SOHAR Port and Freezone offers a combination of
incentives for investors to set up and operate their
projects easily and flexibly, in an environment where
business can flourish and prosper.
100% Foreign Ownership
A SOHAR Port and Freezone working company must have a minimum of 2 shareholders, both of which may be foreign entities (natural or juridical).
Corporate Tax Holiday of up to 25 Years
Each working company has a guaranteed 10-year exemption of corporate tax (normally 12% in Oman). This exemption can be extended up to the duration of the lease contract if certain targets in Omanization are reached, which can be for up to 25 years.
One-Stop Shop for all Relevant Clearance
SOHAR Port and Freezone offers a single window through which all licenses, permits and approvals can be obtained. In practice this means that Freezone clients require very little interaction with the various governmental institutions.
0% Import or Re-export Duties
No customs duties on goods brought into the Freezone. All customs processes are described in a dedicated set of Customs procedures.
0% Personal Income Tax
No customs duties for individuals coming in and working in the Freezone.
Low Capital Requirements
SOHAR Port and Freezone maintains low capital requirements which encourages start-up companies to invest with a lower core capital.
Relaxed Level of Omanization
The minimum Omanization level for SOHAR Port and Freezone is 15%. An escalation by following schedule will ensure exemption of corporate tax:
reached 25% Omanization after 10 years
reached 35% Omanization after 15 years
reached 50% Omanization after 20 years
Free Trade Agreements with US and Singapore
Freezone companies could benefit from existing Free Trade Agreements between Oman and the USA, and Oman and Singapore, as their goods could receive preferential treatment while in transit.