Photo credit: Curly Tales
Oman has expanded its cultural visa and residential system, broadcasting efforts to become a regional hub for the creative industries by allowing the families and first-degree relatives of foreign artists, writers, and cultural entrepreneurs to live and work in the country.
Gulf News reports that the updated system adds several vosa and residency categories under the regulations governing the entry and stay of foreigners in the country.
The move builds on the earlier 10-year cultural visa policy endorsed in 2023, signalling a major expansion of cultural openness and international collaboration.
Under the updated framework:
X Cultural vsa: Granted to foreigners entering Oman for cultural purposes, upon the request and responsibility of the relevant Omani cultural authority.
X Joining visa: Available to the spouse of first-degree relatives of a foreigner who has entered Oman for cultural purposes, issued at their request abd under their responsibility.
Cultural residency permit: Creates a new residency category for foreigners already in the country for cultural activities.
X Joining residency permit: Granted to the spouse or relatives who arrived through the cultural joining visa.
Officials say the policy aims to facilitate long-term cultural exchange, allowing professionals to establish deeper ties in Oman and ensure family stability for those contributing to the nation’s cultural landscape.
