Bollywood Films in the UK: Key Immigration Considerations for Cast and Crew

The Indian film industry has consistently produced between 1,500 to 2,000 films annually. With an estimated value of USD 1.3 billion in 2024, Bollywood is one of the world’s largest production centres, surpassing other film-producing superpowers like the US and China. The predominant trend in the Indian film industry is shooting films abroad, particularly in scenic foreign locations.

Why is the UK a popular destination for Bollywood filmmakers?

The most popular European country for Indian filming is by far the UK, more specifically England (where 77% of all Indian films are shot in the UK). Other popular European locations include Switzerland, France and Germany.

Bollywood films often resonate with global audiences, especially among the Indian diaspora. In parallel, there is a growing international demand for Bollywood films to be shot in foreign locations, particularly in markets with a strong Indian diaspora. According to the UK Census and other recent reports, the Indian community represents a substantial portion of the UK’s foreign-born population. This cultural connection contributes to a ready-made audience for Bollywood content.

These factors, along with the UK’s varied filming locations and production infrastructure, make it an appealing choice for filmmakers. In this context, understanding and navigating the UK’s immigration pathways remains important for ensuring smooth entry and operations for cast and crew.

The UK as a Hub for Bollywood Productions

The UK continues to be a sought-after destination for major Bollywood productions, with its iconic landmarks, scenic diversity and production-friendly infrastructure.

Recent high-profile films and series have been filmed across locations such as High Wycombe and coastal hotels in the South West, with several top-tier Bollywood stars involved. Upcoming projects are also planning extensive shoots in the UK, underscoring its appeal.

Given the scale and pace of such productions, it is essential to consider streamlined UK immigration solutions to support cast and crew mobility and meet tight production timelines.

What are the UK immigration options available to Bollywood professionals?

 Several types of visa options are available for Bollywood professionals to seamlessly work on productions in the UK while complying with immigration regulations. Here is a breakdown of key options:

Creative Worker

• • • The Creative Worker visa is a quick and cost-effective pathway of sponsoring overseas workers. This is an ideal option for short-term film projects like film shoots. Additionally, there is no English language requirement as part of this visa process.
    • Visa nationals, such as Indian nationals, would be required to apply for a visa (Other nationalities, such as a US national, may be able to enter the UK without applying for a visa if their stay is for no more than up to three months under the “Creative Worker Concession”). The earliest they can submit the application is three months before the day they are due to commence production in the UK The production company would need to hold a Creative Worker sponsor licence and issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) to the crew and/or star before they can submit their visa application.

• • • Once submitted, the processing of the application can take up to three weeks from the date of appointment.
    • For example, if the Creative Worker visa is required for fewer than six months, the total could be approximately £374 for an individual (£319 visa application fee and £55 for the sponsor to undertake a payment for the purposes of issuing a Certificate of Sponsorship).
    • Subject to the length of the CoS, the individual can stay in the UK for up to 12 months, but this can be extended (to the maximum stay of 24 months under this visa type). Alternatively, the individual could switch to a Skilled Worker visa for longer-term immigration pathway.

Skilled Worker

• • • The Skilled Worker visa is a key option for essential technical or post-production roles which are required for long-term projects or permanent positions. This visa offers initial eligibility for up to five years, with the option to apply to settle in the UK (Indefinite Leave to Remain) - a contrast to the Creative Worker visa. 
    • Applicants must have sponsorship, English language ability, a job offer and be working in an occupation on the government’s approved list.
    • While recent salary threshold increases have posed challenges for employers, the UK immigration system has recognised SOC code “3416 – Arts officers, producers and directors” under the Immigration Salary List (ISL). The occupations within the ISL are intended to be those which the government believe it makes sense to lower the minimum salary threshold to fill labour gaps, rather than being a list of all occupations experiencing labour shortages. Such roles could include a film editor or a video production assistant to name a few.
    • The ISL has two specific benefits:
      1. Reduced salary threshold
         • The minimum salary requirement is the highest of £30,960 or the “going rate” for the occupational code.
         • Therefore, if an individual is sponsored under SOC code 3416, the minimum salary required is £37,500 per annum based on 37.5 work week.
      2. Reduced visa application fee
         • The standard visa application fee for three years is £769, but if the individual’s role is under the ISL, they would benefit from paying the lower application fee of £590.
    • The Skilled Worker visa remains vital for high-skill positions, helping maintain a competitive edge in post-production and technical support. Therefore, this pathway may be a beneficial option for those providing technical support in production where they may be required in the UK for more than one year.

Global Talent

• • • The Global Talent route is suitable for established professionals with a strong track record in the Bollywood industry. This would be an alternative pathway where the individual may be required to be in the UK indefinitely and/or required to work across multiple UK Bollywood projects.
    • This route would be applicable for professionals who are recognised “leaders” or “potential leaders” in film, TV and the arts with significant Bollywood industry recognition and contributions. The two-stage process involves an initial endorsement application to Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television, representing Arts Council England, followed by a visa application to the Home Office. Applicants must demonstrate industry achievements or contributions across multiple productions within the Bollywood industry.
    • This visa bypasses traditional sponsorship, offering unmatched flexibility. It supports work across multiple UK projects, and provides a pathway to settlement, reinforcing the UK’s appeal to global creative talent.

What lies ahead?

The UK government has proposed reforms to immigration policies that emphasize the needs of the creative sector, aiming to alleviate skill shortages through a more adaptable points-based system. With no planned caps on work visas, including the Creative Worker visa, these changes recognize the specific talent demands of the film industry. If implemented, these reforms could position it as a more attractive destination for international film talent, setting a precedent for other countries seeking to attract creative professionals.

Securing the right visas and permits for Bollywood cast and crew in the UK is not just a legal requirement—it is a crucial step in ensuring a seamless production process. Given that preparations to obtain right visa or permit can take several weeks, careful planning is essential to avoid last-minute delays that could disrupt filming schedules.

Need to know more?

If you are involved in a Bollywood film production in the UK and need expert guidance on immigration options for your cast and crew, our team is here to assist. Whether you require advice on short-term or long-term visa solutions, we can help ensure a smooth and compliant process. For tailored support, please contact Practice Leader Kasia Pinska at [email protected] and Senior Manager Sean Rhodes at [email protected].

This blog was published on 16 April 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.