Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Oman (2025 Legal Guide)
The enforcement of foreign judgments in Oman is a critical aspect of cross-border legal cooperation
Judicial Cooperation and Legal Assistance Agreement between Iran and the Sultanate of Oman
Royal Decree No. 70/2025
On 8 September 2025, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq issued Royal Decree No. 70/2025, approving and bringing into force the judicial and legal cooperation agreement between the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the enforcement of foreign judgments in Oman and its legal implications.
This agreement, signed in Muscat by both parties, covers several important areas and establishes a clear framework for legal and judicial cooperation between the two countries. It is strongly recommended, in addition to reviewing the relevant laws, to consult with an Iranian lawyer in Oman or an Iranian legal advisor in Oman to obtain proper guidance.
The long-standing relationship between Iran and Oman has now reached a level of maturity where such an agreement is both necessary and appropriate to regulate their legal interactions.
Table of Contents
- What is Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Oman?
- Enforcement of Iranian Judgments in Oman
- Conditions for Enforcement
- Why Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Matters in Oman
- How was this handled prior to the agreement?
- Conclusion
- Author
What is Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Oman?
Among the various aspects of this agreement, the enforcement of foreign judgments and judicial assistance (letters rogatory) can be considered among the most practical and significant for traders, companies, and even individuals in both countries. Through this framework, parties can pursue their claims via an Iranian lawyer in the other country or seek enforcement of judgments issued in their home jurisdiction.
Enforcement of Iranian Judgments in Oman
Suppose a judgment has been issued in your favor in Iran, or you hold an enforceable instrument, but the judgment debtor resides in Oman or holds assets there. Under this agreement, you may apply for enforcement of that judgment before the Omani courts, in accordance with local legal procedures. Conversely, an Omani national may pursue enforcement of a judgment in Iran under similar conditions.
Conditions for Enforcement
Understanding the enforcement of foreign judgments in Oman is essential for individuals and companies involved in cross-border disputes.
Why Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Matters in Oman
The enforcement of foreign judgments in Oman is particularly important for international investors, expatriates, and businesses operating across borders. As Oman continues to expand its economic and legal ties with other countries, having a clear and reliable system for recognizing foreign court decisions enhances trust and legal certainty.
For companies involved in international trade, this legal framework reduces risks associated with cross-border disputes. It ensures that contractual rights can be protected and enforced, even when disputes arise outside Oman. Likewise, individuals benefit from the ability to rely on foreign court decisions without restarting legal proceedings from scratch.
Overall, this system strengthens Oman’s position as a secure and reliable jurisdiction for international legal and commercial activities.
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You may ask: how was this handled prior to the agreement?
Previously, each country’s procedural laws provided mechanisms for the enforcement of foreign judgments:
• In Iran: Article 169 of the Civil Procedure Code
• In Oman: Article 352 of the Civil and Commercial Procedures Law and subsequent provisions
Both systems were based on the principle of reciprocity, meaning that a court would enforce a foreign judgment only if it was assured that courts of the issuing country would likewise enforce its judgments.
In practice, such cases have already been successfully handled. As noted by Mohammad Mahdi Motiee Rad, an Iranian lawyer based in Muscat, Oman, enforcement could be achieved through coordinated efforts between legal representatives in both jurisdictions, relying on reciprocity principles.
Now, with the ratification of this agreement, claimants can rely directly on Royal Decree No. 70/2025 and the text of the agreement as part of their legal submissions. Nevertheless, in accordance with general legal principles, any foreign judgment must first be recognized in the country of enforcement, after which the conditions set out in the agreement will be examined. There are additional requirements that must be satisfied for Omani courts to accept and enforce judgments issued by courts of either country. Therefore, it is essential for an Iranian lawyer based in Oman to review and assess the case thoroughly.
In conclusion, the enforcement of foreign judgments in Oman plays a vital role in international legal cooperation.
Conclusion
It is also noteworthy that in 2007, Iran and the United Arab Emirates entered into a similar judicial cooperation agreement, which significantly enhanced legal relations between the two countries. Over the years, multiple UAE judgments have been successfully enforced in Iranian courts through Iranian lawyers, including asset seizure and recovery proceedings following due legal process.
This agreement represents an important step in strengthening judicial and legal diplomacy between Oman and Iran, and it will have significant practical implications for individuals and companies in both countries.
Author
Mohammad Mahdi Motiee Rad is an Iranian lawyer based in Muscat, Oman, specializing in corporate law, contracts, and cross-border dispute resolution between Iran and Oman.
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