Is crypto legal in Oman?

Crypto is not illegal in Oman, but it sits in a grey zone between central bank warnings and a newer registration regime for crypto firms. The Central Bank of Oman (CBO) says crypto is not legal tender and that people who use it do so at their own risk. As of October 2026, the Financial Services Authority (FSA) handles registration of crypto service providers.

Is bitcoin legal in Oman?

Owning bitcoin is not banned, but it has no official status as money. In a May 2020 notice, the CBO warned citizens and residents about using, holding or trading cryptocurrencies. It said it had not licensed any company to run such schemes and that Banking Law 114/2000 does not treat cryptocurrencies as legal tender. It warned that users could lose their money through price swings or fraud.

In October 2022, the CBO repeated that it had not licensed any bank or agency to trade crypto in Oman, and that banking law protections do not cover digital currencies. It also cautioned against Ponzi-style schemes promising large returns.

Is crypto trading legal in Oman?

Crypto businesses face a registration duty. Under Decision No. E/35/2023, companies in Oman, and individuals with a place of business there, that offer crypto exchange, transfer or custody services must register as virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and meet anti-money laundering rules. The decision bans virtual assets designed to hide who sent a transaction. The CBO still controls payments.

The rules were first issued by the Capital Market Authority. Royal Decree 20/2024, in force from March 25, 2024, replaced that body with the FSA. Before the change, the Capital Market Authority opened a consultation on a broader Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework in July 2023 to cover licensing and supervision of the whole sector. Check the FSA for its current status. Anti-money laundering rules for crypto firms are explained in crypto anti-money laundering rules.

Is cryptocurrency legal in Oman for foreigners?

The CBO's 2020 warning was addressed to both citizens and residents, and it did not set separate rules for foreigners. Anyone dealing in crypto does so at their own risk. Foreigners who run a crypto service business from Oman would fall under the same FSA registration rules as locals.

Is crypto mining legal in Oman?

Mining has official support. In August 2023, Oman's Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology launched a $370 million data hosting and crypto mining centre in Salalah, developed by Exahertz International. Its first phase had about 11 MW of capacity. For how other countries treat mining, see is crypto mining legal, and for a neighbouring market see how crypto is regulated in the UAE.

Rules differ by country and change often. Check the regulator or a qualified professional for your own situation.