Visa and Residence for Audiovisual Sector Workers

The audiovisual and artistic sector often requires foreign professionals to travel to Spain for work, sometimes for short periods. To facilitate these movements, there is a special visa and residence authorization with favorable requirements.

In this article, we explain everything about this Initial Residence Authorization for Audiovisual Sector Workers: its duration, the required documents, the application process, and more.

Who is the Audiovisual Sector Work Authorization for?

This Initial Residence Authorization for audiovisual sector workers is designed for foreign professionals who work as artists or technicians in the audiovisual sector, both in live performances and recordings intended for broadcasting.

There are three categories based on the duration of the work:

• Short Stay (Short-Term Visa): For periods up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
• Stay Visa: For periods between 90 and 180 days.
• Residence Permit: For stays longer than 180 days and up to 3 years, extendable. The duration is adjusted to the length of the contract if it is shorter than 3 years.

It is possible to switch from a visa to a residence authorization in the audiovisual sector if you need to extend your stay for work reasons, as long as you start the process at least 30 days before your 90-day artist visa expires.

Important: The purpose of the trip must always be to perform audiovisual or artistic activities, whether through a Spanish company’s contract or a transfer from a foreign company.

The short stay of up to 90 days is only required if the foreigner is from a country that requires a visa to enter Spain (Schengen Area). If you are visa-exempt, this authorization is not necessary.

What is the Duration of Residence for Workers in the Audiovisual Sector?

The duration of this residence as a professional in the audiovisual sector varies depending on the type of authorization:

• Short Stay (Short-Term Visa): Up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is the most common option for foreigners coming to work on short-term audiovisual projects. Unlike a tourist visa, it allows legal work in Spain without needing additional authorization.
• Stay Visa: For stays between 90 and 180 days.
• Residence Permit: For stays longer than 180 days and up to 3 years, extendable. The duration is adjusted to the length of the contract if it is shorter than 3 years. You can switch from a stay visa to a residence permit if you need to extend your stay for work reasons, as long as you begin the process at least 30 days before the 90 days of your visa expire.

Possibility of Including Family Members in the Application

An advantage of this authorization is that the worker’s family members can obtain their own residence as a professional in the audiovisual sector:

• Spouse or common-law partner.
• Dependent minor children.
• Dependent parents of the primary applicant.
• Legal guardians or parents if the worker is a minor.

Necessary Documents for the Residencencia for Audiovisual Sector Workers

Required Documentation for Audiovisual Sector Workers

The required documentation varies depending on the type of authorization:

• Short Stay (Up to 90 Days):
  • If you don’t need a visa: NIE and registration with Social Security (if you don’t have an audiovisual agreement).
  • If you need a visa: Tourist visa, NIE, and registration with Social Security.
• Stay Visa (90-180 Days):
  • Passport-sized photograph.
  • Passport.
  • Documentation of the employment or professional relationship with the company.
  • Proof of participation in an audiovisual project.
  • Health insurance (if not covered by Social Security or the audiovisual agreement).
  • Family relationship documents if traveling with relatives.
  • Company’s declaration of registration with Social Security.

• Residence Permit (More than 180 Days):
  • Application form (similar to intra-company transfer).
  • Valid passport.
  • Proof of payment of fee 790.
  • Documentation of the employment or professional relationship with the company.
  • Proof of participation in an audiovisual project.
  • Family relationship documents if traveling with relatives.
  • Health insurance (if not covered by Social Security or the agreement).
  • Parental authorization if the applicant is a minor.

Application for Residence as an Audiovisual Worker

The location to submit your application depends on the type of authorization required for your work permit for foreign artists:

• Short-Term Stay or Visa (Up to 180 Days): The application is processed at the Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office of the country where you reside. It can also be submitted by your guardian or legal representative (if you are a minor) or by a representative of the hiring company or company transferring you.
• Residence Authorization (More than 180 Days): The Spanish company must submit the application online at the Ministry of Migration’s electronic headquarters, where it will be processed by the UGE (Unit for Large Enterprises). If you are outside Spain, you must apply for a visa at the corresponding Spanish consulate once the authorization is granted.

Frequently Asked Questions About Residence for Audiovisual Workersa para trabajadores en el sector audiovisual

1. What Activities Are Considered Within the Audiovisual Sector for This Residence? The audiovisual sector includes both artistic and technical activities performed live or for later broadcast, such as actors, directors, musicians, sound technicians, lighting technicians, etc.
2. Can I Apply for This Residence If My Studies Are Not Directly Related to the Audiovisual Sector? No, your studies must be at level 6 or higher and related to the field of practice or work you will perform in Spain.
3. Do I Need a Job Contract to Apply for This Residence? Yes, you need a job contract or internship agreement that demonstrates the employment or professional relationship with the Spanish company that is hiring or transferring you.
4. Can I Bring My Family With Me If I Obtain This Residence? Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner, dependent minor children, and dependent parents in your application. If you are a minor, your parents or legal guardians can also be included.
5. How Long Can I Stay in Spain With This Residence?
   • The duration depends on the type of authorization:
     • Short Stay: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
     • Stay Visa: Between 90 and 180 days.
     • Residence Permit: Up to 3 years, extendable. The duration is adjusted to the length of the contract if it is shorter than 3 years.
6. Can I Change Companies Once I Have This Initial Residence Authorization for Audiovisual Sector Workers? Not directly. The authorization is tied to the specific company of the contract or agreement. If you change companies, you will need to apply for a new authorization.
7. Can I Apply for This Residence If I Am Already in Spain on a Student Visa? Yes, you can change your student status to residence for internship purposes if you meet the requirements, including having obtained a higher education degree in the last two years or being enrolled in studies leading to one.
8. Do I Need Health Insurance to Apply for a Work Permit for Foreign Artists? Yes, unless you are covered by Social Security or an agreement, you must have private health insurance with coverage equivalent to Spain’s public health system, with no waiting periods or co-payments.
9. How Long Does the Audiovisual Sector Professional Residence Process Take? The processing time can vary, but it generally takes anywhere from a few weeks to several months.