Sunday, November 09, 2025

Oman News

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Oman amends Foreigners’ Residence Law, introduces cultural visas and residency

The Royal Oman Police has issued Decision No. 156/2025, amending several provisions of the Executive Regulations of the Foreigners’ Residence Law, aimed at facilitating cultural visits and residencies in the Sultanate.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Sunday, November 9, 2025

MUSCAT – The decision, approved by the Ministry of Finance, will come into effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.

The amendments introduce provisions for foreigners entering Oman for cultural purposes, including eligibility for spouses and first-degree relatives, and cover both visas and residency permits.
Key highlights include:

Cultural Visa:
The decision states that the cultural visa is granted by the competent authority upon the request of the relevant entity and under its responsibility to the foreigner arriving for cultural purposes, and the visa is valid for use within three months from the date of its issuance.
Cultural Residency: A cultural residence permit is granted to a foreigner who has entered the Sultanate of Oman for cultural purposes – including their spouses and first-degree relatives.
Fees:
Entry visas: One-year cultural visa RO 50; five-year – RO 50 per year; ten-year – RO 50 per year. Cultural enrolment visas are set at RO 10 per year for one, five, and ten-year options.

Residency permit renewal: One-year cultural residency – RO 50; five-year – RO 50 per year; ten-year – RO 50 per year. Cultural residency renewal fees are RO 10 per year for one, five, and ten-year durations.
The decision also cancels any previous provisions that conflict with these amendments, ensuring a clear framework for cultural visits and residence.

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