman, the employee completes a medical exam and registers for a residence card.
- Issue the employment contract and onboard your team member, making sure everything aligns with Oman’s Wages Protection System (WPS).
Navigating payroll and compensation
You’ve got the hire—now comes the part where you need to pay them the right way.
Salary components and benchmarks
The legal minimum wage in Oman is OMR 325 (approximately US$845) per month. That includes OMR 225 in base salary and OMR 100 that can be structured as benefits or bonuses.
Legal payment channels and timing
You’ll need to pay employees through Oman’s WPS—a government-mandated platform that ensures timely, trackable salary payments via local bank accounts.
According to Ministerial Decision No. 729/2024, wages must now be deposited within three days of the end of the pay period. That’s a tight timeline, so automating payroll through the WPS is key.
Any salary change? You’re legally required to update the employment contract and WPS records.
How to get it right
Before you start hiring, gather all the right paperwork—passport scans, medical test results, job offers, and signed contracts. Submit everything through official government portals. It saves time and reduces back-and-forth.
If this feels like a lot, that’s because it is. That’s where an employer of record (EOR) comes in. An EOR is a local partner that hires on your behalf. They handle everything: work permits, onboarding, payroll, benefits, and making sure your business stays compliant with Omani labor laws.
Think of it like this: you choose the talent, and your EOR handles the local complexity.
Let Pebl help you get it right—right away
When the perfect person for your team is in Oman but you’re not, it’s a recipe for complication. Permits, payroll, setting up a local entity—it can be a lot.
But with Pebl, it doesn’t have to be. Our Employer of Record (EOR) service lets you hire exactly who you want. Our part? Well, we handle the legal stuff, the red tape. Consider it done.
No entity. No hassle. Just a team, up and running from day one.
If you’re building in Oman, we make it easy. Reach out today to learn how.
This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.
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Country Guides
