1. The Residency Tightrope
Since Oman levies no income tax, your primary tax risk is accidentally becoming an Indian Tax Resident.
2. The "Deemed Resident" Trap
Section 6(1A) of Indian IT Act
Because you are not liable to tax in Oman (due to domestic tax laws), you fit the criteria for a "Deemed Resident" of India if your Indian Income exceeds ₹15 Lakhs.
The Triggers
- • Indian Citizen.
- • Indian Sourced Income > ₹15 Lakhs.
- • Not liable to tax in Oman (0% Tax).
The Impact (RNOR)
You become Resident but Not Ordinarily Resident (RNOR).
Safe: Oman Salary remains tax-free in India.
Risk: Income from a business controlled from India becomes taxable.
3. End of Service Benefit (Gratuity)
Oman Labor Law (Article 39) mandates an End of Service Gratuity. This is often the primary retirement corpus for expats.
Calculation Rule (Basic Salary)
- First 3 Years: 15 days Basic Salary per year.
- After 3 Years: 1 Month Basic Salary per year.
- Requirement: Minimum 1 year of continuous service.
Taxability in India
If received while you are a Non-Resident, this is a capital receipt abroad and Not Taxable in India.
Receive it in your Oman bank account first.
Hypothetical Accumulation (Basic Salary: 1,000 OMR)
4. Income Stream Matrix
Oman Salary
👷Oman: 0% Tax.
India: Exempt.
NRE Interest
🏦Oman: 0% Tax (No tax on foreign income).
India: Tax-Free (Section 10(4)).
NRO / Rent
🏠Oman: 0% Tax.
India: Taxable at slab rates / TDS 30%.
The Stability Peg
The Omani Rial (OMR) is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed rate of 1 OMR ≈ 2.60 USD.
It is one of the highest-valued currency units in the world. This provides a natural hedge against INR depreciation, boosting the effective yield of your tax-free savings.