Doing legal business in Oman
Middle East conflict – support for members
A significant number of our members are based across the Middle East.
In light of escalating conflict across the region, our immediate concern is the safety and wellbeing of you, your colleagues and your families.
For help and advice, contact our international team: international@lawsociety.org.uk.
We can support with:
- professional and regulatory liaison: we can help facilitate contact with local bars, law societies and regulators in alternative jurisdictions
- engagement with UK government: we can raise any regulatory, mobility, evacuation or consular concerns with the relevant departments on your behalf. We can also connect you with appropriate embassy staff
We also recommend reading the UK government’s UAE foreign travel guidance.
This includes a recommendation to register your presence in the UAE.
Our thoughts are with all those affected. We will continue to monitor developments and offer support as needed.
The Sultanate of Oman is a country in the Arabian Gulf that shares borders with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Yemen.
Its capital city, Muscat, is the largest city and home to 1.4 million of the country’s 4.8 million population.
Oman was ranked 68 in the World Bank’s ‘Ease of doing business 2020’ ranking.
On this page:
Practising in Oman
Foreign lawyers can practise in Oman and advise on Omani law if they’re licensed to practise by the Ministry of Justice of Oman.
They can take part in commercial litigation and advise on and draft agreements, but they cannot practise in Sharia or criminal law.
Foreign lawyers can appear before the Authority for the Settlement of Commercial Disputes, but they may only appear before the Omani courts if they speak Arabic.
The legal profession
The legal profession in Oman is made up of qualified lawyers registered with the Ministry of Justice.
Omani lawyers must follow the rules set out in the Advocates Law, as effected by Royal Decree 108/96.
Regulation and representation
The Omani legal profession is regulated by Royal Decree 108 of 1996. The Ministry of Justice maintains a committee to regulate the activities of domestic and international lawyers.
There is no independent bar association or law society in Oman.
Legal system and courts
Oman is an absolute monarchy, ruled by the House of Al Said. There’s no separation of powers and the sultan’s word has the force of law.
The Basic Statute of the State is Oman’s constitution and was issued in 1996.
The court system is made up of:
- the Supreme Court
- six courts of appeal in Muscat, Nizwa, Sohar, Ibra, Ibri and Salalah
- 45 courts of first instance
Legal services market
The legal services market in Oman is relatively small compared to its Middle Eastern neighbours.
Many international firms prefer to service Oman from their offices in the UAE.
Only a handful of firms in Oman play a strong lead in cross-border associations and transactions.
Commercial activity has risen significantly in recent years following increased project finance and infrastructure deals. It's expected that more international firms will be looking to establish in Oman.
Oman has made no commitment in relation to the liberalisation of legal services.
Foreign law firms
Under Royal Decree No 108/96, foreign law firms had been required to introduce Omani partners into their practices by 31 December 1999.
With the introduction of Royal Decree No 16/2000, foreign law firms who had been granted licences before the introduction of Royal Decree No 108/96 were given an extension of three years.
Foreign law firms who wish to establish or set up a new office in Oman must form partnerships with local lawyers.
Qualifying as a foreign lawyer in Oman
Foreign lawyers must be licensed to practise in Oman by the Ministry of Justice.
Requalifying in England and Wales
Lawyers from abroad and overseas students who wish to qualify in England and Wales need to sit the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE).
The SQE provides a path to the solicitor title through the same exam taken by domestic candidates.
A foreign lawyer with more than two years of experience can apply for an exemption from SQE2. Foreign lawyers are also exempt from the requirement to have qualifying work experience.
Read our guidance on the SQE for foreign lawyers
Omani lawyers are also approved by the SRA for registered foreign lawyer (RFL) status. This is needed to enter into partnership with solicitors in England and Wales and allows for managerial responsibility of recognised bodies.
Legal status
The information above does not constitute legal advice. It was drafted by the Law Society of England and Wales on the basis of desk research, bilateral relations with Bars and engagement with members.
The Law Society cannot be held liable for actions taken on the basis of this note or lack thereof. In case of specific queries, we strongly advise you to consider instructing external counsel to obtain advice specific to your business objectives.