Oman Introduces New Cultural Visa for Global Artists and Researchers in 2025. Apply now!

Oman’s new Cultural Visa, introduced in 2025, is a dedicated residency pathway designed for foreign artists, researchers and cultural professionals. It allows eligible individuals to live and work in Oman for cultural, artistic or academic purposes. The visa can be issued for one, five or ten years, offering long-term stability for creative talent. It supports Oman’s broader strategy to promote cultural exchange, innovation and global collaboration. The initiative aims to position Oman as a cultural hub while encouraging professionals to contribute to the country’s growing creative and research sectors.

The Cultural Visa is open to foreign nationals involved in cultural, artistic, academic or research-driven activities. This includes artists, performers, writers, academics and scholars who intend to carry out cultural work in Oman under the sponsorship of an approved Omani cultural body. Eligibility extends to individuals invited by recognised institutions to contribute to cultural growth or knowledge exchange. Immediate family members, such as spouses and first-degree relatives, are also eligible to join the main visa holder under a separate family residence category, ensuring long-term stability and support.

Oman’s Cultural Visa offers flexible residency durations of one, five or ten years. These long-term options are intended to support meaningful cultural engagement and allow visiting artists and researchers to establish deeper connections with Oman’s creative landscape. The same validity structure applies to family-joining residence permits, enabling dependents to stay for extended periods. This flexibility highlights Oman’s commitment to attracting and retaining cultural talent and creating an environment where professionals can thrive, contribute, and participate in long-term cultural and academic initiatives.

The Cultural Visa comes with a relatively affordable fee structure. The main visa or residency permit is charged at 50 Omani Rials per year, making it accessible for long-term cultural professionals. For family members joining the main applicant—such as spouses or first-degree relatives—the fee is significantly lower at just 10 Omani Rials per year. This cost-friendly approach reinforces Oman’s commitment to supporting cultural talent and their families, making relocation easier and encouraging professionals to build lasting contributions within the Sultanate.

Yes, Oman’s Cultural Visa framework allows immediate family members to accompany the main applicant. Spouses and first-degree relatives can apply for a cultural joining visa and receive a residence permit linked to the main visa holder. This ensures families can stay together during the applicant’s cultural, artistic or academic activities in Oman. The reduced fees for dependents further encourage family inclusion. By offering a clear family-joining pathway, Oman recognises that long-term cultural engagement is best supported when professionals are able to relocate with their families.

The Cultural Visa is designed for individuals engaged in creative, cultural or academic work. Eligible applicants include artists, musicians, writers, performers, researchers, scholars, curators and other professionals contributing to cultural development or knowledge exchange. Activities such as cultural performances, exhibitions, research collaborations, artistic production and academic projects fall within the scope of the visa. The key requirement is that the applicant’s work supports Oman’s cultural ecosystem and is endorsed by a recognised Omani cultural authority or institution responsible for sponsoring their stay.

Applicants must be sponsored by a recognised cultural institution, organisation or authority within Oman. This sponsoring body is responsible for requesting the visa on behalf of the applicant and ensuring the individual’s cultural or academic activities align with national guidelines. The sponsor plays a key role in validating the purpose of the visit and supporting the applicant throughout their stay. This structured sponsorship system ensures that each Cultural Visa holder contributes meaningfully to Oman’s cultural and creative development.

Oman’s Cultural Visa programme came into effect in November 2025 under a formal regulatory amendment issued by the authorities responsible for foreign residency. This regulation introduced new visa categories for cultural professionals and established clear guidelines on validity periods, fees and family-joining provisions. The updated framework forms part of a wider effort to modernise Oman’s residency system and support the country’s long-term cultural strategy. Its introduction marks an important step in enhancing Oman’s global engagement in arts, research and creative exchange.

The Cultural Visa supports Oman’s long-term national vision to diversify its economy and promote cultural development. By inviting global artists, researchers and creative professionals, Oman aims to strengthen its cultural sector, inspire innovation and enhance international collaboration. The initiative aligns with national goals focused on boosting cultural tourism, supporting creative industries and enriching intellectual exchange. By offering long-term residency options, Oman seeks to build a vibrant cultural ecosystem that contributes to economic growth, education, heritage preservation and global cultural connectivity.

Applicants typically need to enter Oman within a set period—generally around three months—from the date their visa is issued. This timeline ensures the visa is activated promptly and prevents delays in residency processing. If the applicant does not enter within the required period, the visa may expire or require re-issuance based on the regulations. This entry deadline helps maintain proper residency records and ensures that cultural professionals arrive in time to begin their approved artistic, cultural or academic activities in Oman.