Contents

Introduction

Inviting European artists to work in the UK will be more challenging but there are a few different options available to contract artists whether as a company or as a festival.

1. Short terms contracts - Permitted Paid Engagement

The Permitted Paid Engagement is for those who wish to come to the UK for a short period to do specific paid work without having to be sponsored under the points-based visa system. Depending on your situation, you may be able to enter the UK without applying for a visa.

1.1 Criteria

You may be able to visit the UK for a paid engagement if you’ve been invited as an expert in your profession.

You can enter for a Permitted Paid Engagement if you:

• are invited by a UK-based organisation or client
• want to come to the UK to do specific paid work without having to be sponsored under the points-based visa system
• meet the other eligibility requirements:
  • you’re 18 or over
  • you’re visiting the UK for no more than 1 month
  • you’ve been formally invited and paid by a UK-based organisation to attend an event or other permitted engagement
  • you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit
  • you will not live in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive visits, or make the UK your main home
  • you’re able to support yourself during your trip (or have funding from someone else to support you)
  • you’re able to pay for your return or onward journey (or have funding from someone else to pay for the journey)
  • you have proof of any business or other activities you want to do in the UK, as allowed by the Visitor Rules.