Oman VAT Free Zones

According to the VAT Law in Oman, supplies of goods or services to or from the Special Zones, as well as within them, may be zero-rated. The Special Economic Zone in Duqm and the Free Zones in Salalah, Sohar, and Al Mazyunah have been designated as Special Zones by the provisions of the VAT Executive Regulations in Oman. To register for VAT in the Free Zones in Oman, the following steps and requirements must be met:

  1. Application Submission: Companies, establishments, enterprises, or individuals operating within the Special Zone must apply for authorization and VAT registration in Oman. The application process is carried out through the electronic portal of the Tax Authority in Oman.
  2. Valid License and Registration: It is necessary to provide proof of a valid license and registration in the Special Zone. The VAT registrant in Oman must attach copies of the commercial registration certificate and the license certificate issued by the relevant Special Zone Authority in Oman for conducting economic activities.

VAT administration for the transportation of goods in Oman follows the guidelines outlined in the VAT Executive Regulations:

  1. Tax Liability: The customer or recipient of the goods is subject to tax.
  2. Licensing and Registration: The customer or recipient must be licensed and registered by the operating and supervising authority of the free zone to carry out activities within the Special Zone in Oman.
  3. Purpose of Goods: The goods must be received for use within the Special Zone and should not be among the goods excluded from the right of deduction according to the Executive Regulations in Oman.

Documentation is crucial to prove the transfer of goods within the Special Zones. The entity responsible for operating and supervising the Special Zone in Oman must issue certification, and Oman Customs provides relevant documents regarding the supply and transportation of goods to or between Special Zones.

VAT administration for services provided in Oman to a Special Zone requires the following:

  1. VAT Registration: The customer receiving the services must be registered for VAT according to the VAT registration rules in Oman.
  2. Licensing and Registration: The customer must be a person licensed and registered with the operating and supervising authority of the Special Zone.
  3. Purpose of Services: The services provided must be for activities conducted within the Special Zone in Oman. However, certain services such as restaurant and hotel services, food and beverage undertakings, and cultural, artistic, sports, educational, and entertainment services specified in the VAT Law are excluded. Additionally, the services should not be exempt from VAT in Oman.

It is essential to consult the specific regulations and guidelines provided by the tax authorities in Oman for accurate and up-to-date information regarding VAT registration and administration in the Special Zones.