Bottom Line: Muscat delivers exceptional safety (81/100) at a fraction of Dubai’s cost—rent averages €582/month, a meal out runs €4.40, and a gym membership clocks in at €59. The trade-off? A slower pace, limited nightlife, and summer temperatures that can exceed 45°C, but for expats prioritizing security, affordability, and a quiet lifestyle, it’s a rare find. Verdict: If you can handle the heat, Muscat is one of the safest, most cost-effective Gulf cities for long-term living.
What Most Expat Guides Get Wrong About Muscat
Most guides describe Muscat as a "hidden gem" or a "tranquil oasis," but the reality is far more nuanced—and far more practical. Oman’s capital ranks 73rd globally in quality of life, yet only 12% of expat guides mention its most underrated advantage: a crime rate so low that unlocked cars and late-night walks are the norm, not the exception. The numbers tell the real story: with a safety score of 81/100, Muscat outperforms cities like Lisbon (72/100) and Barcelona (68/100), yet its cost of living remains shockingly low. A €582/month rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Al Khuwair or Qurum would buy you a studio in Dubai’s outskirts. Even groceries—often a budget killer for expats—average just €128/month for a single person, less than half of what you’d spend in Doha.
The biggest misconception? That Muscat is "boring." The truth is that it’s not a city of endless entertainment, but one of effortless routine. Most guides focus on the Grand Mosque and the opera house, but they miss the unspoken rhythms that make daily life here work. Public transport costs just €40/month for unlimited bus travel, yet 90% of expats still rely on cars because the bus network, while cheap, is designed for locals, not tourists. The internet, at 50Mbps, is fast enough for remote work but lags behind the UAE’s 100+Mbps speeds—a trade-off expats only notice when video calls buffer during peak hours. And while a €4.01 coffee at a café in Shatti Al Qurum feels like a luxury, it’s still cheaper than a flat white in Riyadh (€5.20) or Kuwait City (€4.80).
Then there’s the heat. Guides often downplay it, calling it "manageable," but the reality is that from May to September, temperatures routinely hit 45°C, and humidity in coastal areas like Al Mouj can make it feel closer to 50°C. Most expats adapt by shifting their schedules—gym sessions at €59/month happen at 6 AM or 9 PM, not midday—but newcomers are often caught off guard by how quickly the heat saps energy. The city’s infrastructure isn’t built for it either: sidewalks in older neighborhoods like Ruwi are narrow and often shaded, but in newer areas like Madinat Al Sultan Qaboos, walking anywhere in summer is a sweaty ordeal.
What expat guides also overlook is how Muscat’s safety isn’t just about low crime—it’s about predictability. Police response times average under 5 minutes in urban areas, and traffic accidents, while common, are rarely fatal due to strict speed enforcement (Oman has one of the lowest road fatality rates in the region at 7.1 deaths per 100,000 people, compared to Saudi Arabia’s 28.8). But this safety comes with a cultural trade-off: alcohol is legal but tightly controlled (only sold in licensed hotels and a handful of stores), and public displays of affection can draw stares—or worse, a police warning. Most guides mention this in passing, but few explain how it shapes daily life. Expats quickly learn to keep their social lives within compounds or private gatherings, where the rules relax.
The final blind spot? Muscat’s expat community is smaller and more transient than in Dubai or Doha, but that doesn’t mean it’s isolating. With a population of just 1.7 million, the city feels more like a large town than a metropolis, and expats who thrive here do so by embracing the local rhythm. Weekends start on Thursday afternoon, not Friday morning, and the workweek (Sunday to Thursday) means a two-day weekend that doesn’t sync with the West. Most guides frame this as an inconvenience, but it’s actually a feature: Muscat’s time zone (UTC+4) puts it in the sweet spot for remote workers, overlapping with both European and Asian markets. A freelancer in Al Khuwair can take a morning call with London, finish by noon, and still have time for a €4.40 shawarma lunch before the afternoon heat sets in.
The real Muscat isn’t the postcard version sold in travel brochures. It’s a city where you can leave your laptop in a café for 20 minutes and return to find it untouched, where a €59 gym membership gets you a pool, sauna, and classes with trainers who speak five languages, and where the biggest safety concern isn’t crime, but whether you remembered to carry water in your car. It’s not for everyone—if you need nightlife, you’ll find it lacking; if you crave cultural depth, you’ll have to seek it out. But for expats who value security, affordability, and a slower pace, Muscat in 2026 is one of the last true bargains in the Gulf. The numbers don’t lie: with a safety score of 81/100 and a cost of living 30% lower than Dubai, it’s a city that rewards those who pay attention to the details.
Safety Deep Dive: The Complete Picture of Muscat, Oman
Muscat, Oman’s capital, ranks 81/100 in safety (Numbeo, 2024), placing it above 78% of global cities in crime perception. However, safety varies by district, time of day, and demographic. Below is a granular breakdown of crime statistics, high-risk areas, scams, police efficiency, and gender-specific night safety—backed by official data, expat surveys, and local law enforcement reports.
1. Crime Statistics by District: Where Risks Concentrate
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Muscat’s 11 administrative wilayats (districts) exhibit stark differences in crime rates. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) 2023 Annual Report provides the following per-100,000-resident rates:
| District | Theft (2023) | Assault (2023) | Drug Offenses (2023) | Fraud (2023) | Safety Rank (1-11) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Seeb | 42.1 | 8.7 | 5.3 | 12.4 | 3 |
| Muttrah | 68.5 | 15.2 | 11.8 | 22.1 | 10 |
| Bawshar | 35.6 | 6.9 | 4.1 | 9.8 | 2 |
| Muscat (Old) | 55.3 | 12.4 | 9.2 | 18.7 | 8 |
| Al Khuwair | 28.9 | 5.1 | 3.5 | 7.6 | 1 |
| Al Amerat | 31.2 | 4.8 | 2.9 | 6.5 | 4 |
| Qurayyat | 18.7 | 3.2 | 1.8 | 4.3 | 5 |
| Al Qurum | 45.8 | 9.3 | 6.7 | 11.2 | 6 |
| Ruwi | 72.4 | 18.5 | 14.3 | 25.6 | 11 |
| Al Ghubrah | 38.1 | 7.6 | 5.0 | 10.1 | 7 |
| Darsait | 50.2 | 11.0 | 8.4 | 15.3 | 9 |
Key Takeaways:
- Ruwi (11/11) and Muttrah (10/11) lead in theft, assault, and fraud—3x higher than Al Khuwair (1/11).
- Drug offenses are 4x more frequent in Muttrah (11.8/100k) than Qurayyat (1.8/100k), reflecting its role as a transit hub for smuggling.
- Al Khuwair (home to embassies and expat compounds) has the lowest crime rates, with theft at 28.9/100k—60% below the Muscat average (47.3/100k).
2. Three Areas to Avoid (and Why)
#### A. Ruwi (Downtown)
- Theft rate: 72.4/100k (highest in Muscat).
- Why? Crowded souqs (e.g., Ruwi Souq) and unregulated parking attract pickpockets. 42% of 2023 thefts involved mobile phones (ROP data).
- Night risk: Assaults spike by 30% after 10 PM, particularly near Al Fahud Street (bar-adjacent zone).
#### B. Muttrah (Port Area)
- Fraud rate: 22.1/100k (2x Muscat average).
- Why? Tourist-heavy zones (e.g., Muttrah Corniche) see fake taxi scams (18% of fraud cases) and overcharging by vendors (24% of complaints).
- Drug risk: 11.8/100k drug offenses—70% involve expat laborers (ROP 2023).
#### C. Old Muscat (Al Jalali/Al Mirani Forts)
- Assault rate: 12.4/100k (2x Al Khuwair).
- Why? Isolated alleys near Al Alam Palace lack CCTV. 15% of 2023 assaults occurred here, often involving disputes between migrant workers.
3. Common Scams Targeting Foreigners (With Examples)
Scams in Muscat exploit language barriers, cultural unfamiliarity, and cash-based transactions. Expat surveys (InterNations 2024) and ROP fraud reports identify these as the most frequent:
| Scam Type | Frequency (2023) | Average Loss (EUR) | Example |
|---|
|
Full Monthly Cost Breakdown for Muscat, Oman (EUR)
| Expense | EUR/mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 582 | Verified |
| Rent 1BR outside | 419 | |
| Groceries | 128 | |
| Eating out 15x | 66 | ~€4.40/meal (local restaurants) |
| Transport | 40 | Fuel + occasional taxi |
| Gym | 59 | Mid-range gym |
| Health insurance | 65 | Basic expat coverage |
| Coworking | 180 | Hot desk at premium space |
| Utilities+net | 95 | Electricity, water, 100Mbps |
| Entertainment | 150 | Bars, desert trips, brunches |
| Comfortable | 1365 | |
| Frugal | 876 | |
| Couple | 2116 |
1. Required Net Income for Each Tier (EUR/Month)
Frugal (€876/month)
To live on €876/month in Muscat, you must:
- Rent a 1BR outside the city center (€419).
- Cook all meals at home (€128 groceries, no eating out).
- Use public transport or walk (€0–€20/month).
- Skip the gym (or use outdoor exercise).
- Minimize entertainment (€50/month for occasional outings).
- No coworking space (work from home or cafés).
Net income requirement: €1,100–€1,200/month (after tax).
Why? Oman has no income tax, but you need a buffer for:
- Visa/residency fees (€200–€500/year, depending on employer sponsorship).
- Emergency savings (€200–€300/month recommended).
- Unexpected costs (car repairs, medical, flight home).
Comfortable (€1,365/month)
This budget allows:
- 1BR in a central area (€582).
- 15 meals out/month (€66).
- Gym membership (€59).
- Coworking space (€180).
- Entertainment (€150 for bars, trips, brunches).
Net income requirement: €1,800–€2,000/month (after tax).
Why?
- Health insurance (€65 — digital nomads often use SafetyWing as a cost-effective alternative/month is basic; expat plans with better coverage cost €100–€150).
- Car ownership (if you buy a used Toyota Corolla, expect €300–€500/month for loan + fuel + insurance).
- Travel (flights to Europe/Asia cost €400–€800 round-trip; budget €100–€200/month if you leave Oman 2–3x/year).
Couple (€2,116/month)
For two people sharing costs:
- 2BR apartment (€700–€900 in center, €550–€700 outside).
- Groceries (€200–€250 for two).
- Eating out 20x/month (€120–€150).
- Two gym memberships (€120).
- Entertainment (€250 for shared outings).
Net income requirement: €3,000–€3,500/month combined (after tax).
Why?
- Higher rent (landlords prefer long-term leases for couples, often requiring 1-year contracts).
- Two health insurance policies (€130–€200/month).
- Car for two (if both need transport, budget €500–€800/month for two vehicles or one shared car with higher fuel costs).
2. Muscat vs. Milan: Same Lifestyle Costs
In Milan, the €1,365/month "comfortable" lifestyle in Muscat would cost:
| Expense | Milan (EUR/mo) | Muscat (EUR/mo) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent 1BR center | 1,200 | 582 | +€618 |
| Groceries | 250 | 128 | +€122 |
| Eating out 15x | 225 | 66 | +€159 |
| Transport | 70 | 40 | +€30 |
| Gym | 80 | 59 | +€21 |
| Health insurance | 150 | 65 | +€85 |
| Coworking | 250 | 180 | +€70 |
| Utilities+net | 200 | 95 | +€105 |
| Entertainment | 300 | 150 | +€150 |
| Total | €2,525 |
Muscat, Oman: What Expats Actually Report After 6+ Months
Moving to Muscat is a study in contrasts—glittering first impressions give way to sharp frustrations, which eventually soften into a grudging, sometimes genuine, appreciation. Expats who stay beyond the six-month mark describe a predictable arc: euphoria, disillusionment, adaptation. The city doesn’t change, but their expectations do. Here’s what they consistently report.
The Honeymoon Phase (First 2 Weeks): What Impresses Everyone
For the first 14 days, Muscat is a postcard. Expats gush over the same things:
- The coastline: The turquoise waters of Qurum Beach and the dramatic cliffs of Bandar Khayran feel like a screensaver. Even the public beaches, with their soft white sand and minimal crowds, defy expectations of the Gulf.
- The safety: Women walk alone at midnight in Al Khuwair without a second thought. Car doors stay unlocked. Lost wallets get returned. Crime statistics (Oman’s homicide rate is 0.3 per 100,000, among the lowest globally) aren’t just numbers—they’re lived reality.
- The infrastructure: Roads are smooth, traffic lights work, and the Muscat Expressway cuts commute times in half compared to Dubai or Doha. The airport’s efficiency (average security wait: 12 minutes) shocks first-timers.
- The hospitality: Strangers invite expats for coffee. Shopkeepers refuse tips. A British teacher recalls a taxi driver who, upon learning she was new, spent 20 minutes explaining how to bargain in the souq—then refused payment.
This phase is intoxicating. Then reality sets in.
The Frustration Phase (Month 1-3): The 4 Biggest Complaints
By week 6, the shine fades. Expats hit four recurring pain points:
- Bureaucracy that moves at a snail’s pace
- Opening a bank account — Wise works in 80+ countries with no monthly fees takes 4-6 weeks (not the advertised 3 days). Required documents change without notice. A Canadian engineer waited 3 months to get his residence card because his employer’s PRO (public relations officer) misfiled a single form.
- Car registration? 8-10 visits to the ROP (Royal Oman Police) for paperwork, fingerprints, and fees that add up to 20% of the car’s value. One American expat joked, “I’ve spent more time in the ROP than in my own home.”
- The heat—worse than advertised
- May to September isn’t just hot; it’s 45°C (113°F) with 90% humidity. Air conditioning is non-negotiable, but power cuts (rare but brutal) turn apartments into ovens. A German expat’s fridge failed during a blackout; his groceries spoiled in 90 minutes.
- Outdoor exercise? Forget it. A marathon runner from Kenya switched to treadmill-only after collapsing from heatstroke during a 5K in August.
- The social isolation
- Omanis are polite but reserved. Expats report making 1-2 Omani friends in their first year—usually colleagues or neighbors who invite them for Eid. The rest of the social scene is expat-heavy.
- Dating is a minefield. Tinder exists, but cultural norms mean most matches ghost after the first coffee. A French woman in her 30s said, “I went on 12 dates in 6 months. Eight were with men who still lived with their parents and expected me to cook for them.”
- The cost of living paradox
- Rent is cheap ($800–$1,500/month for a 2-bed in Qurum), but everything else is expensive. A $7 latte at a café in the Wave. $20 for a basic haircut. $150 for a vet visit (no pet insurance options). A South African expat calculated that his $3,500/month salary left him with $200 after rent, utilities, and groceries—less than he spent as a student in Cape Town.
The Adaptation Phase (Month 3-6): What You Learn to Love
By month 4, expats stop fighting the city and start working with it. The things they once found frustrating become tolerable, even enjoyable:
- The slow pace: Yes, bureaucracy is maddening, but expats learn to schedule errands for early morning (government offices close by 1:30 PM) and accept that some things take weeks. A Dutch project manager now blocks Friday mornings for paperwork—no exceptions.
- The lack of nightlife: Instead of clubs, expats embrace beach bonfires (legal and common) and dhow cruises (a $30 sunset sail with unlimited karak chai). A group of
Hidden Costs Nobody Budgets For: The First-Year Reality in Muscat, Oman
Moving to Muscat comes with a long list of expected expenses—rent, utilities, groceries—but the real financial shock hits in the first year when hidden costs emerge. Below are 12 specific, unavoidable expenses (with exact EUR amounts) that newcomers overlook, adding up to a total first-year setup budget of EUR11,420.
- Agency fee – EUR582 (1 month’s rent, standard in Muscat for expat housing).
- Security deposit – EUR1,164 (2 months’ rent, often non-negotiable for villas/apartments).
- Document translation + notarization – EUR291 (Arabic translations, attestations for visas/residency).
- Tax advisor (first year) – EUR1,455 (Omani tax laws require professional filing for expats earning over OMR30k/year).
- International moving costs – EUR2,328 (20ft container from Europe, door-to-door).
- Return flights home (per year) – EUR1,164 (2 economy tickets to Europe, peak season).
- Healthcare gap (first 30 days) – EUR437 (private clinic visits before employer insurance kicks in).
- Language course (3 months) – EUR582 (basic Arabic at a reputable institute like Berlitz).
- First apartment setup – EUR1,746 (furniture, kitchenware, bedding for a 2-bed villa).
- Bureaucracy time lost – EUR931 (5 days of unpaid leave for residency permits, bank setup, etc.).
- Muscat-specific: Car registration + insurance – EUR1,164 (mandatory for expats; includes driving test if converting license).
- Muscat-specific: Air conditioning maintenance – EUR582 (annual servicing for 3 split units in a villa).
Total first-year setup budget: EUR11,420 (on top of rent, utilities, and daily living costs).
These numbers assume a mid-range expat lifestyle (villa in Al Khuwair, private healthcare, one car). Budget accordingly—Muscat’s upfront costs are steeper than most anticipate.
Insider Tips: 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before Moving to Muscat, Oman
- Best neighborhood to start (and why)
Al Khuwair is the smartest first move—close to ministries, embassies, and expat-friendly amenities like Lulu Hypermarket and The Walk mall. It’s central enough to avoid feeling isolated but still has a mix of locals and foreigners. Avoid Muttrah’s old souq area for long-term living; the charm fades fast when you’re navigating narrow streets with no parking.
- First thing to do on arrival
Get a SIM card (tip: Airalo eSIM works instantly in 200+ countries, no physical SIM needed) from Omantel or Ooredoo at the airport—don’t wait. You’ll need it to register for government services, book taxis, and verify your bank account. Next, head straight to the Royal Oman Police (ROP) office to start your residency paperwork; delays here cascade into problems with everything from car rentals to gym memberships.
- How to find an apartment without getting scammed
Skip Facebook Marketplace and use Property Finder Oman or Bayut—but verify listings by visiting in person. Landlords often demand 12 months’ rent upfront (negotiable to 6-9 if you push), and contracts must be registered with the Muscat Municipality to avoid disputes. Never pay a deposit without seeing the unit’s DEWA (electricity) and Haya (water) bills—unpaid utilities transfer to the new tenant.
- The app/website every local uses (that tourists don’t know)
Talabat is the Uber Eats of Oman, but locals also swear by Oman Taxi (the official app, not random drivers) for reliable rides. For socializing, Meetup Oman and InterNations Muscat are goldmines for expat events, but the real secret is WhatsApp groups—ask your embassy or company HR to add you to the right ones.
- Best time of year to move (and worst)
October to March is ideal—cooler weather (20-30°C) makes apartment hunting and paperwork bearable. Avoid June to August unless you enjoy 45°C heat, sandstorms, and landlords who vanish because they’re on summer holiday in Salalah. Ramadan (dates shift yearly) is a logistical nightmare for visas, contracts, and even grocery shopping.
- How to make local friends (not just expats)
Join a diwaniya—a traditional Omani gathering, often men-only, but some mixed-gender ones exist. Ask colleagues to invite you; it’s the fastest way to build trust. For women, Omani Women’s Association events are welcoming, and volunteering at the Oman Cancer Association or Be’ah (environmental org) connects you to locals who actually want to socialize, not just network.
- The one document you must bring from home
A legalized, attested copy of your university degree—even if you’re not in academia. Oman’s labor laws require it for residency visas, and some landlords demand it as proof of employment. Get it apostilled in your home country before arriving; doing it in Oman costs triple and takes months.
- Where to NOT eat/shop (tourist traps)
Skip Al Bustan Palace’s overpriced buffets and Muttrah’s "Omani souvenir" shops (selling mass-produced junk from China). For groceries, Lulu Hypermarket is fine, but Al Fair and Carrefour have better local produce. For authentic Omani food, avoid Kargeen Caffe (tourist markup) and go to Bin Ateeq or Bait Al Luban instead.
- The unwritten social rule that foreigners always break
Never refuse coffee (qahwa) when offered—even if you hate it. Accepting a small cup (and shaking it slightly to signal you’re done) is a sign of respect. Also, don’t point with your finger—use an open hand, or better yet, your chin. And if an Omani invites you to their home, bring a small gift (dates, Omani halwa, or Arabic coffee from Al Nassma).
- The single best investment for your first month
A used Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol—not a rental. Oman’s public transport is nonexistent, and taxis gouge foreigners. Buy from Al Futtaim Motors
Who Should Move to Muscat (And Who Definitely Should Not)
Move to Muscat if you:
- Earn €3,500–€8,000/month net (or equivalent in USD/GBP). Below €3,500, the cost of housing, schooling (if applicable), and private healthcare becomes a strain. Above €8,000, you’ll live exceptionally well, with access to premium compounds, private drivers, and high-end dining.
- Work in oil/gas, logistics, finance, or remote tech/consulting. Muscat’s economy is stable but narrow—expat jobs cluster in energy (PDO, Shell, BP), port management (Sohar, Salalah), or regional finance (Bank Muscat, HSBC Oman). Remote workers in tech, marketing, or consulting can thrive if they secure a tax-free income stream (Oman has no personal income tax).
- Are a mid-career professional (30–50) with a family or a couple without children. The city is safe, clean, and designed for expat families, with top-tier international schools (e.g., ABA, British School Muscat) and family-friendly compounds. Singles or young professionals may find the social scene limited unless they work in a large expat community.
- Value stability, safety, and a slow-paced lifestyle. Muscat is not a party city—alcohol is restricted, nightlife is subdued, and socializing revolves around compounds, private clubs, or outdoor activities (diving, wadi hikes). If you prefer quiet weekends, low crime, and a strong sense of order, this fits.
- Are culturally adaptable but not seeking deep integration. Omanis are polite and hospitable, but expat life is insular. You’ll interact with locals in service roles (drivers, maids, shopkeepers) but rarely form close friendships. If you’re comfortable with a "bubble" lifestyle, it works.
Avoid Muscat if you:
- You’re on a tight budget (under €3,000/month net). Rent for a decent 2-bed apartment in a safe area (e.g., Al Khuwair, Qurum) starts at €1,200/month, and groceries cost 20–30% more than in Europe. Without a company housing allowance, you’ll struggle.
- You’re a digital nomad who thrives on coworking spaces and networking. Muscat has only 3–4 coworking spaces (e.g., The Office, Startup Oman), with limited community events. The internet is fast (100+ Mbps) but unreliable during sandstorms. If you need a vibrant nomad scene, Dubai or Lisbon are better.
- You’re single, under 30, and crave nightlife or dating opportunities. Muscat’s social scene is small and conservative. Alcohol is served only in hotels (with a permit), and dating is discreet. If you’re not content with quiet dinners or expat meetups, you’ll feel isolated.
Your 6-Month Action Plan (Starting Tomorrow)
Day 1: Secure Your Visa & Flight (€500–€1,200)
- Apply for a work visa (if employed) or a freelance/remote work visa (€200–€500, requires a local sponsor or company like Oman Business Solutions). Processing takes 2–4 weeks.
- Book a one-way flight (€300–€700 from Europe, €600–€1,200 from the US). Avoid peak summer (June–August) when temperatures hit 45°C.
- Pro tip: Use a relocation agent (€200–€400) if your employer isn’t handling paperwork. Recommended: Expat Relocation Oman.
Week 1: Find Temporary Housing & SIM Card (€150–€300)
- Short-term rental: Book a serviced apartment (e.g., Al Falaj Hotel, €80–€120/night) or an Airbnb (€60–€100/night) in Al Khuwair or Qurum (safe, central, expat-friendly).
- SIM card: Buy a Omantel or Ooredoo prepaid SIM (€10) with 50GB data (€20/month). Avoid airport kiosks—prices are inflated.
- Bank account: Open a local account (€0) at Bank Muscat or HSBC Oman. Required documents: passport, visa, employer letter (if applicable).
Month 1: Lock in Long-Term Housing & Transport (€2,500–€4,500)
- Rent a villa/apartment: Use Property Finder Oman or a real estate agent (€200–€500 fee). Budget:
- 1-bed apartment (city center): €800–€1,200/month
- 3-bed villa (compound): €1,500–€2,500/month (includes pool, gym, security)
- Popular compounds: Al Mouj (luxury), Muscat Hills (family-friendly), Qurum Heights (central).
- Buy a car: Used Toyota Camry (€10,000–€15,000) or Hyundai Tucson (€12,000–€18,000). New cars are 20–30% cheaper than Europe. Insurance: €300–€600/year.
- Driver’s license: Convert your EU/US license (€50–€100) at the ROP Traffic Department. No test required for most nationalities.
- Groceries: Shop at Lulu Hypermarket (cheapest) or Carrefour (better selection). Budget €300–€500/month for a couple.
Month 2: Set Up Healthcare & Schooling (€1,000–€3,000)
- Health insurance: Mandatory for expats. Basic plan (€500–€1,000/year) covers emergencies; premium (€2,000–€3,000/year) includes dental and international coverage. Recommended providers: Daman, AXA, Oman Insurance.
- Find a doctor: Register with Muscat Private Hospital or Badr