Company Formation and Business Structuring

Establish Your Business with Legal Confidence and Strategic Clarity

Setting up a company in the Sultanate of Oman is more than a procedural task—it’s a strategic decision that requires precise legal knowledge, compliance with national laws, and thoughtful business structuring. At Dr. Abdulla Al Abri Advocates and Legal Consultants, we provide comprehensive legal assistance for company formation, ensuring full compliance with the Omani Commercial Companies Law (Royal Decree No. 18/2019) and relevant administrative regulations.

Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, we offer tailored guidance for setting up businesses in Oman’s mainland or Free Zones, including branches, joint ventures, and subsidiaries.

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Legal Forms of Commercial Companies in Oman

According to Article 4 of Royal Decree No. 18/2019, every commercial entity in Oman must adopt one of the following recognized legal structures:

1. General Partnership

  • Formed by two or more partners sharing profits and liabilities jointly.
  • Partners have unlimited personal liability.
  • Operates under a trade name and enjoys separate legal personality.
  • Ideal for trust-based business relationships.

3. Joint Venture

  • A contractual collaboration between two or more parties for a specific purpose.
  • Not a separate legal entity; has no trade license.
  • Often used for short-term projects or sector-specific cooperation.

5. Holding Company

  • Formed to own controlling shares in other companies (subsidiaries).
  • May be structured as a JSC or LLC.
  • Used for centralized financial and strategic control in corporate group structures.

7. One-Person Company (OPC)

  • An LLC structure owned by a single individual or entity.
  • Liability is limited and separate from personal assets.
  • Ideal for sole entrepreneurs and small ventures.
  • Restricted from operating in regulated sectors (e.g., banking, insurance).

2.Limited Partnership

  • Comprises general partners (unlimited liability) and limited partners (liability limited to capital contribution).
  • Limited partners are not involved in management.
  • Suitable for businesses needing capital without operational control.

4. Joint Stock Company (JSC)

  • Can be Public (SAOG) or Closed (SAOC):
    • Public JSC: Shares offered publicly and traded on the stock exchange.
    • Closed JSC: Shares held privately by a limited number of shareholders.
  • Shareholder liability limited to their capital contribution.
  • Minimum capital:
    • OMR 2 million (Public JSC)
    • OMR 500,000 (Closed JSC)
  • Subject to strict governance rules.

6. Limited Liability Company (LLC)

  • Most popular entity type in Oman.
  • 2 to 40 shareholders, each liable only for their capital contribution.
  • Flexible, efficient for SMEs and foreign investors.
  • Foreign ownership allowed in many sectors, subject to approval.

Our Company Formation Services in Oman

We offer full-spectrum support for business incorporation and legal structuring across all sectors and regions in Oman.

  • Legal advisory on selecting the most suitable business form
  • Structuring joint ventures, partnerships, and holding groups
  • Guidance on foreign ownership rules and Omani sponsorship requirements
  • Trade name reservation and initial approvals
  • Drafting of Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA)
  • Notarization and document attestation
  • Liaison with the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion
    (MOCIIP)
  • Securing Commercial Registration (CR), municipal permits, and Chamber of
    Commerce registration

We assist in setting up companies in both Oman’s Mainland and Free Zones, including:

  • Sohar Free Zone
  • Salalah Free Zone
  • Notarization and document attestation
  • Duqm Special Economic Zone (SEZ)
    Free Zones allow 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified regulations.
  • Drafting of shareholder agreements and board resolutions
  • Employment contracts and HR legal compliance
  • Trademark registration and IP protection strategies
  • Regulatory compliance and tax advisory
  • Ongoing company secretarial and governance services

Specialized Business Structuring Services

We also provide niche solutions for specific investor needs:​
  • Branch and Representative Office Setup – For foreign companies entering Oman without full incorporation
  • Joint Venture Structuring – Drafting and advising on local-international investor arrangements
  • Holding Company Advisory – Legal support for parent companies managing diversified subsidiaries

Why Choose Dr. Abdulla Al Abri Advocates and Legal Consultants?

  • Comprehensive Legal Expertise
    We combine commercial awareness with legal depth to advise on business structuring strategies that ensure growth and protection.
  • Regulatory Navigation
    We handle complex licensing procedures and documentation efficiently, saving time and reducing your administrative burden.
  • Local Insight with Global Standards
    Our services reflect deep knowledge of Omani legal requirements and international best practices, tailored for both domestic and international clients.
  • Ethical and Confidential Practice
    Client confidentiality, ethical conduct, and professional integrity are at the core of all our services.

Start Your Business Journey in Oman with Confidence

Whether you're launching a new company, restructuring an existing one, or entering Oman as a foreign investor, our team provides the legal foundation and business insight you need to succeed. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started with your company formation and business structuring in Oman.

With 20+ years of experience, we provide expert legal services across corporate, commercial, criminal, civil, and personal matters—offering strategic, culturally grounded advice aligned with global standards.

Contact

Phone

+968 2455 3025

Email

info@alabri-alc.com

Address

Building No. 110, Road No. 4501 Al Mawaleh South, Seeb Muscat, Sultanate of Oman