Living in Oman
Advice for British people living in Oman, including information on health, education, employment, residence requirements and more.
Introduction
This guide sets out essential information for British nationals living in Oman. We are unable to provide specific guidance on general lifestyle enquiries other than the information and links provided below.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Omani authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British nationals abroad: a guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty. Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or by signing up to our quarterly consular newsletter.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Oman for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.
Visas and residency
Information on the various entry visas is available on the Royal Oman Police website.
Residence visas are arranged by your sponsor in Oman. In order to obtain a dependent resident visa for your spouse and/or children, you will be required to provide a certified copy of your marriage certificate and your children’s birth certificate to your employer.
The British Embassy is unable to issue a certified copy of a birth, death or marriage certificate issued from the United Kingdom or any another British Embassy/High Commission. You must obtain an Apostille on the certificate from the Legalisation Office in the United Kingdom. The document can then be submitted directly to your employer to obtain the dependent resident visa.
A ‘No Objection Letter’ is required from the husband/father in order for wife/children to change their sponsorship to another sponsor or visa. The No Objection Letter can be witnessed at the British Embassy by booking an online appointment through the website.
Residents and visitors in Oman are required to carry identification documents with them at all times.
Passports and travel
British passports are no longer issued at the British Embassy. Applications should be submitted online and passports will be despatched from the UK. Allow sufficient time to renew your passport, and keep your passport in a safe place at all times.
Read more information on how to obtain an Emergency Travel Document (sometimes called Emergency Passport).
Healthcare in Oman
Most employers provide medical cover for their expatriate employees. If your employer does not provide medical cover you should take out your own comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel. All expatriates are required to have a medical examination prior to taking up employment. See the guidance on the Ministry of Health, Oman website.
The NHS has information for people moving abroad.
If you need emergency medical assistance in Oman, dial 9999 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment. More information on our travel advice.
See a list of government hospitals.
Medicines
Some medicines (permitted in the UK) containing psychotropic substances are banned in Oman. You should check your prescriptions are legal in Oman before travelling. Further guidance is available on our travel advice.
For information on getting a COVID-19 vaccine as a UK national in Oman, see our coronavirus travel advice.
Working in Oman
You must have an employment visa to work in Oman. Working without an appropriate visa risks breaking the law and you could face a fine and/or prison sentence.
The ‘no objection certificate’ (NOC) has been abolished in Oman as of January 2021. Employees can change employer (if they meet certain conditions e.g. non-compete rules, completion of contract etc) without requiring a NOC.
The British Embassy cannot interfere or provide advice in employment disputes. Individuals should consider seeking legal advice. See list of local lawyers.
Police clearance certificates
If you need a good conduct certificate from the UK, you should apply through the ACRO Criminal records Office and then get it legalised for use in Oman.
For information on obtaining a Police Clearance Certificate / Good Conduct Certificate from Oman, visit the Royal Oman Police website. The document may need an Apostille from the Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order for it to be used in other Apostille countries.
Finance
Bouncing a cheque is illegal. If a cheque is presented without adequate funds to cover the amount, you could face criminal and civil charges. After you have served your jail sentence you will not be able to leave the country until the funds have been paid in full. Find out more about local laws and customs in Oman.
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
You may face difficulties in registering the birth of a baby born in Oman if you are unmarried or in a relationship the Omani authorities do not recognise as a marriage.
Deaths
Upon the death of an expatriate in Oman, and in the absence of a will, the deceased’s bank accounts in Oman will be frozen (even when accounts are jointly held) until his/her assets are distributed. This can be time-consuming if no will exists due to the need to gather documentary evidence of would-be heirs, which then needs to be presented before a judge.
Expatriate residents in Oman should consider having a will in place to govern the distribution of their assets in Oman is the case of death. This can be in the form of a worldwide will or an Oman-specific will. You should seek legal advice before entering into binding agreements.
See also:
Marriages and civil partnership
See getting married abroad for information and to book an appointment for an affidavit or affirmation of marital status for Oman.
Accommodation and buying property
Expatriates can only buy property in certain locations within Oman. We recommend you seek legal advice before entering a contract to purchase a property.
See guidance on buying a property abroad.
Many expats choose to rent/lease property in Oman. Your landlord will usually ask for one month’s rent in advance as a deposit. Most properties in Muscat are rented out for a one year period and you will either pay the full year rent upfront or sign multiple cheques that are forward dated. It is important to note that bouncing cheques is illegal and you could face legal repercussions.
Make sure to read your contract thoroughly, checking your notice period and keeping an eye out for any auto renewal on leases. Always make sure there is an inventory list before moving into a property. The landlord should have an independent inventory checker prior to you moving in. Always make sure to flag any issues early to avoid being left footing the bill.
Studying in Oman
Expatriate children attend private fee-paying schools, of which there are a number to choose from.
The Ministry of Labour requires education certificates to be legalised. It is best to have this done prior to arriving in Oman, otherwise the document needs to be taken to the British Council for verification and then to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for legalisation.
Driving in Oman
The British Embassy cannot issue or renew a UK driving licence. Find out more about how to renew or apply for a new UK licence.
UK driving licences that have been held for at least one year can be exchanged for an Omani driving licence. If you have not held your licence for a minimum of one year, you may be required to take a driving test in Oman. You will also be required to take an eye test. More guidance is available on the Royal Oman Police website.
See driving abroad and road travel in Oman.
See guidance on taking a vehicle out of the UK.
Benefits
See guidance on claiming benefits if you live, move or travel abroad.
Find out which UK benefits you might be able to get while you’re abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit can’t be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.
The Oman government does not provide social welfare benefits to non-Omani nationals.
Pensions
See State Pension if you retire abroad and new State Pension.
If you’ve worked in Oman see Article 39 on Gratuity. (PDF, 608 KB)
Life certificates for UK state pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you need to respond as soon as possible – your payments may be suspended if you don’t.
Voting
See voting when you’re abroad.
British citizens living abroad can vote in some UK elections – you’ll need to register as an overseas voter.
Pets
See travelling with pets.
Emergencies
Emergency Number - 9999
See list of emergency numbers.
If you need urgent help, contact British Embassy in Oman.
Leaving Oman and returning to the UK
Before leaving Oman, you need to:
- cancel your residency status
- cancel your work visa
- close all your bank accounts and credit cards
- pay off any fines or debts
Failure to do so could delay your departure or mean you are marked on the immigration system as an absconder or debtor. This may cause problems in the future, even if you are only transiting through Oman or another GCC countries.
Expatriate employees are eligible to receive a gratuity upon leaving a company or organisation. It is best to check with your employer about your gratuity entitlement before leaving the country.
To move your pension to the UK, contact the International Pension Centre.
See tax if you return to the UK.
See bringing your pet to the UK.
Disclaimer
This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the Embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British Embassy are not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.
Last updated 5 July 2023 + show all updates
-
Annual review of guide - updated in full.
-
Added process to get a good conduct certificate from the UK - see section 'Police Clearance certificates'.
-
Updates
-
updated all sections
-
First published.