Moving to Oman? What to Know as an Expat

Education in Oman

If you’re moving to Oman with your children, you need to pay attention to the country’s education system. Oman’s government started heavily investing in education in the 1970s. Oman education is free up to the end of secondary school. Basic education consists of two stages: Grades 1-4 and Grades 5-10. Afterwards, children start studying for secondary education (Grades 11-12). Public schools are free for Omani citizens. From Grade 5, boys and girls study separately. 

Oman has 5 main types of schools:

• Government schools, which are free for Omani students and run by the Ministry of Education. These schools follow the national curriculum.
• Private schools, which are paid schools and may offer national or international programs.
• Religious schools, which are typically connected with mosques and focused on Islamic studies along with a national or international curriculum.
• Special needs schools that support children with physical, mental, or social disabilities.
• International schools that follow international curricula, and are mostly preferred by expats.

Because of Omanisation and the country’s focus on its national identity, all the students learn Arabic, Islamic studies, and Omani history. At the same time, the curricula highlight the importance of creativity and critical thinking. English is taught as a second language.

In the past few years, Oman has expanded teacher education. The country opened six training institutes with about 9,000 enrolled students. Around 30,000 teachers currently work in government schools, and almost all of them are Omani. 

In 2000, there were 132 private schools and kindergartens. Currently, there are many international schools that offer British, American, Indian, and bilingual programs. The country also has public institutions such as Sultan Qaboos University (established in 1986) and the University of Technology and Applied Sciences (UTAS), which has 9 governorates and enrolls more than 46,000 students.

The Ministry encourages the private sector to establish colleges for higher education. Today, there are 14 licensed private colleges. All of them are partners with universities in countries such as the UK, USA, Australia, and India.

Before moving to Oman, don’t forget to learn more about the most popular international schools in Oman.

British School Muscat (BSM)

Founded in 1971, BSM is a non-profit, co-educational day school built for English-speaking expat students who are 3-18 years old. BSM follows the English National Curriculum. It’s ranked among the top 150 private schools worldwide and the top 15 in the Middle East. The school has approximately 1,165 students.

The American International School of Muscat (TAISM)

TAISM was founded in 1998. It’s a non-profit, co-educational school that offers a full American curriculum from early childhood to Grade 12. It is the only school in Oman with an American-only curriculum. In 2020, it had about 720 students from 62 different countries.

ABA Oman International School (American British Academy)

ABA was founded in 1987. It is a non-profit, co-educational international school in Muscat. It offers an English-language curriculum and is an IB World Continuum School. It provides the PYP, MYP, and IB Diploma programs. The school has approximately 940 students from over 65 countries.

The Sultan’s School

The Sultan’s school, founded in 1977, is a private, co-educational school with a bilingual curriculum. It enrolls around 1,300 students and offers the IGCSE or the IB Diploma in the senior years.

Indian School Muscat (ISM)

Indian School Muscat was founded in 1975. It is a non-commercial school supported by the Indian community. It follows the CBSE curriculum and had more than 9,200 students as of 2010.

Healthcare System in Oman

While moving to Oman, make sure you research its healthcare system. Oman is known for its first-class healthcare system. The Ministry of Health operates hospitals and clinics across the country. Omani citizens get free or heavily subsidized care. Expats, however, can use public hospitals only for emergencies and must pay the full cost. Regular medical treatment for expats is not subsidized.

Ambulance services are available, but response times can be slow. Because of this, many Omani citizens and expats choose to drive to the hospital themselves. 

The most popular private hospitals in Oman are Muscat Private Hospital, Aster Al Raffah, Apollo, Starcare, Badr Al Sama’a, NMC, and KIMS. A basic outpatient appointment usually costs OMR 20-30 (≈ $52-78), and visits to specialists or diagnostic tests can cost more. Considering the fact that private care is expensive, expatriates in Oman should be prepared to pay out of pocket if they don’t have health insurance.

Many employers offer basic health insurance in Oman, but the level of coverage can be widely different. 

To be fully protected, it’s recommended for the expats to buy international health insurance before moving to Oman. Additionally, it would be better if expats choose a plan that includes outpatient care, hospital stays, maternity, dental coverage, and medical evacuation.

Prescription medicine in Oman is generally more affordable than in Europe or the USA.

Depending on the hospital and treatment, hospital stay costs can vary a lot. A basic private room can cost around OMR 100-200 (≈ $260-520) per day, and surgery can cost several thousand rials. It’s best to ask for a detailed price quote before treatment. 

Dental care is not covered by public services and is quite expensive, so many expats prefer to get dental work done when they travel back to their home country.

Transportation in Oman

Muscat has a very modern Mwasalat bus system. The city has air-conditioned buses. Using buses is considered the most affordable way of transportation because a one-way ticket costs about OMR 0.50 (≈ $1.30).

Besides Muscat, in other places, public transport is limited, so most people use taxis. Taxi fares usually start at OMR 1.10 (≈ $2.86). You can negotiate taxi prices because many drivers don’t use meters. Ride-hailing apps like Otaxi and Mwasalat Taxi are available in Muscat and Salalah.

For longer trips, intercity buses connect Muscat with places like Salalah, Sohar, and Nizwa. Many expats buy or lease a car in Oman. Fuel is cheap here, and used cars have reasonable prices. According to Numbeo, one litre of gasoline costs about OMR 0.24 (≈ $0.57), which makes owning a car much more affordable in Oman than in many Western countries.

Before moving to Oman, keep in mind that foreign driving licences are accepted for short visits. Those who plan a long-term visit need to get an Omani licence. You need to pass a vision test, a theory exam (offered in English), and a practical driving test. Many expats take a few lessons to learn local road rules.

Roads in Oman are generally in very good condition, but traffic accidents are still possible. Driving can be fast and unpredictable, so wearing a seatbelt is a must. Considering the fact that Oman has no railway system, long-distance travel is usually done by car or intercity bus.

Here are several tips for Oman transportation that can be very useful for expats:

• Use Mwasalat buses for daily travel when you can.
• Get a pre-loaded smart card to save money.
• Try to live close to your workplace or your children’s school to cut down on travel time and expenses.
• If you have kids, check if their school offers a bus service. Many international schools do, but it comes with an extra fee. Include this in your budget.

Main Visa Types in Oman

Moving to Oman isn’t just about choosing a home or planning a budget. You also need to make sure your residency is legal and that your family feels comfortable. Oman offers several types of visas:

Golden Visa

Oman’s Golden Visa helps investors acquire a 10-year residency in exchange for at least OMR 200,000 (≈ $520,000) investment in one of the main 7 routes. 

Employment Visa

As an employee, your employment visa needs to be provided by your employer. You must enter Oman with an approved work visa, complete a medical exam, and get a residence card during the first 30 days of arrival. 

Investor Visa

The investor visa is typically preferred by people who want to start a business or invest in an Omani company. Applicants must submit financial documents and a business plan.

Student Visa

Students who are accepted into recognised universities or institutes can obtain a student visa. To successfully get the visa, students need an offer letter, a medical report, and proof that they can cover their expenses.

Retirement Visa

The Oman retirement visa offers a renewable 5-year residency permit for retirees who have at least OMR 4,000 (≈ $10,400) monthly income and a 2-year work history in Oman. It’s designed for pensioners who want to spend their retirement in a safe, calm environment.

Visit Visa

A visit visa is issued for short stays,such as for tourism, meeting family, or business visits. It is typically valid for 30 days and can sometimes be extended. Travelers must have a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation.

Tourist Visa

Tourist visas are for short visits to Oman. Many nationalities can apply online or receive an e-visa. These visas are usually issued for 10-30 days and may be extended for an extra fee.

Family Joining Visa

This visa allows close family members (such as a spouse or children) of an Omani resident to join them in Oman. The sponsor must have sufficient income and provide suitable housing. The visa allows long-term stay but does not permit the holder to work.

Express Visa

The express visa is a fast-track option for urgent travel. It is usually arranged through hotels, travel agencies, or companies and allows a short stay of up to 21 days. Processing is quicker, but the fees are higher.

Multiple-Entry Visa

This visa is ideal for business travelers or frequent visitors. It allows multiple entries over 1-2 years, with each stay typically limited to 30 days. Applicants must have a valid reason for repeated travel, such as business or family ties.

If you want to find the perfect visa type and have a hassle-free application process, book a free consultation with our experts.

Residency and Family Considerations

Before moving to Oman, make sure you’ve considered the following points:

• Different visa types are designed for different needs. Make sure you are aware of all the visa types and apply for the one that’s aligned with your needs. Complete all required steps, such as medical tests and getting your residence card, during the first 30 days of arrival.
• If you are relocating with your family, check the salary requirements and housing rules for family or dependent visas.
• Look for a neighbourhood that aligns with your family’s needs. The most popular expat areas are Al Mouj, Qurum, Madinat Qaboos, and Al Mawaleh, which offer schools, supermarkets, clinics, and safe community spaces. You can learn more about the Oman property market here.
• Respect local culture and traditions. Dress modestly and follow Ramadan rules in public places.
• Many Omani nationals know English, but learning basic Arabic phrases can help you in your integration process.
• Consider school options early. International schools fill up quickly, so it’s best to apply in advance.
• Plan for healthcare costs and make sure your family has good health insurance, because medical treatment for expats is not subsidised.

Cost of Living Considerations

Depending on your lifestyle, the living costs in Oman may differ. The location also matters, but overall, the country is more affordable than places like Dubai or Doha. In fact, Numbeo states that the cost of living in Muscat is 31.5% lower than in Dubai. According to Numbeo, here are the main expenses to consider while moving to Oman:

Housing Costs

• A 1-bedroom apartment costs about $360-$520, depending on location.
• A 3-bedroom apartment costs around $630-$970.
• Buying property ranges from $1,100-$1,450 per m², depending on the area.

Utilities & Household Bills

• Basic utilities for an average apartment cost around $100 a month.
• Mobile plans cost about $32/month, and home internet is around $72 a month.

Food & Groceries

If you buy groceries from local markets, it’s very affordable.
Essential products like milk, bread, rice, eggs, chicken, and fruits typically cost $1-$10 each.
Dining out is also budget-friendly:

• An affordable meal costs $5
• Mid-range restaurant for two may cost $26
• Cappuccino is $4.80

Transportation

• A one-way bus ticket costs $1.30.
• A monthly pass is $58.50.
• Taxi fares start around $2.80.
• Fuel is affordable. It costs $0.62 per liter.

Healthcare

• Doctor visits cost $26-$52; dental care can reach $260.
• Private health insurance varies between $104-$260 per month, and family plans cost more annually.

Education & Childcare

• Preschool/kindergarten costs around $230 per month.
• International school tuition is about $11,000 per year.

Entertainment

• Gym membership costs $52 a month.
• Tennis court rent is $20 per hour.
• A cinema ticket costs $10.

You can learn more about the cost of living in Oman in our guide.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Relocation

Moving to Oman may be difficult for expats. To make the integration process easier, we prepared some practical tips:

Understand Visa and Employment Requirements

Have a confirmed job offer or another legal route before moving. Employers usually handle work visa paperwork. If you plan to open a business, check investor visa rules and capital requirements. Family members will need sponsorship documents and proof of income.

Set a Realistic Budget

Realistically estimate your budget. Consider even one-time payments like visa or ticket fees, deposits for housing, and school registration. Keep emergency savings for some unexpected situations.

Choose the Right Housing

Before signing a contract, visit the neighbourhood. Don’t forget to ask the landlord who is responsible for repairs.

Get Health Insurance

Before moving to Oman, get health insurance. Additionally, register with a private clinic and choose a general doctor early. Add dental and optical coverage since these services can be expensive.

Apply to Schools Early

International schools fill up fast, especially IB or GCSE programs. Contact schools months before.

Prepare for Climate and Culture

Remember that Oman has mild winters and very hot summers, with temperatures above 40°C. Budget for air-conditioning. Dress modestly, avoid loud behaviour, and follow rules around alcohol. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours.

Plan Your Transportation

Bring an International Driving Permit if you plan to drive, and apply for an Omani licence after arrival.

Learn Basic Arabic

English is widely common in Oman. However, Omani nationals would really appreciate it if you learn some basic Arabic expressions.