Oman’s Royal Decree 156/2025, in force since 10 November, introduces a dedicated Cultural Visa and matching residence permit that can run for one, five or ten years. Applicants must be sponsored by an approved Omani cultural body—such as the Ministry of Culture, a university or a festival organiser—and may bring spouses and first-degree relatives on a ‘Cultural Joining Visa’.
The pricing is modest: RO 50 (₹10,700) per year for the principal applicant, and as low as RO 10 for family on a one-year permit. Holders must activate the visa within three months of issue and enter Oman at least once every twelve months to keep the status alive. The authorities tout the scheme as a pillar of Vision 2040—aimed at diversifying the economy and boosting cultural tourism.
![Oman unveils long-term Cultural Visa—new Gulf option for Indian artists and researchers]()
For India’s booming creative and knowledge sectors, the visa opens a gateway to the Gulf that requires neither large capital investment nor employer sponsorship. Indian production houses can now base teams in Muscat for multi-year shoots; doctoral scholars can embed at Omani museums; designers can launch pop-up studios serving the wider region.
Mobility professionals should note that the visa does not confer automatic work rights outside the approved cultural activity, and that a local sponsor must file annual compliance reports. Health-insurance coverage in Oman is compulsory, and overstays incur stiff fines.
Given low fees and long validity, consultants expect strong uptake from Indian film technicians, heritage researchers and performing-arts troupes seeking a Middle East base without the cost of Dubai or Doha. Capacity, however, is tied to sponsor quotas—early engagement with cultural bodies is advised.
The pricing is modest: RO 50 (₹10,700) per year for the principal applicant, and as low as RO 10 for family on a one-year permit. Holders must activate the visa within three months of issue and enter Oman at least once every twelve months to keep the status alive. The authorities tout the scheme as a pillar of Vision 2040—aimed at diversifying the economy and boosting cultural tourism.
For India’s booming creative and knowledge sectors, the visa opens a gateway to the Gulf that requires neither large capital investment nor employer sponsorship. Indian production houses can now base teams in Muscat for multi-year shoots; doctoral scholars can embed at Omani museums; designers can launch pop-up studios serving the wider region.
Mobility professionals should note that the visa does not confer automatic work rights outside the approved cultural activity, and that a local sponsor must file annual compliance reports. Health-insurance coverage in Oman is compulsory, and overstays incur stiff fines.
Given low fees and long validity, consultants expect strong uptake from Indian film technicians, heritage researchers and performing-arts troupes seeking a Middle East base without the cost of Dubai or Doha. Capacity, however, is tied to sponsor quotas—early engagement with cultural bodies is advised.
