There are three freezones and two Special Economic Zones in Oman:
- Salalah Free Zone
- Sohar Port and Free Zone
- Al Mazunah Freezone
- Duqm Special Economic Zone
- Knowledge Oasis Muscat
Freezone Business Setup in Oman
Oman is a rapidly developing country with a strategic location in the Arabian Peninsula, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand into the Middle East and beyond. Oman’s free zones offer a number of attractive benefits to investors, including:
- 100% foreign ownership
- No corporate tax for up to 30 years
- No customs duties on imports and exports
- Easy to set up and operate a business
- Modern infrastructure and facilities
- Access to a skilled and multilingual workforce
Benefits of Setting Up a Business in an Oman Free Zone
There are many benefits to setting up a business in an Oman free zone, including:
- Tax benefits: Free zone companies are exempt from corporate tax for up to 30 years, depending on the free zone. This can save your business a significant amount of money in taxes.
- Foreign ownership: Free zone companies can be 100% foreign-owned, which means that you have complete control over your business.
- Easy to set up and operate: The free zone authorities make it easy to set up and operate a business. They offer a streamlined process for company formation and provide a range of support services.
- Modern infrastructure and facilities: The free zones in Oman have modern infrastructure and facilities, including office space, industrial land, warehouses, and logistics facilities.
- Access to a skilled and multilingual workforce: Oman has a skilled and multilingual workforce that is familiar with international business practices.
Sohar Freezone:
- Located in Sohar, a major industrial hub in northern Oman.
- Ideal for manufacturing, logistics, and light industries.
- Provides state-of-the-art infrastructure, including world-class port facilities.
- Offers a strategic location for businesses targeting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and global markets.
Salalah Freezone:
- Situated in Salalah, in the southern part of Oman.
- Well-suited for industries like manufacturing, logistics, and distribution.
- Benefits from proximity to the Port of Salalah, one of the region’s largest ports.
- Known for its excellent connectivity to key markets in Africa and Asia.
Al Mazunah Freezone:
- Located on Oman’s border with Yemen, making it a strategic gateway to the Arabian Peninsula.
- Specializes in industries such as logistics, trade, and manufacturing.
- Offers easy access to the Yemeni market.
- Provides competitive incentives for businesses looking to operate in this region.
Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZ):
- Situated in the Duqm region on Oman’s southeastern coast.
- Suitable for a wide range of industries, including heavy manufacturing, petrochemicals, and logistics.
- Features a deep-water port, dry dock, and a growing industrial base.
- Strategic location for businesses targeting both regional and international markets.
Knowledge Oasis Muscat (KOM):
- Located in Muscat, the capital city of Oman.
- Focuses on technology and knowledge-based industries.
- Provides a vibrant ecosystem for IT companies, research institutions, and startups.
- Offers world-class facilities and a supportive environment for innovation.
Al Rusayl Industrial Estate:
- Located in the Rusayl area near Muscat.
- Primarily caters to industrial and manufacturing activities.
- Known for its well-developed infrastructure and utilities.
- Offers proximity to the capital and access to Oman’s consumer market.
Oman’s diverse Freezones provide a spectrum of opportunities for businesses across various industries. Choosing the right Freezone depends on your specific business objectives, industry, and target markets. Whether you’re looking to establish a manufacturing facility, a logistics hub, or a technology-based startup, Oman’s Freezones offer an array of advantages to support your business endeavors. Our team of experts can guide you through the process of selecting the most suitable Freezone and assist you in navigating the setup process.
How to Set Up a Business in an Oman Free Zone
To set up a business in an Oman free zone, you will need to:
- Choose a free zone and business activity
- Submit a business plan and other required documentation to the free zone authority
- Obtain a business license
- Lease office space or industrial land within the free zone
- Open a bank account