Forming a company is the first legal decision in the life of your business. What is written in the articles of association today decides how the company is run, how profits are shared and how any dispute between partners is resolved tomorrow. Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office, Advocates and Legal Consultants provides company formation services in Muscat for Omani entrepreneurs and foreign investors, from choosing the legal form to obtaining the commercial registration and beyond, drawing on over 20 years of experience in corporate and commercial disputes, which tells us where disputes start and how to prevent them.
The legal framework
Company formation is governed by the Commercial Companies Law issued by Royal Decree 18/2019, which provides the single-person company, the limited liability company, partnerships and joint stock companies. Most steps are now online through the Oman Business Platform of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, and the commercial registration can be issued within a few working days with complete documents.
For foreign investors, the Foreign Capital Investment Law issued by Royal Decree 50/2019 allows 100% foreign ownership in most activities and removed the former minimum capital requirement, while a list of activities remains reserved for Omanis or subject to special approval.
When do you need a company formation lawyer?
- You are starting a business and need the right legal form for its size, partners and risks.
- You are forming a company with partners and need articles and a shareholders' agreement that protect you.
- You are a foreign investor and need to know whether full ownership is possible in your activity.
- You want to open a branch of a foreign company or set up in a free zone.
- You need to amend an existing company: admit or remove a partner, transfer shares, change capital or convert the legal form.
- You want to convert a sole proprietorship into a company to protect your personal assets.
Our company formation services
- Choosing the legal form: comparing liability, management, tax and disclosure. The Commercial Companies Law sets out each form.
- Activities and licences: selecting activities, checking sector approvals and foreign ownership rules.
- Articles of association: drafted to cover management, powers, profits and share transfers rather than a bare template.
- Shareholders' agreement: exit mechanisms and valuation, pre-emption rights, deadlock and non-compete.
- Registration: trade name reservation and filings on the Oman Business Platform through to the commercial registration.
- Brand protection: checking whether your name and logo can be registered as a trademark.
- After formation: guidance on municipal licensing, tax and labour registration, and your first employment and commercial contracts through our contract drafting service.
- Changes to existing companies: partner changes, share transfers, capital changes, conversions and mergers.
How we work with you
- First meeting: we learn about your project, partners and plans, in person or online.
- Recommendation: we propose the legal form, activities and structure and explain requirements and timing.
- Drafting: we prepare the articles and shareholders' agreement and review them with you.
- Registration: we follow the name reservation and commercial registration to completion.
- Launch: we support you with post-formation obligations and first contracts.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Oman?
Yes, in most activities under the Foreign Capital Investment Law 50/2019, except for activities reserved for Omanis or requiring special approval. See our guide to company setup in Oman for foreign investors.
How long does it take to set up a company in Oman?
The commercial registration can take a few working days with complete documents; the time to start operating depends on municipal licensing and sector approvals. See our step-by-step guide to setting up a company in Oman.
Is a template articles of association enough?
It may be enough for registration, but it rarely deals with a partner's exit, valuation and deadlock, common causes of corporate disputes. A written shareholders' agreement is recommended.
Is there a minimum capital requirement?
The former minimum capital for foreign investors was abolished, but some legal forms and regulated activities may require specific capital, which we confirm for your case.
If you are preparing to form a company or amend an existing one, contact Dr. Abdullah Al Rashdi Office on WhatsApp, call +968 92000841, or visit us at Bait Al Hamad, third floor, Al Khuwair, Muscat, near Takaful Oman Insurance and Bank Muscat, opposite the Ministries area. Foreign investors should also see our investor and corporate services.