Fast Track Spanish Visas for Audiovisual Professionals

Spanish Visa Solicitors Madrid

This latest government initiative not only streamlines and simplifies the Spanish visa process for audiovisual professionals but also extends the definition of “audiovisual” for the purposes of applying for a visa. The term now includes all professionals in the audiovisual sector. This includes professionals involved in sectors such as eSports, Software, Videogame Development and other multimedia-type activities. 

The Spanish government has introduced new rules that facilitate entry and work in Spain in an attempt to promote the Spain Audiovisual Hub programme. Orden PCM/1238/2021, de 12 de Noviembre, re audiovisual sector visas entered into force on 14 November 2021.

The new Visa is for foreign nationals who want to travel to Spain to work in Audiovisual-related jobs.

There are three options for the new-style Visa, each dependent on how long the audiovisual professional wishes to stay in Spain.

How does the New Audiovisual Visa work?

• The New Audiovisual Visa eliminates the need to prove that the National Employment Situation (Situación Nacional de Empleo) allows the transfer of the professional. 
• You no longer need to have a previous work relationship with the contracting company. 
• If your stay is up to 90 days, you will be given your foreign identity number (NIE) on the same day.
• If your visa request is for more than 90 days, you will get a response in 10 working days at most. In cases where you request a Residence Permit, the answer will come back within 20 working days at most.
• The possibility exists to change from a 90-day Authorisation to a Residence Permit without having to leave Spain.
• Your family will be allowed to come with you.

Get expert Spanish Audiovisual Visas advice

Contact us today for a Free Initial Consultation about how we can help you or your client obtain a Spanish audiovisual visa:

Call UK: +44 207 097 5550 | Call Spain: +34 915 939 126 | email: mail@scudamorelaw.com

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What are the routes to apply for an Audiovisual Visa?

There are three pathways that audiovisual professionals can take to take advantage of the new legislation. 

Stays of less than 90 days

• If you come from a non-EU country that requires a Schengen visa, you will only need to present one if you stay for less than 90 days.
• You no longer have to apply for a work permit.
• A Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) must be requested. 
• Social Security registration is only needed in certain cases. 

Stays of 90-180 days

• If you want to stay in the country for more than 90 days but less than 180 days, you must apply for the Audiovisual Visa Stay.
• The documentation you will need to provide for the Audiovisual Visa is the same as the documentation required for a regular visa. 
• A document that proves your commercial relationship with the company that wishes your transfer to Spain.
• A document proving that you’re part of an audiovisual project.
• Public or private medical insurance if you won’t be covered by the National Health System or by a Social Security agreement.

Stays for over 180 days 

• If you plan to carry out the activity for over 180 days, you must request a Residence Permit. The company that wishes your transfer may submit the request through the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration website. 

Necessary documentation for a Residence Permit: 

• Completed application form and payment of all relevant fees.
• You will need to provide the regular paperwork for a visa.
• A document that proves your commercial relationship with the company you are moving to Spain to work for.
• A document proving that you are working on a suitable audiovisual project.
• Public or private medical insurance if you won’t otherwise be covered.

Other changes

Audiovisual professionals may now stay in Spain with their direct relatives, and the process for artists and professionals under the age of 18 has been simplified, and they may now be accompanied by their parents or guardians. 

WHY CHOOSE SCUDAMORE LAW?

With a team comprising of dual-qualified, fluent Spanish and English speaking lawyers, you can expect:

• 20+ years of experience handling Spanish property transactions for English speaking investors.
• An in-depth knowledge of Spanish law and English law – we excel in cross-border transactions, bridging cultural and legal differences and helping foreign investors make a home in Spain.
• English-level professional quality standards – we put our clients’ best interests first, are honest about costs and risks and ensure you receive all the information and advice you need to make informed decisions about how to move forwards.
• Personalised advice – the legal guidance and support you need, tailored to meet your individual circumstances.
• An attentive, proactive service – we work efficiently and are always available to provide updates and answer questions.
• A commercially-focused mindset – helping you grasp opportunities, minimise risk and succeed in Spain’s very different business and legal environment.
• A supportive shoulder to lean on – we aim to make your experience with us as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
• Costs transparency – we are upfront about our fees so you can proceed with your investment with confidence.

We have offices based in London and Spain but we are not solely an English or Spanish firm. We are a firm of English and Spanish lawyers who have legal qualifications and fluent language skills in both countries.

We have offices based in London and Spain but we are not solely an English or Spanish firm. We are a firm of English and Spanish lawyers who have legal qualifications and fluent language skills in both countries.

As such, we are the firm of choice for foreign investors. Although we mainly deal with Spanish and cross-border transactions, we firmly uphold English quality standards akin to what you would expect from a firm based in England.

Our clients are based all over the world, so we are happy to communicate in the ways that are most convenient for you. This could be phone calls and emails, video conferencing, or you are more than welcome to arrange face-to-face meetings at our offices in London, Madrid and Almería.