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European Expats in Oman

European Expats in Oman

Written by: Philip Eichkorn Last updated at: May 21, 2025

As a European expat in Oman, one has chosen a country that makes it comparatively easy for foreign workers and immigrants. Oman is a country that has been undergoing an enormous economic upturn for years. This also means that there is still a great demand for skilled workers from other countries in the country. Especially the advancing development of the industry in Oman, which aims to ensure increasing independence from the oil and gas sector, continuously brings interesting contracts to companies from all over Europe in Oman. The assembly and commissioning of industrial plants can take several weeks to months.

Entry and Visa

Anyone who wants to live as a European expat in Oman or at least stay there for a while to work for a company from their home country or for a local employer definitely needs a passport. The validity of the passport depends on the type and duration of the planned stay. Additionally, a visa is required for the entire duration of the stay. A standard tourist visa is valid for a maximum of four weeks. However, there are alternatives.

One can also apply for a tourist visa with the possibility of multiple entries within a year. The individual stay must not exceed four weeks at a time, and anyone in the country for work purposes needs a business visa. There are also options for multiple stays over a certain period. More information on the different types of visas and what to consider regarding the passport's validity can be found, for example, on the website of the Foreign Office.

What can European expats expect in Oman?

As a European expat in Oman, it is important to adhere to various things that decency demands. Even though Oman is a very progressive country, Islam is the state religion. This means that there are different views on the topic of clothing than there are, for example, in Europe. People in Oman also often dress modernly. There is no requirement for women to wear a veil. Nevertheless, one pays attention to cover as much skin as possible. For example, shoulders and knees should never be exposed. In general, Oman is a very open-minded country where there are both Christian churches and prayer houses of other religions.

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