In some countries, such as the UK, having a tattoo is considered absolutely normal – in fact, a quarter of the British population have tattoos, – however, in other countries, for example, South Korea, Japan, UAE and Turkey, tattoos are taboo. If you are a skilled tattoo artist in your country and experiencing difficulties with maintaining your profession, relocating to the UK may be a viable option.
The United Kingdom has long been recognised as a top destination for the world’s best tattoo artists. Tattoo studios and communities are well established in London, especially in areas like Hackney, Shoreditch and Soho.
London is not just a haven for tattooing; the city’s dynamic art scene allows tattoo artists to flourish in art galleries, exhibitions and other creative spaces. Dr Lakra’s renowned tattoo exhibition at Tate Modern and the Barbican Centre in the 2000s was followed by a live artwork performance of one of the most reputable tattoo artists from the USA, Scott Campbell, who performed a live artwork during the London Frieze in 2016.
In recent years, London’s burgeoning interest in Asian tattoo styles has seen an influx of talented Asian tattoo artists visiting the city to showcase their work. This trend has significantly contributed to the growing popularity of Asian tattoos in the London scene. Artists, famed for their traditional Korean tattoo works, including Doy and Hongdam, have graced London with their presence, offering the city’s tattoo community a taste of their unique artistry.
To work as a guest tattoo artist in London, the Creative Worker visa is typically the most suitable option. This visa is designed for artists sponsored by UK organisations to undertake creative work. In this case, the sponsoring organisation would likely be a tattoo studio. To sponsor a guest tattoo artist on a Creative Worker visa, a tattoo studio must first secure a sponsor licence. This process can be complicated, and it is strongly advised that the interested studio seek legal guidance.
Once the eligibility requirements are satisfied, tattoo artists would be able to work as a Creative Worker in the UK. They may also be eligible to extend their visa up to 24 months in total if they continue working for the same Sponsor. Before their visa expires, Creative Workers will need to explore alternative visa options if they wish to stay in the UK for a longer period of time. The experience and skills they have gained over the past 24 months will undoubtedly enhance their prospects of securing a visa that can potentially pave the way for permanent residency.
Unlike many countries where tattoo artists face discrimination, their profession is respected in the UK, and there are visa routes tailored for their creative work. An art space or tattoo studio that operates lawfully in the UK and has a genuine need in hiring foreign tattoo artists can become a Sponsor to employ foreign workers under this visa route after obtaining the necessary licence.
The UK has taken a progressive stance on the tattoo industry, recognising tattoo artists as skilled professionals. This is a significant step forward, as many countries still view tattoos in a negative light. This forward-thinking approach not only supports individual artists but also contributes to the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of the UK. The country’s acceptance of tattoo art has created a thriving industry, offering numerous opportunities for this profession to flourish.
How Gherson can assist
Gherson’s Immigration Team are highly experienced in advising on UK visa matters. If you have any questions arising from this blog, please do not hesitate to contact us for advice, send us an e-mail, or, alternatively, follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to stay-up-to-date.
The information in this blog is for general information purposes only and does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information and law is current as of the date of publication it should be stressed that, due to the passage of time, this does not necessarily reflect the present legal position. Gherson accepts no responsibility for loss which may arise from accessing or reliance on information contained in this blog. For formal advice on the current law please do not hesitate to contact Gherson. Legal advice is only provided pursuant to a written agreement, identified as such, and signed by the client and by or on behalf of Gherson.
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