Oman Society of Engineers (OSE)

Why this matters for Oman trades

The Oman Tax Authority administers 5% VAT (registration mandatory above OMR 38,500 of annual supplies) and Fawtara e-invoicing, a 5-corner model in which OTA-accredited service providers exchange invoices and report tax data; other sources give different phase dates, so check your own start date with the Authority. Since 1 August 2025 the Ministry of Labour requires OSE accreditation before an engineer’s work permit is issued or renewed. The Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content (Royal Decree 57/2025) registers and classifies suppliers, contractors and consulting offices on Esnad for government work. Under Ministerial Decision 602/2025, firms meeting Omanisation targets get 30% off visa and licensing fees and firms falling short pay double, according to Muscat Daily. Muscat Municipality issues building permits in Muscat governorate; the unified building code from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning is optional in 2026 and 2027, enforced in Muscat from 2028 and nationwide by 2030, according to Muscat Daily; and the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) sets building fire-safety conditions and studies construction plans.

Oman construction software selection is shaped by the Oman Tax Authority’s phased Fawtara e-invoicing rollout through accredited service providers (the Authority’s FAQ says implementation begins in August 2026 for 100 large VAT-registered companies, in February 2027 for all large VAT-registered companies and in August 2027 for all remaining VAT-registered taxpayers), alongside 5% VAT, OSE engineer accreditation (required for work permits since 1 August 2025), registration and classification on the Esnad portal of the Authority for Projects, Tenders and Local Content, Omanisation categories that raise or lower work permit fees, building permits through Muscat Municipality’s e-services, the unified Oman Building Code, and CDAA fire-safety requirements.