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.
Leaving Oman
How to properly exit — protecting your finances, rights and records.
📅 General Timeline
3 months before: Give landlord notice; start winding down Oman bank accounts; notify employer of leaving date; if business owner, begin OTA tax clearance. 2 months before: Cancel/transfer utility contracts; ship or sell large belongings; confirm ESG calculation with HR in writing; apply for ESG payment. 1 month before: Close non-essential accounts; confirm children school withdrawal; sort pet export documentation if applicable; cancel club memberships, subscriptions. Final week: Work permit cancellation by employer; receive Civil ID return stamp in passport; read final meters; collect final payslip + ESG payment; get Oman police clearance certificate if required for next country. Day of departure: Keep cancellation stamp receipt and all employment documents safely — needed for next country visa applications and potential disputes.
Deregistration
Inform your employer immediately as they must cancel your work permit and residence visa with the Ministry of Labour and Royal Oman Police (ROP). You will receive a cancellation stamp on your passport. Return your Civil ID card (Residence Card / Iqama) to ROP. Cancel your utility contracts (Electricity, Water, Internet) and confirm no outstanding bills. Notify your landlord per your notice period. Deregister from OmanPASS if registered. There is no formal municipality deregistration — work permit cancellation by the employer is the primary formal step.
Tax clearance
For individuals: No tax clearance certificate required (no personal income tax in Oman). For business owners: obtain Tax Clearance Certificate from Oman Tax Authority (OTA) confirming no outstanding VAT/corporate tax liabilities before deregistering the company. Cost: OMR 20–50. Apply at taxoman.gov.om at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Bank accounts may require tax clearance certificate before closure in some cases for business owners.
Pension portability
Expats are NOT covered by Oman's PASI (Public Authority for Social Insurance) and therefore have no Oman pension to transfer. Instead, expats receive the End of Service Gratuity (ESG): 15 working days pay for each of the first 3 years of service, then 1 calendar month of basic salary per year thereafter. Ensure your employer calculates ESG correctly — it is based on BASIC salary only (not housing/transport allowances). You can negotiate additional gratuity. ESG is paid in full at departure; partial ESG after a minimum of 1 year service. Take a calculation in writing. ESG is non-taxable in Oman. Totalization agreements: Oman has no bilateral social security agreements with most Western countries — home-country pension contributions made elsewhere are entirely separate.
Health insurance
Employer-provided health insurance ends on the last day of employment or when work permit is cancelled (whichever is earlier). If staying in Oman for any period after employment ends (visa grace period), obtain private travel/health insurance immediately. When departing, cancel your individual health insurance policy or confirm it ends with employment. Notify your insurance company of departure date. Some policies allow continuation as travel insurance during transition.
Bank account
You can keep your Bank Muscat or NBO account for some time after leaving Oman — there is no mandatory account closure requirement. However, banks may freeze accounts if visa is cancelled. To close: visit branch in person with passport + residence cancellation proof. Wire your funds home via SWIFT or Wise before account closure. Bank Muscat has international wire capability. Close credit cards separately — settle any outstanding balance first. Some banks charge OMR 10–25 closure fee. Online banking and apps continue to work until account is closed.
Utilities
Give minimum 30-day written notice to utility providers: Muscat Electricity Distribution Company (MEDC) or MZEC for electricity; NAMA for water; Omantel/Ooredoo/Vodafone for internet and mobile. Read final meters and request final bill. Pay any outstanding amounts — unpaid utility bills can affect future entry. Cancel direct debits/standing orders. Return routers/equipment to ISP. Settling utilities usually takes 1–4 weeks for final bill.
Rental contract
Standard notice period: 30–60 days written notice (check your lease). Most rental contracts in Oman are 1-year fixed; breaking early may forfeit security deposit. Give notice as early as possible. Conduct a move-out handover inspection with landlord (take photos). Security deposit (usually 1–2 months rent) returned within 30 days if no damages. Get deposit return in writing. Settle any Baladiya (municipality) charges. Note: cheque-based rent payments are common in Oman — ensure post-dated cheques are cancelled or you have bank confirmation they won't be cashed.
Leaving the Country
Unlock the complete Leaving the Country guide for Oman — including every detail, document, tip and link you need.
Become a SupporterSupport the guide on Ko-fi · Unlocks every premium section, everywhere