Our quick reference guides have vital information on pay, benefits, tax and visas - everything you need to work and live in Oman:
The Omani economy has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last forty years. Until oil went into production in 1967, the economy consisted of trading in dates, limes and skins and was otherwise at a subsistence level. All that changed however, after the accession of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos in 1970. Emphasis was immediately placed on the path to a rapid modernisation, with transportation, commerce and industry developed almost from scratch.
Oman’s goal is to become as self sufficient as possible in terms of its work force. For a candidate to be employed from overseas they must have experience and skills that cannot be found locally. For those candidates with skills in demand, a move to Oman could be life changing; remuneration and benefits packages are among the best in the world.
A major incentive to move to Oman is its status as a free economic zone. You don’t pay income tax here.
To obtain a driving licence, bank account or health insurance you need a Residence Visa. Your employer will act as your sponsor during your stay and it will be their responsibility to organise your Residence Visa.
The Sultanate of Oman is on the south-east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It borders the United Arab Emirates in the northwest, Saudi Arabia in the west, and Yemen in the southwest. Oman is a country of dramatic mountains and long unspoilt beaches. It is a safe, secure, stable, clean and environmentally aware country, currently going through an impressive period of growth and
modernisation.
Oman remains one of the most traditional countries in the Gulf. Residents and visitors are expected to dress and behave appropriately. The month of Ramadan is a feature of life in the Middle East. During this month, eating, drinking and smoking are not permitted in public, from sunrise to sunset.
While drinking might be frowned upon, shopaholics are more than welcome here; it’s a retail paradise with breathtaking malls and department stores, selling everything from Blu-ray players to designer clothes, all tax free.
If you’re more of an outdoors person, you’ll have no trouble finding a local willing to share their love of fishing, horse riding, golf or water sports with you. Desert driving is also popular - what could be more exciting than taking a 4-wheel drive over the sand dunes?
Budding socialites will be at home among the thriving expat community; relax around the pool at one of the social clubs or sample the cuisine at restaurants serving Arabic, European, American and Asian cuisine.
We recommend that you be covered for healthcare at all times. There are a number of international companies that specialise in private health insurance - comprehensive, regional cover costs around £35 per month.
Long waiting lists are almost unheard of, with every city and major town having at least one modern hospital. They are listed in telephone directories, yellow pages and tourist publications. When choosing a hospital, your best bet is to seek advice from colleagues and friends.
The term ‘clinic’ is used to denote a general practitioner’s surgery. There’s a high ratio of doctors to patients and a routine first diagnostic visit costs about £40, with additional costs for any tests.
The majority of dentists are from Scandinavia, Britain and Russia - embassies keep details of nationals practising dentistry here. Dentists and orthodontists also advertise in telephone directories, expatriate magazines and tourist guides.
If you need to get to A&E, the most reliable method is to use your own transport or go by taxi. On arrival in Oman, take note of the emergency telephone numbers, the location of the major hospitals and the quickest route there.
Several of the world’s leading banks and their subsidiaries have branches in Oman. A number of foreign banks, including the British Bank of the Middle East, Citibank and Standard Chartered have a major presence here. Setting up an account is easy, as is transferring money home. You’ll be given a cash card to withdraw money from ATM machines and credit cards are widely accepted.
Until recently, expats only had the option to rent, with ownership being restricted to Omani nationals. Recently, however, plans have been outlined for expats (resident or not) to buy property in certain areas. The details and restrictions are currently vague, but the relevant areas will be those earmarked for tourist developments.
In the rental market a variety of accommodation is available, from unfurnished apartments to fully furnished villas. Many executive apartments provide additional amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, gym and sauna.
Flats and houses can be rented for any length of period, from a day to a decade and beyond. The longer the rental period, the better the deal. Prices vary depending on size and location: one-bedroom apartments start around 280 OR; 2 and 3 bedroom apartments cost upwards of 385 OR and villas can go for anything up to 700 OR per month.
To find accommodation, contact real estate agents, scour the newspapers or ask friends and colleagues. Your Michael Page consultant will also be happy to help.
Oman’s main International airport is Seeb International Airport, based in Muscat; Oman Air, Gulf Air, British Airways, Emirates and Lufthansa regularly fly in and out of Oman.
You'll need to acquire an International Driving Permit before entering the country. Many people purchase cars for the duration of their stay as cars and petrol are so cheap.
Alternative transportation is essentially limited to taxis, which are metered, although you might discover the meter is ‘broken’ and you have to haggle. Bus services are not generally used by expats and as yet there is no rail system.
Costs in Oman fall mainly into the budget and top-end categories, making it a challenge to spend moderately. To enjoy a decent quality of life you will find yourself spending more than you might have hoped. But don’t forget, you’re not paying tax.
