The Omanet blog
Clear answers on working, living and doing business in Oman, written from official sources and dated.
Visas & residencyOman Overstay Fine Waivers: The Grace Period Has EndedIn 2025 Oman waived fines for expats who fixed or ended an expired status. The final deadline was 31 December 2025. This is what the waiver covered and what to do now.Visas & residencyUnified GCC Tourist Visa: Has It Launched Yet? (Status in November 2026)The single Gulf tourist visa, also called the GCC Grand Tours Visa, has been approved since 2023 but has not launched. Here is the latest official word and what to do until it does.Visas & residencyOman's Cultural Visa: Who Can Apply, Cost and ValiditySince November 2025 Oman has a cultural visa for artists, researchers and others invited by a cultural host. It costs OMR 50 a year and needs a sponsoring institution.Visas & residencyOman Resident Cards Can Now Be Valid for Up to 10 YearsDecision 157/2025 lifts the maximum validity of an expat resident card from three years to ten. Here is what the decision says, what it costs, and what is still unclear.