7 Best Countries for Musicians to Live and Work
Explore the world’s top destinations for musicians. Dive into in-depth info on music scenes, salaries, visa types, and unique opportunities to grow your artistic career globally.
At a Glance: Salaries and Art Support
(Average annual gross salary in USD, the values shown are indicative.)
United States $50,000/yr
Key cities: New York, Los Angeles, Nashville
Home to legendary live scenes and recording hubs, the U.S. is music’s commercial powerhouse. Major music capitals attract talent and offer endless networking. Various music schools, festivals and robust entertainment unions make it ideal for career growth.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
P Visa (Entertainers)
H-2B Temporary Work
Visa GuideStrong grant and union support
Germany $42,000/yr
Key cities: Berlin, Hamburg, Leipzig
World-renowned for its classical music tradition and dynamic clubs. Germany boasts generous public art funding, public radio, and a large indie and classical industry.
Artist Visa
Employment Visa
Visa GuideHigh art subsidy and active venues
Canada $37,000/yr
Key cities: Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver
A top country for indie and mainstream music, with active government grants and pivotal festivals. The Canadian music landscape rewards creativity and multiculturalism.
Work Permit for Artists
Express Entry PR
Provincial Nominee
Visa GuideSignificant grant system
United Kingdom $31,000/yr
Key cities: London, Manchester, Liverpool
A global pop/rock powerhouse, the UK has an open and innovative music finance system, strong copyright protection, and a thriving live scene from pub to stadium.
Artist & Temporary Work Visa
Global Talent Visa
Visa GuideArt council grants & wide venues
Australia $35,000/yr
Key cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
Australia’s music is both modern and rooted in heritage. The live festival circuit is robust, and public funding for the arts is strong, making it attractive for ambitious artists.
Temporary Activity Visa
Talent Visa
Visa GuideFrequent grants and music hubs
Sweden $29,000/yr
Key cities: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmo
Renowned for pop and producer talent, Sweden offers talented musicians great social benefits and grants, and a modern infrastructure for music creation.
Work Visa for Artists
Residence Permits
Visa GuideProgressive art ecosystem
France $28,000/yr
Key cities: Paris, Lyon, Marseille
Classic, jazz, and modern scenes thrive thanks to strong public broadcasting and established labels. Generous artist residencies, grants, and social benefits abound.
Talent Passport
Artist Visa
Visa GuidePrestigious residencies & grants
Tips for Global Musicians
- Regulations and opportunities change: always check embassy and immigration resources before planning your move.
- Learn about local venues, music unions, and grant providers for enhanced career support.
- Be proactive about networking—music scenes flourish through collaborations!
- Balance career goals with cost of living, language, and culture for the best experience.
FAQs
Start Your Global Music Journey
Talent, dedication, and the right environment are the ingredients for a thriving career. Start exploring, keep learning, and bring your sound to the world’s stage!
Love & Music
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