Residence Permit for Workers in the Audiovisual Sector (2026)

The audiovisual sector constantly relies on international talent: filming, post‑production, events, live music, platform content… To facilitate these assignments, Spain has a specific procedure for artists, technicians, and audiovisual/cultural professionals (and their families).
There are several types of work permits in Spain depending on the situation of the foreign worker. In this post, we explain the key aspects of the visa for the audiovisual sector.
In this guide, we explain which pathway applies depending on the duration of the project, what documentation is usually required, and how to manage the process in an orderly manner to avoid delays.
If your company needs comprehensive support (immigration + 360º mobility), you can view our services here: International Mobility and Expatriates

Request more information

What is the Residence Permit for Personnel in the Audiovisual Sector?

This framework is designed for foreign professionals who will carry out activities within the audiovisual sector, artistic activities before the public, or activities intended for recording and dissemination through mass media.
Its procedure is governed by the administrative instructions published by the Spanish authorities (Order PCM/1238/2021) and is managed through the UGE channel for international mobility.

Who can apply for this permit?

This procedure is designed for a wide range of professionals and their families. According to the instructions regulating this permit, the following may apply:

• Foreign artists, technicians, and professionals who carry out activities in the audiovisual sector, artistic activities before the public, or activities intended for recording for mass dissemination.
• Immediate family members accompanying them, such as a spouse or registered partner, minor children (or dependent adult children), and dependent ascendants.
• Minors participating in productions, provided they comply with Spanish labor regulations and the application is managed by their parents or legal guardians.

Which pathway applies depending on the duration of the project

The applicable procedure depends on the project duration:

• Up to 90 days: no residence/work authorization is required. If the nationality requires a Schengen visa, it must be obtained. NIE and Social Security registration are also arranged when applicable (if there is no coverage under an international agreement).
• Between 90 and 180 days: an audiovisual sector stay visa is obtained through the Consulate. The application may be submitted by the applicant, their legal representative if a minor, or an authorized company representative.
• More than 180 days: a residence authorization for the audiovisual sector is submitted by the Spanish company (or its representative) electronically through the Ministry’s platform (UGE). If the professional is outside Spain, a visa must be obtained at the Consulate after approval.

If you are comparing options, this general guide may help: Work permits for foreigners in Spain.

Application process

This type of permit can be requested whether the foreign professional is outside Spain or legally present in Spain.
In both cases, with limited exceptions, the first step is to request the residence authorization from the Large Companies Unit (UGE), which typically has a maximum processing period of 20 working days.
Once the UGE resolution is issued, applicants residing outside Spain must apply for the corresponding entry visa at the competent Spanish consulate. After entering Spain, they must apply for their Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the police station.

Permit duration aligned with the type of project

One of the main advantages of this permit is that it is suitable for both short‑term and long‑term projects.
It can be requested both for foreign nationals locally hired in Spain and for posted workers holding an assignment letter while maintaining their employment contract in their home country.
The regulations distinguish three scenarios based on project duration.

Stay of up to 90 days

In this case, a residence authorization for audiovisual workers is not required. If the foreign national comes from a visa‑exempt country, a project notification to SEPE can be filed and the corresponding Social Security registration completed. An NIE can also be assigned directly by the police.
If the foreign national comes from a country that requires a visa, a short‑stay visa (under 90 days) must be obtained from the relevant Spanish consulate, followed by the SEPE notification.

Stay between 90 and 180 days

This authorization applies when the professional will perform an audiovisual activity for more than 90 days but less than 180 days.
The application is submitted directly to the Large Companies Unit (UGE), including the following key documents:

• Proof of the employment or professional relationship with the company hiring or posting the foreign national.
• Documentation confirming participation in an audiovisual production project.
• For accompanying family members, documents proving the family relationship and, if applicable, dependency.
• Public or private health insurance if the professional is not covered by the Spanish National Health System or a Social Security agreement.
• If the applicant is a minor, authorization from their parents or legal guardians.

If the applicant is outside Spain, they must apply for the corresponding visa once the residence authorization is approved.
The authorized stay will match the duration of the project submitted at the time of application.

Stay exceeding 180 days

For periods exceeding 180 days, a residence authorization for the audiovisual sector is required.
As in the previous case, the application is submitted directly to the UGE. If the applicant is outside Spain, once the authorization is granted they must apply for the corresponding visa at the Spanish consulate in their place of residence.
Permits granted for these projects have an initial maximum validity of two years, renewable if the project lasts longer.

Updates on renewals

This is where the new Royal Decree 1155/2024 introduces a significant improvement. While the initial authorization for the audiovisual sector (over 180 days) is valid for up to two years, renewals now benefit from the general regime.
Under Article 191, a foreign national who has legally resided in Spain for at least one year with a work‑authorizing permit may obtain a new authorization valid for four years upon renewal or modification.
This represents a major step forward, providing greater stability for professionals and their families and facilitating their integration and pathway toward long‑term residence, which can be applied for after five years of continuous legal residence.

Family members included

Family members may accompany the foreign professional during their stay in Spain. This residence permit covers:

• The spouse or partner with an equivalent accredited relationship.
• Minor or dependent adult children who have not established their own family unit.
• Dependent ascendants who rely economically on the permit holder.
• Parents or legal guardians of a minor working in the audiovisual sector, provided general requirements are met.

These family members may apply for residence permits jointly, simultaneously, or subsequently with the main applicant. Their permit duration will match that of the principal permit holder.

Advantages of the permit for audiovisual professionals

1 – Fast and streamlined access: regulated by specific legislation (Instruction 1/2021 of the Directorate‑General for Migration), this procedure is designed to be faster than other residence and work permits.

2 – Coverage beyond artists: the authorization also benefits technical teams (directors, camera operators, sound engineers, production staff), covering a wide range of audiovisual professionals.

3 – Easy extension: if the project is extended beyond initial plans, the permit can be extended without leaving Spain, offering flexibility in duration.

4 – Mobility within the European Union: holders may travel within the Schengen Area for production‑related tasks and may exit and re‑enter Spain without applying for new visas.

5 – Adaptability to multiple project types: whether film, TV, concerts, radio productions, or live performances, the permit adjusts to the diverse nature of the audiovisual industry.

Do you need help applying for this permit?

At Adlanter, we support you end‑to‑end: assessing the correct pathway, preparing documentation, coordinating with family members, and providing 360º international mobility support.

• • International Mobility and Expatriates
  • For a complete arrival experience: Relocation Services