Oman’s 2025 Work Permit Rule: Secure Your Professional License Before You Apply

Oman has revamped its work permit process for select professions, making a professional practice license or classification certificate mandatory on top of your standard permit. If you plan to work in energy, logistics, accounting, finance, or auditing, you’ll need official certification before your employer’s sponsorship can move forward.

   

What’s New for Oman Work Permits?

Previously, obtaining or renewing a work permit in Oman meant securing company sponsorship, quota approval, medical clearance, and basic documents. As of August and September 2025, certain fields now require an additional step:

• Professional Practice License issued by the relevant Sector Skills Unit
• Classification Certificate confirming you meet sector standards

Without one of these credentials, work permit applications and renewals in affected roles will stall immediately.

Who Needs a Professional License?

The new rules target roles where technical expertise and public trust are non-negotiable. Key sectors include:

• Energy & Minerals (engineers, geologists, safety specialists)
• Logistics (supply chain managers, freight forwarders, warehouse leads)
• Accounting, Finance & Auditing (accountants, auditors, financial analysts)

While the full list of 40 regulated professions is available from the Ministry of Labour, early guidance covers positions that demand specialised knowledge and certification.

Understanding the Certification Types

Professional Practice License This credential proves your academic and professional qualifications—think certified accountants or audit specialists. It’s granted by the Sector Skills Unit for your field and sits alongside your degree or membership certificates.

Classification Certificate Designed for roles in logistics or contracting, this certificate ensures both company and employee meet industry-specific standards. The application is submitted via the Sector Skills Unit’s online portal.

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Core Work Permit Requirements in Oman

Even with the new licensing mandate, you still need to satisfy these foundational steps:

1. Employer Sponsorship: An Omani-registered company applies on your behalf.
2. Quota Clearance: The role must align with national labor quotas.
3. Medical Exams: Health checks at home and upon arrival in Oman.
4. Educational Credentials: Degrees, diplomas, and relevant certificates.
5. Police Clearance: A record of good conduct if required by sector.

Now, the professional license or classification certificate is layered on top, extending both timelines and document checks.

Rollout Timeline & Next Steps

The certification requirement kicks in stages:

• August 1, 2025: Engineers and energy sector professionals need a classification certificate before new or renewed permits.
• September 1, 2025: Accounting, finance, and auditing roles fall under the same rule.
• Coming Soon: Additional fields like healthcare, education, and construction may be added.

If your position is affected, start gathering documentation early. Visit the Ministry of Labour site to verify sector-specific requirements.

Preparing Your Application

1. Contact your employer to confirm they’ve budgeted extra time for permit processing.
2. Apply online for the relevant license or certificate via the Sector Skills Unit portal.
3. Compile your academic transcripts, professional memberships, and experience letters.
4. Track your application status and schedule any required assessments or exams.
5. Once certified, submit the license alongside your standard work permit documents.

Stay Informed

Regulations can shift rapidly. Check official updates from Oman’s Ministry of Labour and sector Skill Units to avoid surprises.

Securing an Oman work permit now means more than employer sponsorship—it means professional licensing. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid delays and ensure your move or renewal goes smoothly under the 2025 regulations.

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