Oman personal income tax law is set to change significantly with the introduction of a 5% tax on high individual incomes, beginning January 2028.
Oman is transitioning away from its long-standing tax-free reputation.
Recent amendments to the personal income tax law signal a shift in how income will be taxed, especially for high earners and foreign professionals.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what’s changing, what types of income are affected, and what this means for expats and investors in the region.
We’ll tackle:
- Does Oman charge taxes?
- What is the new tax in Oman?
- What is an example of a personal income under the new Oman personal income tax law?
- Do expats pay tax in Oman?
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Is Oman a Tax Free Country?
Oman is no longer fully tax-free, at least not in the sense it used to be.
While corporate tax and VAT were already in place, the introduction of personal income tax officially ends Oman’s status as a fully tax-exempt country for individuals.
However, Oman still offers no capital gains tax, no wealth tax, and generous exemptions for foreign investors, particularly those operating in free zones or through special economic structures.
For many expats, the tax burden will remain relatively low compared to Western jurisdictions.
What Is the Personal Income Tax Law in Oman?
Historically, Oman personal income tax law applied only to corporate entities and select business activities, where individuals, both local and foreign, did not pay tax on salaries or personal earnings.
Instead, Oman operated on a flat 15% corporate income tax rate and applied withholding tax on certain cross-border payments such as royalties, dividends, and management fees.
There was no personal income tax on wages, and Oman was often seen as a tax haven in the Gulf, with limited reporting obligations and no payroll income tax.
What Is the New Income Tax in Oman?
The new income tax law, passed in 2025, introduces personal income taxation on certain types of individual income.
It marks a major departure from the traditional tax-free Gulf model.
While the final regulations and rate tables are still pending, here’s what has been confirmed:
- A progressive tax rate will apply, potentially starting at 5% and going up to 15% for higher income brackets.
- The law will initially target high earners, such as top executives and professionals earning over a certain annual threshold.
- Only Omani tax residents will be subject to the tax, defined by physical presence or center of economic interests.
- The law is expected to take effect in January 1, 2028.
The goal of the new Oman personal income tax law is to broaden the government’s revenue base and reduce reliance on oil exports—an economic priority laid out in Oman Vision 2040.
What Is an Example of a Personal Income?
Under the new Oman personal income tax law, personal income refers to any cash or in-kind earnings received by an individual from various sources.
Examples include:
- Salaries and wages from employment
- Bonuses, incentives, and allowances
- Self-employment income, including freelance or consultancy work
- Rental income from real estate
- Retirement pensions and end-of-service benefits
- Royalties and interest income
- Returns from stocks, shares, and bonds
- Proceeds from the sale of real estate or securities
- Director’s and board member’s remuneration
- Grants, prizes, and donations (in certain contexts)
The specific income categories subject to tax may vary depending on future executive regulations, but earned income from employment is expected to be the primary focus in the first phase.
Is Oman Becoming the First Gulf State to Launch Income Tax in Bid to Reduce Oil Dependence?
Yes, Oman becomes the first Gulf state to launch income tax targeting individuals as part of its strategy to reduce oil dependence.
While other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries like the UAE have introduced corporate tax, none have yet implemented a personal income tax regime.
Oman’s approach is seen as a test case for the region.
It reflects mounting pressure on Gulf governments to diversify revenues, improve fiscal sustainability, and reduce exposure to volatile oil prices.
How to File an Income Tax Return in Oman
The process to file an income tax return in Oman will be managed by the Oman Tax Authority through an electronic platform.
Although the exact filing rules for individuals are yet to be finalized, it’s expected to include:
- Annual self-assessment filing, submitted online
- Employer-reported income statements (like a W-2 equivalent)
- Declaration of foreign income, if applicable
- Supporting documentation for deductions or exemptions
Resident individuals will likely be required to obtain a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and register with the tax portal.
Do Expats Pay Income Tax in Oman?
Expats will pay income tax in Oman only if they meet the residency criteria under the amended law.
Residency may be established if:
- They are physically present in Oman for 183 days or more in a calendar year
- Their center of vital interests (e.g., job, housing, or family) is based in Oman
- They are employed under an Omani contract and remain in-country for an extended period
Short-term contract workers and those employed outside Oman but paid locally might be treated differently.
Final rules will clarify whether foreign-source income is exempt.
How to Avoid Withholding Tax in Oman
Here’s how to optimize WHT exposure:
- Leverage Double Tax Treaties (DTTs)
Apply treaty rates, often lower than 10%, through proper documentation (e.g., tax residency certificate). - Use local or GCC-based entities
Structuring payments through a qualifying local entity can help access DTT benefits or local exemptions. - Utilize free zone incentives
Entities in Oman’s special or free zones may qualify for wider tax incentives, potentially reducing effective WHT. - Invoice technical and management fees correctly
Ensure services are documented with compliant agreements to support treaty claims and avoid misclassification.
While withholding tax does not apply to employment income, freelancers and consultants working under foreign contracts may still attract WHT unless properly structured.
Withholding tax in Oman is typically set at 10% on payments to non-residents for services, royalties, interest, and dividends (unless exempt).
Conclusion
The Oman personal income tax law amendments represent a historic shift in the Sultanate’s fiscal framework.
While the law won’t take effect until 2028, individuals especially high earners, expatriates, and globally mobile professionals, should begin preparing for the coming changes.
As Oman leads the Gulf in introducing personal income tax, its implementation will likely serve as a model or warning for neighboring countries exploring similar reforms.
For now, Oman remains relatively tax-friendly compared to global norms, but the landscape is clearly evolving.
Staying informed and planning early will give both individuals and businesses a strategic advantage in navigating this transition.
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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.
