Oman expat savings system (9%)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
The Social Protection Law (Royal Decree 52/2023) creates a savings system for non-Omani workers. When it starts, it replaces the end of service gratuity that employers pay to expatriates today. This page explains what changes and gives a simple estimate.
Key facts
| Who | Non-Omani (expatriate) workers. Registration is compulsory (Article 136). |
|---|---|
| Contribution | The employer pays 9% of the monthly basic wage (Article 139). |
| Managed by | Social Protection Fund. Each worker has a personal savings account. |
| Start date | Set by the Fund's board. The latest date is 19 July 2027 (Royal Decree 60/2025). |
| Replaces | The employer end of service gratuity for non-Omani workers (Article 137). |
What happens to gratuity earned before the start date
Gratuity for service before the start date is still owed. Until the system starts, employers continue to pay gratuity under Article 61 of the Labour Law. The employer can settle the earlier service in one of two ways:
- Pay it to the worker, or
- Transfer it into the worker's savings account.
In both cases, the amount is calculated on the basic wage at the settlement date. You can estimate it with the gratuity calculator.
When the savings are paid
- When your employment ends and you do not start a new job in Oman within the period in the regulation (reported as 3 months), or when you leave Oman.
- On death (to legal heirs) or permanent disability.
- You can choose one payment or annual or monthly instalments.
- The executive regulation sets a minimum return of 2% per year. The Fund announces each year's return.
Savings system vs gratuity
| Current gratuity | Savings system | |
|---|---|---|
| Who pays | Employer, at end of service | Employer, every month |
| Amount per year | 1 month's basic wage | 9% × 12 = 1.08 months' basic wage, plus returns |
| Wage used | Last basic wage, for all years | Basic wage in each month |
| Where the money is | With the employer until paid | In your account at the Social Protection Fund |
If your basic wage rises a lot over the years, the current gratuity can give more for early years, because it uses the last wage. With a stable wage, the savings system gives slightly more, and the money is held by the Fund.
Savings estimator
Estimate only. It assumes a fixed basic salary and the 2% minimum annual return, compounded monthly. The real return is set by the Fund each year.
Calculate your own gratuity
Enter your basic salary and dates. The calculator splits old law and new law service for you.
Open the calculatorThis guide is for general information only and is not legal or financial advice. Rules can change, and the official law always prevails. Confirm your entitlement with your employer, the Ministry of Labour or a qualified lawyer before you rely on it. We accept no responsibility for any decision or loss based on this content. See the full disclaimer. Dates and rules can change by new decisions of the Social Protection Fund. Sources: Social Protection Law (Royal Decree 52/2023, Articles 136 to 144) and its executive regulation, Royal Decree 60/2025, Labour Law (Royal Decree 53/2023, Article 61).