What Kind of Free Advice Does On the Move's Mobility Information Points Service Provide?

Updated

On the Move's Mobility Information Points (MIPs) give free advice on the practical, non-funding side of working abroad: visa regulations, social security, taxation and related subjects, available in the countries that host an MIP. The service is aimed at artists and cultural professionals planning international work, and it is separate from On the Move's funding guides and open-call listings — MIPs answer "how do I legally and administratively make this move work," not "who will pay for it."

What the MIP service covers

According to On the Move, the Mobility Information Points provide free advice on:

  • Visa regulations — entry and stay requirements for the country in question
  • Social security — how social insurance and contributions are affected by working abroad
  • Taxation — tax questions tied to international mobility
  • Other related subjects — the site describes this as an open-ended set of practical mobility topics rather than a fixed list

The advice is free, and it is delivered within the MIP countries — the site refers to "the MIP countries" as the places where this service operates. The available page material does not list which countries currently have an MIP, so check the Mobility Information Points section of the site for the current country list before assuming your destination is covered.

How MIPs differ from On the Move's other services

On the Move bundles several distinct resources, and it helps to know which one answers your question:

Service What it answers What it is not
Mobility Information Points Visa, social security, taxation and related practical questions, free, in MIP countries Not a grant scheme; does not fund travel or projects
Funding guides Where to find mobility funding, via country and regional guides covering permanent grant schemes Not personalised legal or tax advice
Open calls Supported opportunities to work internationally, with at least some travel costs covered Not advice; deadlines and eligibility vary by call
Resources Reports, guides, videos and publications from On the Move's research and the wider sector Not a case-specific advisory service

In short: use the funding guides and open calls to find money and opportunities, and use an MIP when the obstacle is administrative — a visa question, a social security question, or a tax question.

When to use an MIP and what to prepare

The MIP service fits situations such as: you have a residency or performance confirmed abroad and need to understand your visa route; you are unsure how a short contract abroad affects your social security position; or you need orientation on tax obligations before accepting international work.

Before contacting an MIP, gather the basics of your case — destination country, purpose and length of stay, your nationality and country of residence, and the nature of the engagement (paid, unpaid, residency, tour). The site does not describe a specific intake form or response time, so use the contact route given in the Mobility Information Points section and state these facts clearly in your first message.

Practical limits to keep in mind

  • Country coverage is limited to MIP countries. If your destination is not covered, the MIP route may not apply; the funding guides and resources sections remain available regardless.
  • Advice, not representation. The service is described as advice on regulations and related subjects; it is not a substitute for a licensed immigration lawyer or tax adviser in your specific case.
  • Not a funding source. If your actual need is money for travel or a project, go to the funding guides or open calls instead — the MIP service does not provide grants.
  • Check currency of information. Rules on visas, social security and taxation change; confirm details with the MIP and the relevant national authority before acting.

The fastest way to decide whether this service is right for you: if your question starts with "am I allowed to," "how do I register," or "what do I owe," an MIP is the relevant On the Move resource; if it starts with "who will fund," use the funding guides and open calls.