Cultural Visa: Oman’s New Offer for Global Artists
Oman has launched a new Cultural Visa and Cultural Residence Permit aimed at attracting international artists, researchers, and creative professionals as part of its broader Vision 2040 strategy to strengthen the cultural and creative industries.
The initiative, implemented under Decision No. 156/2025, came into effect on 10 November 2025 and introduces long-term visas with validity options of 1, 5, or 10 years. The visa must be activated within three months of issuance.
The scheme is open to individuals travelling to Oman for cultural activities such as artistic training, research collaborations, literary conferences, cultural festivals, exhibitions, and academic projects. Applicants are required to be sponsored by an approved Omani entity, including cultural centres, academic institutions, or the Ministry of Culture itself. The sponsor will remain responsible for the individual during their stay.
A separate Cultural Joining Visa or Cultural Joining Residence is available for spouses and first-degree relatives, allowing families to accompany the main visa holder. Fees have been set at 50 Omani Rials per year for the primary visa and 10 to 50 Omani Rials per year for dependants, depending on the duration.
Officials say the move is designed to bring global talent into Oman, promote knowledge exchange, and position the country as an emerging hub for creativity, cultural dialogue, and international collaboration. The low-cost, long-duration structure is expected to encourage foreign professionals to engage in long-term projects and contribute to the nation’s cultural development.