Muscat – The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has announced a set of amendments to the Executive Regulation of the Law of Residence of Foreigners, officially introducing new categories for ‘Cultural Visas’ and ‘Cultural Residence’ aimed at fostering cultural exchange and attracting international talent to the sultanate.

Issued under ROP Decision No 156/2025 on November 2 and signed by Lt Gen Hassan bin Mohsin al Shraiqi, Inspector General of Police and Customs, the amendments are effective starting November 10.

New ‘Cultural’ categories

The key change is the creation of dedicated visa and residency pathways for foreigners entering the sultanate for cultural purposes.

1. Cultural Visa: This new entry visa will be granted by the competent authority to a foreigner coming to Oman for cultural reasons, based on the request and responsibility of the concerned body. It must be utilised within three months from the date of issuance.
2. Cultural Residence: This residence permit will be granted to the foreigner who has entered the sultanate using the new Cultural Visa.

Family unification

In a move to support cultural residents, the decision includes a provision for family reunification. The spouse and first-degree relatives (parents, children) of the main cultural resident are now eligible for a ‘Cultural Joining Visa’ and subsequent ‘Cultural Joining Residence’. This is granted upon the main resident’s request and under their responsibility.

Both the main Cultural Residence/Visa and the Cultural Joining Residence/Visa are available for flexible durations of one, five, or ten years, reflecting a long-term commitment to cultural figures and experts.

Revised fee structure

The Ministry of Finance has approved a specific fee structure for the new categories, detailed in Article 5 of the amendments:

This structure positions the fees for cultural joining visas and residence permits at a significantly reduced rate, underscoring the government’s commitment to facilitating the stay of families in the sultanate.

The amendments are seen as a strategic step to enrich Oman’s social and cultural landscape, aligning with national development goals by making the country a more appealing long-term destination for artists, scholars, and cultural contributors.