Working in the EU

Tips on getting prepared for your trip to EU

• Some of the administration can be completed in advance of work being offered, such as a valid passport and a range of insurances, including instrument and equipment cover, PLI, and business travel insurance. Remember that securing the correct ‘paperwork’ once you have left the UK can be extremely difficult.
• Check the requirements for each of the member states you will be visiting, as they often differ from each other. 
• When individual musicians travel alone to or from a gig, or between tours or different gigs, part of their travel may have been organised by a tour manager. It's key to establish who is responsible for acquiring and paying for the relevant documentation, insurance, carnets, visas, etc.
• If you are flying out to join a tour, you may not have proof of a ‘return journey’ because you intend to come back with the group. We recommend liaising in advance with the tour management to avoid any oversights.
• If you are considering undertaking a tour, look out for available funding opportunities.

Here is the information you need about travelling and working in the EU. Some guidance is available exclusively to members, while other advice is provided by trusted third-party sources such as gov.uk. Below, you’ll find useful links highlighting key points you should be aware of, including driving licence requirements and other important travel considerations.

Travel document checklist

​Valid Passport

Make sure you have more than 6 months left before your current passport expires, or you will need a new passport.

Insurances

Insurance requirements may differ by country, and business travel cover may be required.  

The MU recommends considering getting travel insurance (with business specified), as well as health, public liability and musical instruments cover. MU members get international PLI and worldwide instrument insurance (requires registration) as part of their membership.

Work Permits

Requirements may differ by country. Find out the latest advice by country EU, Switzerland, Norway , Iceland and Lichtenstein 

MU members benefit from advice from Viva La Visa

EHIC or new GHIC card for Health insurance (advisable)

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) mean that you are entitled to the same treatment as locals should you need to attend state-run hospitals or GP surgeries when visiting EU countries. Neither the EHIC card nor the GHIC card is a replacement for travel insurance.

Driving licence and permit

Your UK photocard driving licence, if you are driving. Check if you need an International Driving Permit. In many EU countries, it's not required.

CITES Musical Instrument Certificate

If travelling with a musical instrument subject to endangered species regulations, we recommend obtaining a CITES Musical Instrument Certificate (MIC) immediately. The Certificate lasts for three years, and currently there is no charge.

Here is the information you need on taking your instruments and equipment with you when touring in the EU, as well as guidance on transporting and selling merchandise.

Take our quick quiz to find out which rules apply to your specific touring needs.

Take our EU Musician Travel Advisor quiz

Trying to find out what you need to know on your next tour to EU? Take the MU's EU Musician Travel Advisor  - a series of questions designed to help musicians travelling to EU find information on transporting musical instruments and/or equipment, bringing merchandise and driving.

Take the quiz below or open the EU Musician Travel Advisor in a new window.

Seek HMRC guidance on where to pay Social Security Contributions when moving between UK and EU. Although Tax treaties have not changed, please seek professional tax advice. 

The rules on this will vary depending on the kind of work you’re undertaking and where you are working. See the UK Government’s website for specific advice. 

The MU provides guidance for musicians on issues related to withholding tax and national insurance contributions when working abroad.

Here are further useful third-party resources that can help with getting musicians ready to go touring in Europe.