Writers, Composers and Artists

Overview

Writers, composers and artists who directly support themselves with their craft and create original work may be eligible to base themselves in the UK.

The main requirement is that they have established themselves sufficiently outside of the UK in their chosen art by being published (other than exclusively in newspapers or magazines), performed or exhibited their work for its artistic, literary or musical merit. They must have supported themselves and their families for at least a period of one year in their chosen art.

Examples of those who may qualify include:

• authors
• playwrights
• essayists
• freelance journalists established in the literary world
• poets
• composers of original music
• painters
• sculptors
• internationally recognized photographers
• cartoonists and other illustrators

The category does not include individuals paid by another company for their craft. Examples of those who do not qualify include actors, musicians, singers and dancers, scriptwriters, or publicity writers. Those who do not qualify may want to take a look at the Entertainers category.

Those falling under the Writers, Composers and Artists category do not need to show a minimum level of investment or employ anyone inside the UK and do not need a work permit. An individual residing in the UK under this category may support themselves with outside private income or savings but may not take employment within the UK except as a writer, composer or artist.

As with other schemes and categories, an individual under this category may apply for indefinite leave to remain after five years.