Residence in Spain for Personnel in the Audiovisual Sector

In today’s article, we will discuss the residence in Spain for personnel in the audiovisual sector, providing you with all the key information you need to know about obtaining residency in Spain.

The State Secretariat for Migration has issued a new Instruction on residency for individuals from third countries who are part of production teams in the audiovisual sector.

Due to the ongoing pandemic situation, it has become essential to disseminate this instruction to regulate this type of residency in Spain more effectively and promptly. The following highlights are emphasized in this instruction:

First.- Purpose.

This instruction aims to adopt measures to promote initiatives outlined in the Audiovisual Sector Promotion Project, simplifying the process of obtaining residence authorizations for personnel involved in audiovisual productions.

Second.- Simplified procedure.

• Audiovisual sector organizations and groups of organizations that, within the scope of service provision among different organizations not belonging to the same business group, aim to carry out an audiovisual production in Spain with social and economic impact, may benefit from the simplified method provided for in Article 74 of Law 14/2013, of September 27, on support for entrepreneurs and their internationalization, being registered in the Unit of Large Organizations and Strategic Collectives.
• According to Article 74.2. in fine, these organizations will be exempt from proving the requirements provided for in Article 73.2.a), b), and c) in the application. However, the applications must include documentary evidence of compliance with the other requirements provided for in the regulations, especially those in Articles 62 and 73.2 that are not exempt.
• The Directorate General of Migrations may, ex officio, verify compliance with these requirements, particularly regarding the economic and social relevance of the audiovisual production justifying its integration into the strategic sector category.

Third. – Collective processing

Audiovisual sector organizations and groups of organizations wishing to benefit from the simplified method described in the second instruction may also request collective processing of authorizations, using the collective processing form available on the website of the Ministry of Integration, Social Security, and Migrations.

Requirements for residence in Spain for audiovisual sector personnel

The accreditation of the requirements related to the applicant organization will be shown only once for the group of applications.

In cases where the application is signed with the electronic certificate of the representative before the public administrations of the company, it will not be necessary to provide the CIF, powers, or ID of the person signing, provided that the electronic file provided enables verification of the electronic signature through https://valide.redsara.es

• The collective processing form must include, for all authorizations included in it:
• The signed personal application form by the representative of the applicant company from Spain.
• Copy of the full passport or valid travel document of the displaced professional.
• Letter of assignment from the foreign organization, also signed by the displaced professional, accrediting the purpose of the transfer, with indication of:
  • Activities to be carried out and conditions under which they will be performed.
• Job profile and salary the worker will receive.
• Period of transfer.
• Proof of payment of the corresponding fee.
• Documentation proving interaction with Social Security:

If there is a Social Security agreement between Spain and the territory where the organization transporting the worker is based: certificate of Social Security coverage from the territory where the transporting organization is based, and insurance proving health coverage, unless the company transporting the worker is based in a territory with a Social Security Agreement that includes health coverage.

In the absence of an agreement, a document from the organization transporting the worker must be provided, stating the appointment of a legal representative in Spain who assumes responsibility for the organization transporting the worker and contributes for him/her in Spain.

If the professional is in regular situation in Spain at the time of the application, and is the holder of a stay of less than 6 months, a certificate of criminal record from the territory or territories where he/she has resided during the last 5 years must be provided.

In those cases where the same organization wants to include new individuals in the team that will be displaced as part of the filming, once the collective processing application has been processed, a new collective processing form may be submitted, or new individual requests may be submitted according to this method.

How long does the residency permit for workers in the audiovisual sector last?

The duration of the residence permit for workers in the audiovisual sector can range from 90 days to 3 years. These durations are due to the fact that foreign workers in the audiovisual sector commonly apply for a 90-day visa, which is very similar to a tourist visa, except that it allows for work in the country.

Documents for the residence permit for workers in the audiovisual sector

Here are the documents needed to obtain the residence permit for workers in the audiovisual sector for 90 days within a maximum period of 180 days:

1. Photograph.
2. Valid and current travel document.
3. Document confirming residence.
4. Document confirming the employment or professional relationship with the company.
5. Document confirming the worker’s involvement in the project.
6. In the event that family members accompany you, documents confirming the relationship and the worker’s dependent status.
7. Medical insurance.
8. Declaration of responsibility stating that the Spanish company hiring foreign workers is registered with Social Security.

Here are the documents needed to obtain the residence permit for workers in the audiovisual sector:

1. Fully completed application form.
2. Valid and current travel document.
3. Payment of fees.
4. Documentation confirming the employment or professional relationship with the company.
5. Documentation proving that the foreigner is part of the project.
6. In case of accompanying family members, documentation proving the relationship and the worker’s dependent status.
7. Medical insurance.
8. If the applicant is a minor, authorization from their parents.