A street vendor licence allows an Omani national to sell goods or food from a cart, vehicle or temporary stall in authorised public places. It is regulated by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion under Ministerial Decision 241/2016. Foreign workers are not allowed, the licence cannot be rented out, and street vending is currently not permitted in Muscat Governorate.
Who can apply?
The licence is meant for Omani individuals running their own small mobile business. The licence holder must work the activity personally; hiring a foreign workforce is prohibited.
Rules licence holders must follow
- Respect trade-name rules and the laws that apply to the activity
- Meet safety and public-health requirements (especially for food)
- Do not employ foreign workers
- Do not rent, assign or transfer the licence
- Register any vehicle or equipment used and display the licence name on it
Prohibited practices
- Vending without a licence
- Continuing to operate after no longer meeting the conditions in Article 3 of Regulation 241/2016
- Operating outside authorised areas or times
- Selling in residential areas or next to shops with the same activity
- Following or pressuring members of the public to buy
- Selling near schools or hospitals, or inside public transport
- Using bells, horns or similar noise to attract customers
Where is street vending allowed?
| Governorate | Status |
|---|---|
| Muscat | Not currently permitted |
| Dhofar, Musandam, Al Buraimi, Ad Dakhiliyah, North and South Al Batinah, North and South Ash Sharqiyah, Ad Dhahirah, Al Wusta | Allowed in authorised areas and times |
Local municipalities set the exact locations and hours.
How to apply
- Sign in to the Oman Business Platform with your Omani e-ID.
- Select the street vendor activity and the governorate.
- Register the vehicle or equipment details.
- Obtain any health or municipality approvals required for the activity (for example food handling).
- Pay the fees and receive the licence; display it as required.
The application is online and quick when no extra approvals are needed. Costs are limited to platform, municipality and health fees plus your equipment.
Pros and cons
Advantages
- Low start-up cost
- No shop lease needed
- Flexible hours within authorised times
Disadvantages
- Omani nationals only, no foreign staff
- Not allowed in Muscat
- Strict location and conduct rules
- Personal liability
When to move to a fixed outlet
Street vending works well for testing a product or a location. If you want to hire help, operate in Muscat, sell at fixed hours from a fixed spot, or expand to several carts, a regular commercial registration with premises — usually an individual firm — gives you more freedom. A permanent shop also lets you register a trade name that customers can find again.
Alternatives
- House Trade Business — for selling from home.
- Freelance Licence — for service-based work without a fixed place.
- Individual Firm (Sole Establishment) — for a permanent shop or food outlet.
See the full comparison on types of companies in Oman.
Practical tips for vendors
- Confirm with the local municipality which locations and hours are authorised before buying equipment or a vehicle.
- If you sell food, make sure the vehicle or cart meets health requirements and that you hold any required health certificate.
- Keep the licence displayed and the vehicle registration matching the licence name.
- Remember that the licence is personal: you must run the activity yourself.
Relevant laws
- Ministerial Decision 241/2016 regulating street vendors (MOCIIP)
- Commercial Register Law — Royal Decree 3/74 and Executive Regulations (Ministerial Decision 121/86)
- Applicable municipality and public-health regulations
Frequently asked questions
Can street vendors operate in Muscat?
Street vending is currently not permitted in Muscat Governorate. It is allowed in the other governorates within authorised areas and times.
Can a street vendor employ foreign workers?
No. Foreign workers are not allowed in street vending activities.
Can I rent out my street vendor licence?
No. The licence cannot be rented, assigned or transferred to another person.
Which regulation governs street vendors?
MOCIIP's street vendor regulation, Ministerial Decision 241/2016, sets the conditions and the prohibited practices.
Sources & official references
This guide is general information, checked against official sources at the date shown. Rules and fees in Oman change; we confirm the current requirements for your case before you apply.
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All company types in Oman
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
The LLC is Oman's most common company form for two or more owners: 2 to 50 partners, liability limited to capital, and up to 100% foreign ownership for most activities.
Sole Proprietor Company (SPC)
An SPC is a one-owner limited liability company in Oman. A single individual or company owns 100%, liability is limited to the capital, and foreigners can use it for most activities.
Individual Firm / Sole Establishment
An individual firm (sole establishment) is a trading name registered to one person in Oman. It is simple and cheap to run, but the owner is personally liable for all of its debts.
Foreign Company Branch
A foreign company can register a branch in Oman only to perform a contract with an Omani government or quasi-government body, or a project declared of national economic interest.
Commercial Representative Office
A commercial representative office lets a foreign company promote its products and study the Omani market. It cannot sell, invoice or earn income in Oman.
Joint Partnership
A joint (general) partnership is a company of two or more partners who are jointly and personally liable for all of its debts. It suits small family or professional businesses built on trust.
Limited Partnership
A limited partnership in Oman combines at least one general partner, who runs the business with unlimited liability, and at least one limited partner, whose liability is capped at their contribution.
Closed Joint Stock Company (SAOC)
An SAOC is a privately held joint stock company in Oman for larger projects. It needs at least three shareholders and OMR 500,000 capital, and its shares are not offered to the public.
Public Joint Stock Company (SAOG)
An SAOG is a public joint stock company in Oman that offers shares to the public and lists on the Muscat Stock Exchange. It needs OMR 2,000,000 capital (OMR 1,000,000 on conversion).
House Trade Business
The House Trade Business is a home-based registration for Omani citizens who want to trade from home without a full commercial licence. It is not available to foreigners.
Freelance Licence
The freelance registration lets Omani nationals aged 18 and over offer services or products without a fixed workplace or commercial licence, in up to three permitted occupations.