VAT Calculator — Gulf Countries
VAT (Value Added Tax) is applied across Gulf countries. Oman implemented 5% VAT in April 2021 on most goods and services. This calculator supports 6 GCC countries and lets you add VAT to or extract it from any amount.
| Country | VAT % | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| 🇴🇲 Oman | 5% | April 2021 |
| 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia | 15% | July 2020 |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | 5% | January 2018 |
| 🇧🇭 Bahrain | 10% | January 2019 |
| 🇶🇦 Qatar | Not applied * | — |
| 🇰🇼 Kuwait | Not applied * | — |
⚠️ These figures are for informational purposes — always verify with official tax authorities.
The Sultanate of Oman implemented VAT at 5% from April 2021, applied to most goods and services in the Omani market.
VAT-exempt categories in Oman:
- Basic foodstuffs (wheat, rice, milk, bread, etc.)
- Healthcare services and licensed medications
- Educational services in accredited institutions
- Residential property rental
- Financial and banking services
Competent authority: Tax Authority — taa.gov.om | Last updated: August 2026
Pre-tax amount → Total after adding VAT by country
| Amount | 🇴🇲 Oman 5% | 🇦🇪 UAE 5% | 🇧🇭 Bahrain 10% | 🇸🇦 Saudi 15% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | 105 | 105 | 110 | 115 |
| 500 | 525 | 525 | 550 | 575 |
| 1,000 | 1,050 | 1,050 | 1,100 | 1,150 |
| 2,000 | 2,100 | 2,100 | 2,200 | 2,300 |
| 5,000 | 5,250 | 5,250 | 5,500 | 5,750 |
| 10,000 | 10,500 | 10,500 | 11,000 | 11,500 |
Amounts in each country local currency. * Qatar and Kuwait have not yet implemented VAT.
What is VAT (Value Added Tax)?
VAT is an indirect tax applied to most goods and services. It is paid by the end consumer and collected by businesses on behalf of the government.
How do I calculate 5% VAT on an amount?
Multiply the amount by 0.05. Example: 100 × 0.05 = 5 tax. Total = 105.
How do I extract VAT from a VAT-inclusive amount?
Divide the inclusive amount by (1 + tax rate). Example: 105 ÷ 1.05 = 100 (before tax). Tax = 5.
Which goods are VAT-exempt in Oman?
VAT-exempt items include: basic foodstuffs, healthcare and medicines, educational services, residential rental, and financial services.
Why is Saudi Arabia's VAT rate 15% instead of 5%?
Saudi Arabia raised its VAT from 5% to 15% in July 2020 due to fiscal pressures from COVID-19 and lower oil prices. Oman and UAE have maintained the 5% rate.
When must a business register for VAT in Oman?
Businesses must register when annual turnover exceeds OMR 38,500. Voluntary registration from OMR 19,250. Competent authority: Tax Authority taa.gov.om.
When was VAT introduced in Oman?
Oman implemented VAT at 5% in April 2021, making it the fifth GCC country to introduce VAT, after UAE (2018), Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.
Are exports zero-rated for VAT in Oman?
Exports from Oman are zero-rated (0% VAT). Exporters do not charge VAT to foreign buyers but can reclaim any input VAT paid locally.
How to calculate VAT on a restaurant bill in Oman?
Prepared food and restaurant meals are subject to 5% VAT in Oman. Example: bill OMR 20 → VAT = 20 × 0.05 = OMR 1 → total = OMR 21. Enter the amount in the calculator above and select Oman 5% for the instant result.
Does VAT apply to salaries and wages in Oman?
No. Salaries and wages are not subject to VAT in Oman. Employment income is outside the scope of VAT. For salary calculations including SPF deduction, use the Salary Calculator.
How do I add 5% VAT to a price in Oman?
Multiply the pre-tax price by 1.05. Examples: OMR 50 × 1.05 = OMR 52.5 | OMR 200 × 1.05 = OMR 210 | OMR 1,000 × 1.05 = OMR 1,050. Use the calculator above for any amount instantly.
VAT in Gulf Countries — Rates and Zero-Rated Categories
Value Added Tax (VAT) was introduced across GCC countries at different times. The UAE and Saudi Arabia introduced 5% VAT in January 2018; Saudi Arabia raised its rate to 15% in July 2020. Oman introduced 5% VAT in April 2021. Bahrain introduced 5% in January 2019 (raised to 10% in 2022).
Adding vs. extracting VAT
- Add VAT: multiply the pre-tax price by (1 + rate). Example: 100 OMR + 5% = 105 OMR
- Extract VAT: divide the VAT-inclusive price by (1 + rate). Example: 105 ÷ 1.05 = 100 OMR pre-tax
Common zero-rated and exempt categories
Basic foods, healthcare services, residential rent, and international exports are zero-rated (0% VAT) or exempt in most GCC countries. Financial services may also be exempt. Always consult the local tax authority for definitive guidance on your specific goods or services.