Entertainment & Arts Law · Touring & International Acts
Bringing an international act to Australia: visas and sponsorship.
A foreign act cannot simply fly in and perform for a fee. Here is the visa and sponsorship path for bringing international performers to Australia.
By Aaron Kernaghan · Brady & Associates Lawyers · 13 September 2026
This article is for informational purposes and general commentary only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship.
A foreign performer coming to Australia to work usually needs a visa that allows paid entertainment activity. The main pathway is the Temporary Activity visa, subclass 408, in its entertainment activities stream, which allows a person to come to Australia to work in the entertainment industry, including live performance, music tours, theatre and festivals, for up to two years depending on the activity.
The right visa is only part of the picture. Depending on how long the act is staying, an Australian sponsor or supporter is usually required, a genuine performance contract must be in place, and there can be tax withholding obligations on the fees paid. Plan the immigration and tax steps early, because they take time and drive the touring budget.
The subclass 408 entertainment stream
The entertainment activities stream of the subclass 408 visa covers genuine entertainment work such as performing in film, television, live performance, theatre, music tours and festivals, and related production roles. It is designed for the touring performer and the crew who travel with a production, rather than for ongoing employment in Australia.
Sponsor or supporter
Where the stay is longer than three months, the applicant generally needs an approved sponsor. Where it is three months or less, a supporter is generally required instead. The sponsor is usually an Australian organisation, such as a promoter, producer or venue, which must be approved and takes on obligations in return. Building sponsorship into the tour plan early avoids last-minute problems.
Contracts and union consultation
A genuine contract to perform in Australia is generally required. In some cases the sponsor must consult relevant unions, such as the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, before the application. This consultation step is part of the system and should be factored into the timeline.
Short engagements
For some short or specific activities, other short-stay options can apply, and the right choice depends on the length and nature of the work. The key point is that paid performance is work, and needs a visa that permits it. Performing for a fee on a tourist visa is not the correct pathway.
The tax angle
Fees paid to foreign resident performers can be subject to withholding, which is dealt with in a separate note in this resource. Immigration and tax run on parallel tracks, and both need to be sorted before the act arrives. Getting migration advice for anything beyond a simple short engagement is usually worthwhile.
Frequently asked.
What visa does a foreign performer need to tour Australia?
Usually the Temporary Activity visa, subclass 408, in its entertainment activities stream, which covers live performance, music tours, theatre and festivals for up to two years depending on the activity.
Does an international act need an Australian sponsor?
Generally yes for stays longer than three months, where an approved sponsor is required. For stays of three months or less, a supporter is generally required instead.
Can a foreign act perform for a fee on a tourist visa?
No. Paid performance is work and needs a visa that permits it. A tourist visa is not the correct pathway for paid entertainment activity.
Is union consultation part of the process?
It can be. In some cases the sponsor must consult relevant unions, such as the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance, before lodging the application.
Is there tax to pay on fees to foreign performers?
Often yes. Payments to foreign resident performers can be subject to withholding. See the separate note on foreign resident withholding in this resource.
If you are a performer, producer, venue, or independent practitioner and this raises a question about your own situation, Aaron Kernaghan and the team at Brady & Associates Lawyers can give you tailored guidance. Call 0421 717 019 or contact the firm.
This article is for informational purposes and general commentary only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create a solicitor-client relationship. It reflects the law in Australia as at 13 September 2026, with a focus on Commonwealth law and New South Wales and ACT practice. The law changes and applies differently to every set of facts. Written by Aaron Kernaghan, Brady & Associates Lawyers.