Oman Negative List for Foreign Investors
The Oman Negative List for foreign investors shows the business activities where foreign investment is prohibited. These activities are reserved for Omani investment.
The list is based on Ministerial Decision 209/2020. It was changed by Ministerial Decision 364/2023 and Ministerial Decision 435/2024. The current consolidated list below has 123 activities.
An activity outside this list may still need a special licence or approval. Investors should check the exact activity code, the ownership rule and the licence rule before submitting a company application.
The Negative List and 100% foreign ownership answer different questions. This page identifies activities reserved against foreign investment. The wider foreign-ownership eligibility guide explains when a foreign individual or company may own an Oman business without an Omani equity partner. An activity outside the Negative List is not automatically approved: the legal form, regulator, licence conditions and current activity status must still be checked.
Restriction logic
- The code is on the Negative List: foreign investment is prohibited for that activity.
- The code is not on the list but is regulated: foreign investment may be possible, but another authority must approve it.
- The code is not listed and has no clear special restriction: it may be open, subject to final government review.
A similar business name is not enough. Start with the exact commercial activity code.
Oman Negative List at a glance
| Point | Current position |
|---|---|
| Legal basis | Article 14 of the Foreign Capital Investment Law allows the Minister to issue a list of activities where foreign investment is prohibited. |
| Original list | Ministerial Decision 209/2020 listed 70 activities. |
| 2023 change | Ministerial Decision 364/2023 removed two activities and added 27 activities. The total became 95. |
| 2024 change | Ministerial Decision 435/2024 added 28 activities. The total became 123. |
| Current consolidated total | 123 activities, as reviewed on 24 July 2026. |
| Main effect | Foreign investment is prohibited for a listed activity, unless a specific official exception applies. |
| Regulated activities | They are different. A regulated activity may allow foreign investment but need a sector licence. |
| Best check | Review the exact code, all amendments and the current live government system. |
What the Negative List means
Oman permits foreign ownership in many business activities. The Negative List creates an exception for selected activities. The legal decisions state that foreign investment is prohibited in the listed activities.
The list covers many local trades, traditional crafts, small retail activities, vehicle services, property services, recruitment, personal services, farming, fishing and selected food activities.
The rule follows the activity code. One activity in a business sector may be prohibited while another activity in the same sector may be open or regulated.
Important: A prohibited activity is not simply an activity that needs more documents. The restriction concerns foreign investment in that activity.
Restricted, regulated and open activities
| Activity status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Prohibited or reserved | The code appears in the Negative List. Foreign investment is prohibited for that activity. | Do not add the code to a foreign-invested structure without clear official confirmation of an exception. |
| Regulated | The code may be outside the Negative List, but another law or regulator controls it. | Check ownership, capital, qualifications, premises and external approval rules. |
| Open in principle | The code is not found on the prohibited list and no clear sector restriction has been identified. | Confirm that the code is active and fits the real business. Final acceptance remains with the authorities. |
| Discontinued or replaced | The code may be old, merged or unavailable for a new application. | Find the current replacement code before relying on it. |
A regulated activity is not automatically prohibited. Banking, insurance, healthcare, education, telecommunications, engineering and other sectors can have separate licence rules.
How to check an activity
- Write a clear description of what the company will sell or do.
- Find the exact official activity code and title.
- Check whether the code is active or discontinued.
- Compare the code with Decisions 209/2020, 364/2023 and 435/2024.
- Check whether a regulator, municipality, free zone or professional body must approve it.
- Confirm the permitted ownership before adding shareholders or transferring shares.
- Confirm the final position in the live government system.
The Oman business activity finder can search by code, English title or Arabic title. It can also filter the stored prohibited codes. The tool does not replace official confirmation of restricted or regulated status.
How restrictions affect ownership planning
If a code is on the Negative List, adding one Omani shareholder does not by itself confirm that foreign investment is allowed. The permitted ownership and structure must be checked before a foreign person or foreign company receives shares.
An Omani-owned company may carry out a reserved activity when it meets the normal licence rules. Hidden ownership agreements, false activity descriptions and nominee arrangements can create legal, tax and banking risk.
Decision 209/2020 included an exception for investment projects that already existed when the decision took effect. It also says that these projects cannot be transferred to another party without written approval from the Minister or an authorised person. A new investor should not treat this rule as a general exemption.
Activity restrictions can change the ownership, licence, premises and operating plan. Investors who need support with the wider structure can review Oman Verified’s Oman company setup advisory after the activity check is complete.
How restrictions affect licensing
A Commercial Registration does not always give the final operating licence. Some activities need another approval after the company is formed.
The licence review may cover the business location, equipment, staff, qualifications, minimum area, safety rules, technical history or capital. These conditions are separate from the Negative List.
Employment restrictions are also separate. A business activity may be open to foreign investment while some employment positions are reserved for Omanis. The guide to job titles restricted for foreign workers explains that separate topic.
Complete current list of 123 prohibited activities
This is the consolidated Oman Negative List for foreign investors. It combines the active entries from Decision 209/2020 with the additions and changes made in 2023 and 2024.
The Arabic column keeps the activity wording published in the legal decisions. The English column gives a plain translation. The activity code is the main reference for checking a business.
Two activities were removed in 2023: specialised rehabilitation centres, code 872001, and rehabilitation homes, code 879003. They are not included in the 123 active entries below.
| No. | Code | English activity | Official Arabic activity | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 107305 | Manufacture of Omani halwa | صنع الحلوى العمانية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 2 | 141004 | Tailoring, sewing and knitting Arab men’s clothing | تفصيل وخياطة وحياكة الملابس الرجالية العربية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 3 | 141005 | Tailoring, sewing and knitting non-Arab men’s clothing | تفصيل وخياطة وحياكة الملابس الرجالية غير العربية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 4 | 141006 | Tailoring and sewing Arab and non-Arab women’s clothing | تفصيل وخياطة الملابس النسائية العربية وغير العربية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 5 | 141007 | Tailoring and sewing sports clothing | تفصيل وخياطة الملابس الرياضية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 6 | 141008 | Tailoring and sewing military clothing | تفصيل وخياطة الملابس العسكرية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 7 | 141010 | Making and tailoring Omani kumma caps | صنع وتفصيل الكمة العمانية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 8 | 141011 | Tailoring and sewing women’s abayas | تفصيل وخياطة العبايات النسائية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 9 | 259311 | Manufacture of Omani khanjars | صناعة الخناجر العمانية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 10 | 360003 | Transport and sale of drinking water | نقل وبيع مياه الشرب | Decision 209/2020 |
| 11 | 452003 | Repair of vehicle electrical systems and battery charging | إصلاح كهرباء المركبات وشحن البطاريات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 12 | 452004 | Repair and cleaning of vehicle radiators | إصلاح راديتر المركبات وتنظيفها | Decision 209/2020 |
| 13 | 452005 | Repair of tyres and metal wheels | إصلاح الإطارات والعجلات المعدنية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 14 | 452006 | Vehicle wheel alignment and balancing | إصلاح ميزان المركبات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 15 | 452007 | Vehicle washing and lubrication stations | محطات غسيل وتشحيم المركبات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 16 | 452008 | Changing vehicle oils | تبديل زيوت المركبات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 17 | 452009 | Repair of vehicle air-conditioning systems | إصلاح مكيفات السيارات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 18 | 452010 | Repair of vehicle exhaust systems | إصلاح عادم الصوت للسيارات والمركبات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 19 | 452011 | Cleaning and polishing vehicles | تنظيف وتلميع السيارات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 20 | 463001 | Wholesale of fruit and vegetables | البيع بالجملة للفواكه والخضراوات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 21 | 466103 | Wholesale of cooking gas | البيع بالجملة لغاز الطبخ | Decision 209/2020 |
| 22 | 466104 | Liquefied petroleum gas filling stations | محطات تعبئة غاز البترول المسال | Decision 209/2020 |
| 23 | 472101 | Retail sale of fresh fruit, vegetables and dates in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للفواكه والخضراوات الطازجة والتمور | Decision 209/2020 |
| 24 | 472108 | Retail sale of honey in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للعسل | Decision 209/2020 |
| 25 | 473001 | Motor vehicle fuel stations | محطات بيع وقود المركبات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 26 | 473005 | Diesel fuel filling stations | محطات تعبئة وقود الديزل | Decision 209/2020 |
| 27 | 474101 | Retail sale of telephones and accessories in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للهواتف ولوازمها | Decision 209/2020 |
| 28 | 474106 | Retail sale of mobile phones and accessories in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للهواتف النقالة ومستلزماتها | Decision 209/2020 |
| 29 | 477304 | Retail sale of souvenirs, antiques and paintings in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للتذكاريات والتحف واللوحات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 30 | 477305 | Retail sale of natural flowers and plants in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للزهور والنباتات الطبيعية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 31 | 477312 | Retail sale of pottery and handicrafts in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للفخاريات والمشغولات اليدوية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 32 | 477313 | Retail sale of cooking gas in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة لبيع غاز الطبخ | Decision 209/2020 |
| 33 | 477323 | Retail sale of silverware and gifts in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للفضيات والهدايا | Decision 209/2020 |
| 34 | 477324 | Retail sale of licensed telecommunications service cards in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة لبطاقات خدمات الاتصالات المرخصة في السلطنة | Decision 209/2020 |
| 35 | 477327 | Retail sale of traditional weapons in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للأسلحة التقليدية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 36 | 477334 | Retail sale of animal feed in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للأعلاف الحيوانية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 37 | 477337 | Retail sale of bags in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للأكياس | Decision 209/2020 |
| 38 | 477340 | Retail sale of wedding supplies in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة لمستلزمات الأفراح | Decision 209/2020 |
| 39 | 477347 | Retail sale of fireworks in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للألعاب النارية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 40 | 477348 | Retail sale of Omani khanjars in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للخناجر العمانية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 41 | 477351 | Retail sale of empty gas cylinders in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة لأسطوانات الغاز الفارغة | Decision 209/2020 |
| 42 | 477353 | Retail sale of wedding cards in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة لبطاقات الأفراح | Decision 209/2020 |
| 43 | 477355 | Retail sale of handicraft products in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للمنتجات الحرفية | Decision 209/2020 |
| 44 | 477356 | Retail sale of beekeeping supplies in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة للوازم المناحل | Decision 209/2020 |
| 45 | 492203 | Transport of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims | نقل الحجاج والمعتمرين | Decision 209/2020 |
| 46 | 492306 | Road transport of cooking gas cylinders by truck | النقل البري بالشاحنات لأسطوانات غاز الطبخ | Decision 209/2020 |
| 47 | 522401 | Loading and unloading goods | شحن وتفريغ السلع | Decision 209/2020 |
| 48 | 522901 | Customs clearance offices | مكاتب التخليص الجمركي | Decision 209/2020 |
| 49 | 662102 | Valuation of deregistered vehicles | تثمين المركبات الملغاة | Decision 209/2020 |
| 50 | 662901 | Commission insurance agent | وكيل تأمين بالعمولة | Decision 209/2020 |
| 51 | 682001 | Real estate brokerage offices | الوساطة العقارية (مكاتب الدلالين) | Decision 209/2020 |
| 52 | 781001 | Manpower recruitment offices | مكاتب العمالة (الاستقدام) | Decision 209/2020 |
| 53 | 781002 | Employment offices | مكاتب التوظيف | Decision 209/2020 |
| 54 | 812100 | General cleaning of buildings | التنظيف العام للمباني | Decision 209/2020 |
| 55 | 821902 | Copying and printing of documents | خدمات النسخ وطباعة الوثائق والمستندات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 56 | 829902 | Transaction clearance offices | مكاتب تعقيب المعاملات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 57 | 829906 | Installation and assembly of neon signs | تركيب وتجميع لوحات النيون | Decision 209/2020 |
| 58 | 841304 | Management and operation of fuel filling stations | إدارة وتشغيل محطات تعبئة الوقود | Decision 209/2020 |
| 59 | 854903 | Driving instruction | تعليم قيادة السيارات | Decision 209/2020 |
| 60 | 873002 | Elderly care homes | دور إيواء كبار السن | Decision 209/2020, renumbered by 364/2023 |
| 61 | 879001 | Orphanages | دور إيواء الأيتام | Decision 209/2020, renumbered by 364/2023 |
| 62 | 910199 | Other library and archive activities | أنشطة أخرى خاصة بالمكتبات والمحفوظات | Decision 209/2020, renumbered by 364/2023 |
| 63 | 960101 | Washing all types of clothing and textiles, except inside tourist establishments | غسيل جميع أنواع الملابس والمنسوجات فيما عدا ما يقام منها في المنشآت السياحية | Decision 209/2020, renumbered by 364/2023 |
| 64 | 960103 | Ironing clothes, except inside tourist establishments | كي الملابس فيما عدا ما يقام منها في المنشآت السياحية | Decision 209/2020, renumbered by 364/2023 |
| 65 | 960104 | Dry cleaning and steam ironing, except inside tourist establishments | غسيل الملابس وكيها بالبخار (الغسيل الجاف) فيما عدا ما يقام منها في المنشآت السياحية | Decision 209/2020, renumbered by 364/2023 |
| 66 | 960201 | Men’s hair cutting and shaving, except inside tourist establishments | قص وتصفيف الشعر والحلاقة للرجال فيما عدا ما يقام منها في المنشآت السياحية | Decision 209/2020, renumbered by 364/2023 |
| 67 | 960202 | Women’s hairdressing and beauty services | تصفيف الشعر وأنواع التجميل للنساء | Decision 209/2020, renumbered by 364/2023 |
| 68 | 960203 | Children’s hair cutting and shaving, except inside tourist establishments | قص وتصفيف الشعر والحلاقة للأطفال فيما عدا ما يقام منها في المنشآت السياحية | Decision 209/2020, renumbered by 364/2023 |
| 69 | 014602 | Operation of poultry hatcheries, except projects with large production capacity | تشغيل مفارخ الدواجن – فيما عدا المشاريع ذات الطاقة الإنتاجية الكبيرة | Decision 364/2023 |
| 70 | 014901 | Beekeeping and production of honey and beeswax | تربية النحل وإنتاج العسل وشمع العسل | Decision 364/2023 |
| 71 | 031101 | Marine fishing | صيد الأسماك البحرية | Decision 364/2023 |
| 72 | 101002 | Slaughter and preparation of poultry, rabbits and birds, except projects with large production capacity | ذبح وتهيئة الدواجن والأرانب والطيور – فيما عدا المشاريع ذات الطاقة الإنتاجية الكبيرة | Decision 364/2023 |
| 73 | 181106 | Printing with copying machines, computers and other office machines | الطباعة باستخدام الآلات الناسخة والحاسب الآلي والآلات المكتبية الأخرى مثل ناسخات الصور أو الناسخات الحرارية | Decision 364/2023 |
| 74 | 360004 | Transport and sale of non-drinking water | نقل وبيع المياه غير الصالحة للشرب | Decision 364/2023 |
| 75 | 439005 | Rental of cranes with an operator | تأجير الرافعات التي يشغلها عامل | Decision 364/2023 |
| 76 | 439006 | Rental of other construction machinery and equipment with an operator | استئجار آلات ومعدات التشييد الأخرى التي يشغلها عامل | Decision 364/2023 |
| 77 | 439008 | Rental of construction or demolition equipment with an operator | تأجير معدات البناء أو الهدم التي يشغلها عامل | Decision 364/2023 |
| 78 | 462002 | Wholesale of live livestock, except projects with large production capacity | البيع بالجملة للماشية الحية – فيما عدا المشاريع ذات الطاقة الإنتاجية الكبيرة | Decision 364/2023 |
| 79 | 462005 | Wholesale of fish and marine animals | البيع بالجملة للأسماك والحيوانات البحرية | Decision 364/2023 |
| 80 | 463009 | Wholesale of fish products | البيع بالجملة لمنتجات الأسماك | Decision 364/2023 |
| 81 | 472103 | Retail sale of meat and meat products in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة في اللحوم ومنتجات اللحوم | Decision 364/2023 |
| 82 | 472104 | Retail sale of fish, seafood and their products in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة في الأسماك وغيرها من المأكولات البحرية ومنتجاتها | Decision 364/2023 |
| 83 | 472107 | Retail sale of Omani halwa in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة في بيع الحلوى العمانية | Decision 364/2023 |
| 84 | 472110 | Retail sale of slaughtered poultry in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة في الدواجن المذبوحة | Decision 364/2023 |
| 85 | 477206 | Retail sale of natural herbs in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة في الأعشاب الطبيعية | Decision 364/2023 |
| 86 | 477207 | Retail sale of medicinal herbs in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة في الأعشاب الطبية | Decision 364/2023 |
| 87 | 477307 | Retail sale of birds, pets, ornamental fish and their supplies in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة في الطيور والحيوانات الأليفة وأسماك الزينة ومستلزماتها | Decision 364/2023 |
| 88 | 522101 | Towing and recovery of vehicles | قطر وسحب المركبات | Decision 364/2023 |
| 89 | 681001 | Buying, selling and subdividing land and real estate | شراء وبيع الأراضي والعقارات وتقسيمها | Decision 364/2023 |
| 90 | 681002 | Management and leasing of owned or leased residential and non-residential real estate | إدارة وتأجير العقارات المملوكة أو المؤجرة (السكنية وغير السكنية) | Decision 364/2023 |
| 91 | 681003 | Management of owned or leased buildings | إدارة المباني (المملوكة أو المؤجرة) | Decision 364/2023 |
| 92 | 682002 | Property valuation | تثمين الممتلكات | Decision 364/2023 |
| 93 | 682003 | Management of buildings on a fee or contract basis | إدارة المباني (على أساس رسم أو عقد) | Decision 364/2023 |
| 94 | 941202 | Management of property owners’ associations | إدارة جمعيات ملاك العقارات | Decision 364/2023 |
| 95 | 960903 | Pet care services | خدمات رعاية الحيوانات الأليفة | Decision 364/2023 |
| 96 | 110404 | Manufacture of handicraft products by distilling flowers and herbs | صنع المنتجات الحرفية بتقطير الزهور والأعشاب | Decision 435/2024 |
| 97 | 110406 | Manufacture of handicraft frankincense water and oil products | صنع المنتجات الحرفية لإنتاج ماء وزيت اللبان | Decision 435/2024 |
| 98 | 151208 | Manufacture of leather handicraft products | صنع المنتجات الحرفية من الجلد | Decision 435/2024 |
| 99 | 162910 | Manufacture of palm-leaf handicraft products | صنع المنتجات الحرفية من السعف | Decision 435/2024 |
| 100 | 162911 | Manufacture of wooden handicraft products | صنع المنتجات الحرفية من الخشب | Decision 435/2024 |
| 101 | 202309 | Manufacture and preparation of incense | صنع وتجهيز البخور | Decision 435/2024 |
| 102 | 202310 | Manufacture of handicraft cosmetics and perfumes | صنع المنتجات الحرفية لمستحضرات التجميل والعطور | Decision 435/2024 |
| 103 | 239305 | Manufacture of pottery and ceramic handicraft products | صنع المنتجات الحرفية من الفخار والخزف | Decision 435/2024 |
| 104 | 239509 | Manufacture of stone and gypsum handicraft products | صنع المنتجات الحرفية من الحجر والجبس | Decision 435/2024 |
| 105 | 242007 | Manufacture of silver handicraft products | صنع المنتجات الحرفية من الفضة | Decision 435/2024 |
| 106 | 259312 | Manufacture of copper and metal handicraft products | صنع المنتجات الحرفية من النحاس والمعادن | Decision 435/2024 |
| 107 | 259313 | Manufacture of aluminium handicraft products | صنع المنتجات الحرفية من الألمنيوم | Decision 435/2024 |
| 108 | 329016 | Manufacture of traditional fishing tools as handicraft products | صنع المنتجات الحرفية لأدوات الصيد التقليدية | Decision 435/2024 |
| 109 | 329017 | Manufacture of handicraft products made from bones | صنع المنتجات الحرفية المشتقة من العظام | Decision 435/2024 |
| 110 | 960904 | Skin care services | خدمات العناية بالبشرة | Decision 435/2024 |
| 111 | 772902 | Rental of event supplies and furniture | تأجير لوازم المناسبات والأثاث | Decision 435/2024 |
| 112 | 475208 | Retail sale of construction-material scrap, including scrap iron, in specialised stores | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة لسكراب مواد البناء (يشمل تجارة الحديد الخردة) | Decision 435/2024 |
| 113 | 472203 | Retail sale of drinking water in specialised stores, excluding production and transport | البيع بالتجزئة في المتاجر المتخصصة لمياه الشرب (لا يشمل الإنتاج والنقل) | Decision 435/2024 |
| 114 | 013001 | Growing live plants for planting, decoration and seedlings in nurseries | زراعة النباتات الحية لأغراض الغرس والزينة والشتلات (المشاتل) | Decision 435/2024 |
| 115 | 451002 | Sale of used vehicles | بيع المركبات المستعملة | Decision 435/2024 |
| 116 | 561008 | Mobile café | مقهى متنقل | Decision 435/2024 |
| 117 | 032201 | Freshwater aquaculture | الاستزراع السمكي في المياه العذبة | Decision 435/2024 |
| 118 | 821901 | Mailbox rental services | تقديم خدمات تأجير صناديق البريد | Decision 435/2024 |
| 119 | 829901 | Public scribe services | خدمات الكتبة العموميون | Decision 435/2024 |
| 120 | 829907 | Sanad service centre | مركز سند للخدمات | Decision 435/2024 |
| 121 | 841306 | Management and operation of liquefied petroleum gas filling stations | إدارة وتشغيل محطات تعبئة غاز البترول المسال (غاز الطبخ) | Decision 435/2024 |
| 122 | 382103 | Collection of used batteries and oils | جمع البطاريات والزيوت المستعملة | Decision 435/2024 |
| 123 | 471103 | Grocery shops | محلات البقالة | Decision 435/2024 |
How to review an activity code
Do not check only the words in the English title. Review the code and the Arabic title together. The code should also match the company’s real income and daily work.
- Retail, wholesale, manufacturing, repair, rental and online sales are different activities.
- A general trading code may not cover a regulated or reserved specialist activity.
- A discontinued code may have a new replacement code.
- A free-zone activity list may differ from the mainland list.
- An active code can still be prohibited for foreign investment.
- A code outside the Negative List can still need external approval.
Common mistakes
- Using a broad business name instead of checking the exact code.
- Reading only the 2020 list and missing the 2023 and 2024 changes.
- Including the two activities removed in 2023.
- Calling every activity with an external licence prohibited.
- Assuming an Omani minority shareholder removes the restriction.
- Using an old or discontinued code from another company’s Commercial Registration.
- Choosing a nearby code because its English title looks similar.
- Assuming that a free zone removes every restriction.
- Checking ownership but not checking the final operating licence.
- Confusing business activity restrictions with work visa job-title restrictions.
Foreign investor checklist
- Describe the real product, service and customer type.
- Find the current code in English and Arabic.
- Check whether the code is active.
- Check the complete consolidated Negative List.
- Confirm the permitted foreign ownership.
- Identify every external licence and approval.
- Check the required office, shop, workshop, warehouse or facility.
- Check free-zone rules separately when relevant.
- Keep written confirmation for unclear cases.
- Confirm the current position again before submission or a share transfer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Oman Negative List for foreign investors?
It is the list of commercial activities where foreign investment is prohibited. The listed activities are reserved for Omani investment, subject to any specific official exception.
How many activities are on the current list?
The consolidated list reviewed on 24 July 2026 has 123 activities. It follows the 2020 decision and the amendments issued in 2023 and 2024.
Why did the 2020 list have 70 activities?
Decision 209/2020 first listed 70 activities. Decision 364/2023 removed two entries and added 27. Decision 435/2024 later added 28 more. The current total is 123.
Which activities were removed in 2023?
Specialised rehabilitation centres, code 872001, and rehabilitation homes, code 879003, were removed from the list by Decision 364/2023.
Is every regulated activity prohibited?
No. A regulated activity may allow foreign investment but still need approval from a sector authority.
Can an Omani partner solve a prohibited activity?
Not automatically. The restriction concerns foreign investment in the activity. The permitted ownership and structure must be confirmed before a foreign investor receives shares.
Does a free zone remove the Negative List?
Do not assume this. The free zone must confirm that the activity and ownership are allowed inside that zone. Mainland sales may also have separate rules.
Is an activity open when it is not on the list?
It may be open in principle, but this is not final approval. The code may be regulated, discontinued or subject to another ownership or licence rule.
Can an existing foreign project keep a listed activity?
Decision 209/2020 excluded investment projects that already existed when the decision took effect. Transfer to another party requires written approval from the Minister or an authorised person. Each legacy project must be checked separately.
Can an online activity finder give final confirmation?
No. A finder can locate and screen codes. Final ownership, restriction and licensing decisions remain with the competent Omani authorities.
Related Oman Verified guides and services
Company setup support
Review ownership, activities, licences and the company path before submission.
Activity search tool
Search stored activity records by code, English title or Arabic title.
Separate labour topic
Check employment titles after the business activity review.
Conclusion
The Oman Negative List for foreign investors must be checked by exact activity code. A prohibited activity, a regulated activity and an open activity have different legal results.
Check the current code, foreign ownership rule and licence path before registering a company, adding an activity or transferring shares.
Practical implementation note
Oman Verified works with founders and companies in Oman and internationally, connecting activity analysis with Oman-side company setup and licensing coordination. Activity approvals and licences are completed by the competent Omani authorities, while regulated legal opinions are provided by the appropriate licensed professionals.
Official sources
- Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs: Foreign Capital Investment Law, Royal Decree 50/2019
- Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs: Ministerial Decision 209/2020
- Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs: Ministerial Decision 364/2023
- Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs: Ministerial Decision 435/2024
- Oman News Agency: 2023 update to prohibited foreign-investment activities
- Oman News Agency: 28 activities added in 2024
Official public information reviewed on 24 July 2026. Confirm the current requirements in the live government systems before submission.
