Artist Visa Spain in Spain

This visa lets foreign artists and people who work in film, TV and similar fields work in Spain for a limited time.

Who it is for

Artists, musicians, dancers and audiovisual technicians (people who work on film, video, sound and similar productions) with work in Spain. For work of less than 90 days, people who do not need a Schengen visa (the visa for short visits to much of Europe) may not need a work visa. For work lasting 91 to 180 days, a visa is needed that allows the person to live in Spain for the length of the work contract.

Main conditions

• The person is a foreign artist, technician or professional in the audiovisual field.
• The work is a public performance or is being recorded for TV, radio or similar media.
• The work lasts 91 to 180 days, shown by a document.
• A passport valid for at least 4 months, covering the whole stay, with two blank pages.
• Papers showing the work link with the company hiring or sending them.
• A signed statement from the Spanish company that it is up to date with social security and tax.
• Health insurance that covers everything the Spanish public health system covers.
• Proof that the person lives or studies in the area served by the consulate (Spain's official office abroad).
• For children, proof of who their representative is.
• Payment of the visa fee in local money.

Close family members who depend on the person for money, such as a spouse, children or parents, can come too.

How the process works

• The application is made in person at the Spanish visa application centre. For a child, a parent or an authorised representative applies.
• A receipt is given, and the application can be followed online.
• The consulate may ask for more papers or call the person for an interview.
• A decision usually takes about 10 days, longer if more is needed.
• Once approved, the visa has to be collected within one month.
• A refusal is given in writing with the reasons. The person can ask for it to be looked at again or take it to court within set time limits.

What the service involves

• Checking whether the person qualifies.
• Help filling in the visa form and preparing documents such as photos, passport copies and proof of the job.
• Help finding suitable health insurance and advice on paying the fee.
• Following the application with the consulate.
• Help collecting the visa.
• Support with an appeal or court challenge if the visa is refused, for an extra fee.