Workers in audiovisual and cultural productions

The cultural and audiovisual sectors are two seemingly different sectors that often go hand in hand and are expanding more and more each day due to the series, films, and documentaries being produced today. If you are a director, producer, actor, and want to shoot or work in Spain, this article is for you as here you will find all the information you need to know to apply for the procedure in the audiovisual and cultural sector in Spain.

What are the characteristics of applying for the procedure in the audiovisual and cultural sector?

The procedure for the audiovisual and cultural sector can be requested by all actors, technicians, and professionals in the audiovisual sector who are going to carry out recording activities, cinema, and other activities that encompass the audiovisual and cultural sector in Spain.

How to process residence for workers in the audiovisual and cultural sector in Spain?

In this section, we’ll explain how you can apply for procedures for workers in the audiovisual and cultural sector.

To apply for the 90-day stay procedure to carry out audiovisual activities, there is a particularity because some countries require a visa to cross the border, while others do not.

Both foreigners who do not require a visa to cross their borders due to their nationality and those who do require a visa to cross their borders must apply for a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) upon entering Spain. If they do not have an NIE, the company that hires them will have to register them with social security. Here’s a link for you to know which countries require a visa and which ones do not to cross borders.

What documentation is needed for the residence of workers in the audiovisual and cultural sector?

The documentation required for the residence of workers in the audiovisual and cultural sector varies depending on the procedure requested. Below, we show you the types of procedures available and the documents needed to apply for them.

What types of procedures exist for workers in the audiovisual and cultural sector?

This procedure has several peculiarities as there are three types of procedures that can be requested: Stay of up to 90 days to carry out an audiovisual activity, stay visa for the audiovisual sector, and visa authorization for the audiovisual sector.

Stay procedure of up to 90 days to carry out an audiovisual activity:

The following requirements are needed:

For foreigners coming from countries requiring a visa to enter Spain, they need:

• Visa
• NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
• Registration with social security

For foreigners coming from countries that do not require a visa, they need:

• NIE
• Registration with social security

Stay visa for the audiovisual sector:

To apply for the stay visa for the audiovisual sector, you need to submit a visa application at the consular office or diplomatic mission corresponding to the worker. If the worker is a minor, they must be accompanied by a representative of the hiring company with authorization. The stay duration can be from 90 to 180 days.

The following documents are needed to apply for the stay visa for the audiovisual sector:

• 1 photograph
• Valid passport
• Document validating residence in Spain
• Document showing the labor or professional relationship with the hiring company or the transfer to a foreign country
• Document approving the person’s participation in the project
• If accompanied by family members, a document showing the relationship and dependent status
• Public or private health insurance
• A responsible declaration from the Spanish company hiring them, confirming enrollment in the social security system

Authorization of the visa for the audiovisual sector

To apply for the authorization of the visa for the audiovisual sector, it should be requested if the individual plans to spend more than 180 days in Spain or due to other circumstances such as the extension of filming or other relevant factors. The application, along with the documentation of compliance with the requirements, must be submitted electronically to the electronic headquarters of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration.

The following documents are required to apply for this procedure:

• Completed application form
• Valid passport
• Proof of fee payment
• Document approving the employment relationship between the foreigner and the company
• Document confirming the person’s involvement in the project
• If accompanied by family members, a document indicating the relationship and dependent status
• Public or private health insurance
• For minors, a parental authorization is required.

If the applicant is outside of Spain after being granted the authorization of the visa for the audiovisual sector, the following documentation must be submitted:

• Visa application form
• 1 photograph
• Valid passport
• Document confirming residence in Spain
• Residence authorization issued by the UGE.
• If requested by the representative, supporting documentation is needed.

Can family members accompany the procedure for audiovisual and cultural workers?

With this procedure, the worker can indeed be accompanied by family members. However, not all types of family members are eligible; only the following are accepted:

• Spouse or partner
• Dependent children, whether minors or adults economically dependent on the worker.
• If the worker is a minor, they may be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.

Can one leave Spain while the residence procedure for audiovisual and cultural workers is in effect?

With this type of procedure, it is allowed to enter and leave Spain as many times as desired. Since there are no limitations on entry or exit, individuals can be in other countries while holding the residence procedure for workers in the audiovisual and cultural sector.