What does Brexit mean for musicians?

Musicians have lived with the uncertainty of Brexit for years. This week, Boris Johnson is attempting once again to secure a trade deal with the EU - but as this is looking increasingly unlikely, musicians will be wondering how a no-deal Brexit will impact their livelihoods. 

We answer some questions you might have about what the latest Brexit legislation might mean for musicians, both from the UK and from abroad. 

What is the Global Talent Visa?

The Global Talent Visa has been designed to allow talented and promising individuals in the fields of science, engineering, medicine and humanities, digital technology and arts and culture who wish to pursue their career in the UK.

Previously called the Exceptional Talent visa, it allows for talented individuals to settle in the UK.

For more information visit https://www.artscouncil.org.uk/global-talent-visa#section-1

Post-Brexit, will musicians be able to travel freely around Europe?

It depends upon what passport they hold. Different people from different countries will have different visa regimes. Because most people who come to perform here are not visa nationals, you have to take it on a country-by-country basis. 

What would a hard Brexit mean for UK musicians with concerts booked in 2021?

The situation will be similar for UK artist as it would be for a USA artist or a Japanese or Korean artist visiting the EU. Musicians travelling from these countries, assuming they will be staying for fewer than 90 days, are treated as third nationals. So the ability to perform in the rest of Europe would be the same, and it's the same for those coming here.

The issue is with social security. Currently, musicians need to obtain an A1 certificate when travelling abroad - a certificate issued by HMRC that proves an individual pays UK National Insurance - to avoid paying local social security in the Member State they will be travelling to. That will in a no-deal, be closed immediately, meaning double the social security taxation.

What are carnets?

It is thought that in the event of a no-deal Brexit, musicians may be required to purchase carnets – temporary international customs documents allowing instruments and sound equipment to move temporarily outside the UK – which cost in the region of £500-£700 depending on the value of goods. This will be a significant extra cost to musicians touring the EU27, many of whom are freelance and on low earnings.

It is unclear at the moment whether or not this system will be mandatory for musicians. The ABO and IAMA advise individual musicians to calculate the risk for themselves, and to monitor developments in the legislation until clarity is given.