Migration to another country is a new chance for work and self-fulfilment, improved living conditions and for the whole family in particular. With a fast-growing economy, a high GDP per capita, and friendly attitude towards foreigners, Oman is an excellent place for an expat to live in a secure environment, touching on cultural heritage. The country’s diverse landscape is one of its highlights, featuring not only mountains but also deserts, wadis, and coastal areas. This combination of natural beauty, along with modern infrastructure and a peaceful environment, is part of what makes Oman an appealing destination for relocation. If you are interested in changing your career, giving your children an opportunity to obtain international education, or getting a taste of old and new at the same time, Oman is a great pick for family move.
Visa Requirements
The first and foremost condition which they need to consider in deciding to move to Oman is visa. The Omani government gives different visas based on the nature of immigration to the country or for what reason. If you are moving because of work, you will require a work visa and the employer will usually apply on your behalf.
Family or dependent visa is needed by the members of the family planning to live in the United Kingdom. If you are an expatriate you are allowed to sponsor your spouse and your dependent children provided you have a valid work permit and your salary meets certain thresholds. However, you will need to provide several documents, including:
- A copy of your work visa
- Proof of your relationship (marriage and birth certificates)
- Passports of all family members
- Proof of income to demonstrate you can support your family
Bear in mind that it will take a few weeks or even months to have necessary visas for a stay in another country, so your family members’ visas should be arranged as early as possible. It is a no brainer that you should contact your nearest embassy as well as the government of Oman to find out the latest rules on visas.
Finding the Right International Movers in Oman
Having determined your visa needs, your next step is to figure out the actual moving process step by step. Searching for the best international moving Oman has to offer is key to guaranteeing a successful move. There are many moving companies out there which makes it important to hire a reputable, experienced, and capable mover that will tackle the services you need.
When selecting international movers Oman, consider the following factors:
- Experience and Expertise: Companies with experience moving internationally and moving families to Oman will be chosen. Moving the whole household, where family members might be involved, should be planned well and carried out by experts.
- Comprehensive Services: The best international moving companies will present a comprehensive set of services, including packing, transportation, customs clearance, and unpacking. Select a company that provides end-to-end services so you do not have to care about much.
- Insurance Coverage: Ensure that the mover has insurance, which will then help cover any item that is damaged or lost during the move. This is especially with some of the valuables that you have to move over, such as furniture, electronics, and personal belongings.
Ensure that you get quotes from several international movers Oman, and you do a comparison of their services, costs, and reviews as you look forward to getting the best available option for your family.
Securing Housing in Oman
Another important consideration going to Oman that you ought to consider is to find a house for your family. There are different types of accommodation one can get in Oman such as apartments, villas, and compounds but the decision depends with your family type and money factor.
Popular Areas for Expat Families
- Muscat: Capital city of Oman, and a well-liked destination for expatriates. Modern apartments and space-expanding villas are available, along with many international schools and healthcare facilities.
- Seeb: Seeb is a suburb that lies closer to Muscat. It offers quiet, suburb-type lifestyles with access to parks, school buildings, and shopping centers for families.
- Al Mouj: Known for its high-end gated communities, Al Mouj best suits if you desire safety, convenience, and proximity to the beach for your family.
Renting vs. Buying
Control of property for residents is still limited in Oman and as a result, most expatriate workers frequently choose to rent. While renting, one has to ensure they read the lease agreement carefully and should also have a surplus knowledge of the rental laws in Oman. Tape is generally made in advance, and it is appropriate for a certain number of months often prior to the lease.
Other factors include how close you will be to work, children’s schools, hospitals, and shopping malls when deciding on the neighborhood. People in Oman have the quality of life depending upon where they are living, so it is better to make some research before coming to Oman.
Finding Schools for Your Children
To the families that are relocating to Oman education is well valued. Luckily, it has several quality international schools for expatriates in the country thanks of the numerous educational institutions. They tend to use courses of study from the UK, US, or other countries, and provide good academic, athletic, and non-academic amenities.
Popular International Schools in Oman
- The American International School of Muscat (TAISM): This school follows an American curriculum and offers education from kindergarten through high school.
- British School Muscat: A popular choice for British expatriates, this school follows the British curriculum and offers education from pre-school to Year 13.
- ABA Oman International School: ABA follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and offers an internationally recognized curriculum.
Application Process
Due to the tough competition for international schools in Oman, you should submit your applications early enough. It’s important to have school transcripts, recommendations, and average interactions such as taking an entrance exam or schedule interview. schooling can also prove very expensive, therefore, while choosing your school make sure that it is affordable in terms of tuition fees.
Healthcare in Oman
Another factor is the health care system for you and your family when you be planning on moving to Oman. The public health facilities in Oman are relatively organized and developed and also there is access to private healthcare facilities. The private healthcare is preferred by expatriates because this sector operates faster and the staff are also fluent in English.
You should make sure that you have full medical insurance for your family members prior to relocation. Some employers may allow for health insurance as part of their relocation package, but if they do not, health insurance can be bought on your own.
Oman has several private hospitals and clinics that provide high-quality care, including:
- Muscat Private Hospital
- Aster Al Raffah Hospital
- Starcare Hospital
It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the healthcare facilities in your area and register your family members with a doctor soon after you arrive.
Understanding Omani Culture and Lifestyle
One of the most exciting aspects of moving to Oman is immersing yourself in its culture and lifestyle. Omanis are known for their hospitality, and the country has a rich heritage that blends modernity with tradition.
However, there are cultural norms and customs that expatriates should be aware of:
- Dress Code: Oman is a conservative country, and it’s important to dress modestly, especially in public places. Women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, and men should also dress conservatively.
- Respect for Religion: Oman is a Muslim-majority country, and Islam plays a significant role in daily life. Be mindful of prayer times, especially during Ramadan, when eating or drinking in public is prohibited during daylight hours.
- Family-Oriented Society: Oman is a family-centric society, and children are highly valued. This makes it an ideal destination for families, as you will find many family-friendly events, parks, and facilities.
By embracing the local customs and respecting the Omani way of life, you can smoothly integrate into society and build meaningful relationships with locals.
Financial Considerations
Moving to a new country requires careful financial planning. You will need to account for the cost of living in Oman, which can vary based on your lifestyle and location. Some key financial considerations include:
- Housing Costs: Accommodation could be one of your biggest costs and in the busy areas like Muscat, the rent is many times higher than in other parts of the country.
- School Fees: Some of the best international schools can be found in Oman but most of them charge fairly high tuition fees.
- Healthcare Costs: Expenses of private healthcare in Oman may be high so always check your health insurance for possible costs.
- Daily Expenses: The essential costs for groceries, transportation, and utilities are comparatively cheap, but you should prepare for expenses in these categories.
Conclusion
It is always interesting to relocate to Oman with your family for improved living standard and quality assorted opportunities. If you manage to make those crucial preparations, select the best Oman based international moving companies, and take into account all the necessary aspects concerning housing, schools, health care, and finance of the new country, the moving process will not pose any serious problem for your family.
To make the whole process even easier, go through best international movers Oman like HelpXpat – we are offering full comprehensive service for families going to Oman. From obtaining visa to selecting the right home, school, and healthcare provider, HelpXpat makes moving overseas hassle-free to help you embrace the Omani way of life. New journey should always be taken with proper preparation, time for research, rely on experienced partners to maximize on it.