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A thread on visas and work permits for EU/UK musicians & DJs:
firstly, Brexit is a shit-show and we all wish it wasn’t happening but I want to share some info that I think will be useful and will reassure you that it’s not going to be as difficult as people are making out.
firstly, Brexit is a shit-show and we all wish it wasn’t happening but I want to share some info that I think will be useful and will reassure you that it’s not going to be as difficult as people are making out.
the key issue is confusing work permits with visas:
Work permits - organised by employer in country of work, usually cheap/free and easy to obtain
Visas - applied in advance by artist at consulate of country going to, usually a hassle and expensive
Work permits - organised by employer in country of work, usually cheap/free and easy to obtain
Visas - applied in advance by artist at consulate of country going to, usually a hassle and expensive
For UK musicians touring EU and vice versa the issue is work permits not visas, as there is a visa-waiver reciprocal agreement. (Same as with US/Brazil/Japan etc)
Within the EU each state makes its own rules on work permit requirements for musicians on short business trips.
Within the EU each state makes its own rules on work permit requirements for musicians on short business trips.
Luckily for UK artists, most EU member states offer a work permit exemption of varying lengths for musicians on short trips, meaning at the most all you will require is a letter of invitation from the promoter https://www.ism.org/advice/eu-work-permit-requirements-for-musicians
For EU artists touring the UK they require a work permit - this is called a certificate of sponsorship and can be obtained for free if you have a sponsor (could be a venue, agent or organisation) https://www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers/certificates-of-sponsorship
So for the average touring DJ, not much will change post Brexit. Withholding tax rules are not going to change. However if you travel with equipment carnets will be a much bigger hassle - they cost around ÂŁ300 and last 12 months https://www.londonchamber.co.uk/export-documents/ata-carnet/
I’ve created a resources link for further reading with info on visas, work permits and global mobility that I hope will be useful for artists around the world https://musicians-mobility.carrd.co/
Immigration laws are hugely complex, so I understand why there’s so much confusion.
But as an industry we need to be sharing accurate information that ensures we can survive and thrive in this new reality.
But as an industry we need to be sharing accurate information that ensures we can survive and thrive in this new reality.
