House Trade Business in Oman: Home-Based Licence for Omanis

The House Trade Business is a simplified, home-based registration for Omani citizens only. It lets an individual run a small commercial activity from home without obtaining a full commercial licence or renting premises, with no capital requirement. Foreign nationals cannot use it.

Who is it for?

The scheme is aimed at Omanis — often home cooks, crafters, small online sellers and similar micro-businesses — who cannot yet afford a shop and a full commercial licence. It formalises the activity so the owner can trade legally.

Eligibility rules

• Single owner, who must be an Omani citizen
• Only the investor can apply; no agents or other signatories
• The applicant must have a PKI-enabled Omani ID card for online signing
• You cannot apply if you are already an investor in any commercial activity (for example, a partner in a company or owner of an individual establishment)
• You cannot hold more than one House Trade Business
• No capital is required

Required documents

• Authorised Signatories Form (completed on the platform)
• Any approval required for the specific activity, such as health requirements for food preparation

How to register

1. Sign in to the Oman Business Platform with your PKI-enabled ID.
2. Choose House Trade Business and select a permitted home-based activity.
3. Reserve a trade name that complies with trade-name rules.
4. Complete the Authorised Signatories Form.
5. Pay the fee and download your registration.

Registration is normally quick when the activity is on the permitted list and needs no prior approval. The costs are limited to platform fees and any activity-specific approvals.

Pros and cons

Advantages

• No shop, office lease or capital required
• Low cost, fully online
• A legal way to start and test a micro-business

Disadvantages

• Omani citizens only
• Not available to anyone who already holds another commercial activity
• Limited to small home-based activities; no foreign workers
• The owner is personally liable

When to move to another form

When the business grows, needs premises or wants to hire staff, the owner usually switches to an Individual Firm (Sole Establishment) or a Sole Proprietor Company (SPC). Omanis offering services rather than goods may prefer the Freelance Licence. Compare all structures on types of companies in Oman.

Residency

This registration is for Omani citizens and has no link to residence permits. Foreign readers looking to start a business and live in Oman should see company registration and residency.

What kind of activities fit?

The House Trade Business is intended for small activities that can be carried out from a residence without disturbing neighbours or creating safety risks — for example preparing food for sale, sewing, handicrafts or selling products online. Activities that need a warehouse, heavy equipment, customer traffic or hazardous materials belong in a regular commercial premises. Each activity must appear on the list allowed for home-based registration, and food activities must meet public-health requirements.

Practical tips before you apply

• Check that you do not already hold any commercial registration or investor status, including as a partner in a family company; otherwise the application will be refused.
• Make sure your ID card is PKI-enabled before you start.
• Choose a trade name that fits the activity and the naming rules.
• Keep simple records of sales and expenses from the start; this makes it easier to move to a full licence later.

Relevant laws

• Commercial Register Law — Royal Decree 3/74
• Commercial Agencies Law — Royal Decree 26/77
• Executive Regulations of the Commercial Register Law — Ministerial Decision 121/86