Oman (OM)

Oman is one of the most welcoming and stable expat destinations in the Middle East, offering a unique blend of ancient Arabian heritage, dramatic natural landscapes, and a rapidly modernising economy.

Capital: Muscat

Region: Middle East

Language: Arabic

Currency: OMR (ر.ع.)

Cost of living: Moderate (index 58)

Emergency: 9999

Digital Services

Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Oman.

OmanPASS

OmanPASS is Oman's national digital identity platform, launched 2021. It serves as the digital equivalent of a Civil ID (Residence Card) for accessing government e-services. Required for tax filings (OTA), Ministry of Labour services, healthcare, and growing list of government transactions. All Oman residents (citizens and expats with valid residency) can register.

How to get it: Download OmanPASS app from App Store/Google Play. Register with Civil ID number, passport number, mobile number. Verification via SMS OTP + biometric (face scan). Takes 5–15 minutes for verification. Linked to your Civil ID database record. If Civil ID expired: renew first.

Unlocks these services

Ministry of Labour work permit status and servicesOman Tax Authority (OTA) — VAT filingRoyal Oman Police (ROP) — vehicle, driving licence servicesMinistry of Health — appointment bookingRoyal Court Affairs — e-petitionsMuscat Municipality servicesOman Airports — check-in assistanceBanking KYC digital verificationGrowing number of private sector integrations (banks, telecom)

E-Government Portal

https://oman.om

Oman's e-government infrastructure is advancing rapidly under the Oman Digital Economy Strategy 2040. Most portals require OmanPASS login or Civil ID + mobile OTP. Arabic is the primary language for most government portals; limited English available. PRO (Public Relations Officer) services are commonly used to navigate Arabic government portals on behalf of expats — OMR 20–100/transaction typical fee.

Available services

Visa/entry permit status (ROP portal)Work permit applications (mol.gov.om)Vehicle registration renewal (rca.gov.om/rop)Driving licence renewalBusiness registration (Ministry of Commerce — bizoman.gov.om)VAT filing (taxoman.gov.om)Birth/death/marriage certificate requests (NCSI portal)Baladiya (municipality) services onlineOman Health Insurance portal (his.gov.om)Land registry enquiries (mlh.gov.om)Court case tracking (e-judiciary)

Essential Apps

ExpatCheapRent

Free

Housing

Expat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.

Property Finder Oman

Free

Housing

Oman's leading real estate portal for apartment and villa rentals in Muscat, Salalah and other cities.

OmanPASS

Free

Digital Identity

National digital ID and government services gateway

Careem

Free

Transportation

Ride-hailing across Oman; most popular

Uber

Free

Transportation

International ride-hailing alternative to Careem

Bank Muscat App

Free

Banking

Largest bank app; transfers, bill pay, cheque book request

NBO Mobile

Free

Banking

National Bank of Oman mobile banking

Mwasalat App

Free

Transportation

Official Muscat bus service timetable and smart card

Free

Communication

Primary messaging in Oman for all groups and business

Lulu Hypermarket App

Free

Shopping

Online grocery order + loyalty points

Talabat

Free

Food Delivery

Leading food delivery platform in Oman (restaurants + groceries)

Namshi

Free

Shopping

Fashion e-commerce popular with expats

Waze / Google Maps

Free

Navigation

Both work well in Oman; Waze preferred for traffic alerts

AstroLab Oman

Free

Utilities

MEDC/MZEC electricity bill check and payment

Omantel App

Free

Communication

Manage Omantel mobile/broadband account

ROHP (Royal Oman Health Portal)

Free

Healthcare

Appointment booking, vaccination record, health card status

Times of Oman / Muscat Daily

Free

News

Leading English-language news apps for Oman

VPN usage in Oman is in a legal grey area — use for work/business purposes only; VoIP calls (WhatsApp, Skype audio/video) are partially restricted through direct calling but generally work via apps. WhatsApp voice/video calls functional. Zoom/Teams for business: functional. TRA (Telecom Regulatory Authority) monitors internet usage. Social media (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, TikTok) are accessible. Electronic transactions (online banking, OTA, government portals) generally work well with good internet infrastructure. 5G available in major urban areas.