Residence Permit for Workers in the Audiovisual Sector

The audiovisual sector plays a significant role in the Spanish economy. Spain ranks sixth in the European Union in terms of the number of audiovisual titles produced. To further boost this sector and attract international talent, Spain introduced a specific residence permit for audiovisual workers in 2021.

There are several types of work permits in Spain depending on the foreign worker’s situation, but this article focuses on the essentials of the visa for the audiovisual industry.

 

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Residence for Audiovisual Sector Workers

While this permit retains its specific procedure, since late 2024 it has brought notable improvements, especially regarding medium- and long-term residence stability.

Who Can Apply for This Permit?

The procedure is designed for a wide range of professionals and their families. According to the regulatory instructions, the following individuals are eligible:

• Foreign artists, technicians, and professionals involved in audiovisual activities—whether live performances or recorded for mass distribution.

• Direct family members such as spouses or registered partners, minor children (or dependent adult children), and dependent parents.

• Minors participating in productions, provided Spanish labor laws are respected and the application is submitted by their parents or legal guardians.

Application Process

This permit can be requested whether the applicant is outside or legally inside Spain. In both cases (with limited exceptions), the first step is to apply for the residence authorization through the Large Companies Unit (UGE), which has a legal deadline of 20 working days to issue a decision.

Once the UGE grants the authorization, applicants residing outside of Spain must apply for the corresponding entry visa at the Spanish consulate in their country of residence. After arriving in Spain, they must obtain a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) from the police.

Permit Duration Based on the Project Type

One of the key advantages of this permit is its flexibility—it is adapted to both short-term and long-term projects.

It applies to foreign workers with either:

• A local employment contract in Spain, or

• An assignment letter while maintaining their employment contract in their home country.

The regulation outlines three scenarios depending on the project duration:

Stays of Up to 90 Days

• If the foreign national does not need a visa to enter Spain, no residence permit is required. Instead, the company must notify SEPE (the Spanish Public Employment Service) of the project and register the worker with social security. The NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) can be assigned by the police.

• If the applicant does require a visa, they must request a short-stay visa (under 90 days) from the Spanish consulate, and then notify SEPE accordingly.

Stays Between 90 and 180 Days

A residence authorization must be requested via the UGE. Required documents include:

• Proof of a professional or labor relationship with the hiring or assigning company.
• Evidence that the applicant is part of an audiovisual production.
• For accompanying family members: proof of relationship and economic dependency, if applicable.
• Health insurance if not covered by Spain’s public health system or a bilateral agreement.
• For minors: parental authorization.

If the applicant is abroad, they must apply for the corresponding visa once the residence authorization is granted.

The permit’s validity matches the duration of the production project.

Stays Over 180 Days

• Requires a residence authorization for the audiovisual sector, requested via the UGE.

• If the applicant is outside Spain, they must apply for the relevant visa after the permit is granted.

• These permits are initially granted for up to 2 years, and can be renewed for longer projects.

Renewal Update

While initial permits for projects over 180 days are limited to two years, renewals now fall under the general regime.

According to Article 191, a foreign national who has legally resided in Spain for at least one year with a permit that allows them to work (as in this case) may obtain a 4-year permit upon renewal or modification.

This change offers much greater stability for professionals and their families and helps pave the way for long-term residence after five years of continuous legal stay.

Include Family Members

Eligible family members include:

• Spouses or partners with a legally recognized relationship.
• Minor children, or adult children who are economically dependent and have not established a family unit of their own.
• Dependent parents of the main applicant or their partner.
• Parents or legal guardians of minor children working in the audiovisual sector.

Family members can apply for their residence permits jointly, simultaneously, or after the main applicant. Their permits will have the same duration as the principal applicant’s authorization.

Key Benefits of the Audiovisual Permit

1. Streamlined Access: The permit is governed by specific regulation (Instruction 1/2021 from the Directorate General of Migration), designed to be faster and simpler than other residence and work authorizations.
2. Covers More than Just Performers
   Not only artists (actors, musicians), but also technical staff (directors, camera operators, sound technicians, production teams) benefit from this permit.
3. Flexibility for Extended Projects
   If a production is extended, the permit can be renewed or extended without leaving Spain.
4. Mobility Across the EU
   Professionals can move within the Schengen Area for related tasks and freely re-enter Spain during the production period without needing new visas.
5. Adaptable to Different Productions
   Whether it’s a film, TV show, radio program, live performance, or concert, the permit applies to a wide range of formats in the audiovisual industry.

✅ Need Help Applying for This Permit

Do you want to work in one of Europe’s top audiovisual production hubs? Explore our immigration services and find out how to make the most of this strategic opportunity for audiovisual professionals and companies.