Getting Oman's Accounting and Auditing Certificate: What the Ministry Clarified
The Ministry of Labour confirmed that current staff, not just new hires, need the accounting and auditing certificate. Who issues it, when registration opened and who to call.
Within days of its 15 July 2025 announcement, the Ministry of Labour clarified that the Professional Classification Certificate for accounting, finance and auditing applies to people already working in these jobs, not only to new hires. From 1 September 2025, a work permit in a listed role is not issued or renewed without the certificate. To see which job titles are on the list, read our role-by-role post. We found no postponement or repeal up to 6 November 2026.
What the clarification said
The Oman Observer reported the clarification on 17 July 2025. It answered questions from institutions and professionals and confirmed three things:
- The rule covers Omani and expatriate employees currently in the sector, for both issuing and renewing permits.
- The certificate comes from the Sector Skills Unit for Accounting, Finance and Auditing, which works under the Ministry with a partner professional body.
- The rule applies to every role on the Ministry's classification list.
How to get it
Online registration was due to open on 1 August 2025. The articles we read did not publish a registration link: they said it would be shared through the Ministry's official channels. We could not find a link ourselves, so check the Ministry of Labour's announcements or call its centre on 80077000, the number given in the clarification. We also could not find a fee, an exam requirement or a processing time in any source, so ask before you plan around them.
Timing matters. In September 2025 the Ministry told companies and workers to begin certificate and licence procedures one to two months before an expatriate's residence card or an Omani's contract expires. DLA Piper words the same advice as at least two months. Start earlier if several staff renew together.
Where sources disagree
- The partner body. One Oman Observer article names the Omani Association of Certified Public Accountants. The other says the Oman Association of Chartered Accountants. We could not tell which name is correct, so confirm when you register.
- The start date. DLA Piper's summary gives 16 July 2025. The Oman Observer, Middle East Briefing and the Ministry's own clarification point to 1 September 2025, which is the date we use.
- Penalties. No source we read mentions a fine. The consequence is that the permit is not issued or renewed.
Beware of fake certificates
The Ministry has warned that certificates and licences it has not officially approved are invalid, and that forged documents lead to legal action. Obtain the certificate only through the Sector Skills Unit.
Related schemes
Engineers and logistics workers follow separate processes. See renewing an engineer's permit for a comparable step-by-step.
Frequently asked questions
Do people already employed in accounting need the certificate?
Yes. The Ministry's clarification says employees currently working in the covered roles, Omani and expatriate, must hold it for their permit to be issued or renewed.
When did registration open?
The Ministry said online registration would open on 1 August 2025, with the link to be shared on its official channels.
Is there a helpline?
The Ministry gave a call-centre number for questions: 80077000.
How early should I apply?
In September 2025 the Ministry urged starting one to two months before a residence card or contract expires. Two months is safer.