Apply for Visa to Spain In Washington DC usa flag
Follow Us
  • facebook icon
  • instagram icon
  • twitter icon
  • linkedin-in icon
BLS International
mobile menu
inner banner

National Working visa for Professionals in the Audiovisual Sector

This visa is intended for foreign artists, technicians and professionals who are going to carry out activities within the audiovisual sector (film, TV, theatre, music, dance), artistic activities facing the public, or intended for recording of any kind for broadcast by mass media in Spain, and comply with the requirements of Spanish regulation (Order PCM/1238/2021, of 12th November).

This visa does not apply to journalists.

This visa may include the applicants' immediate family members accompanying the professional:

  • The spouse or person with an accredited analogous affective relationship.
  • Minor or adult children who depend economically on the holder.
  • Ascendants who are economically dependant on the holder.
  • Parents or tutors of an underage person who performs an activity within the audiovisual sector

STAYS UP TO 90 DAYS (Schengen visa depending on nationality)

In order to carry out activities in the audiovisual sector in Spain for a period up to 90 days.

Required documents:

  • No visa needed for foreigners from a country whose nationals are exempt from the obligation of obtaining a visa to cross exterior borders accordingly to the EU Regulation: Countries listed in Annex II of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806.
  • A Schengen visa will be needed for foreigners from a country whose nationals are subject to the obligation of obtaining a visa to cross exterior borders accordingly to the EU Regulation: Countries listed in Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2018/1806. In this case, if the place of residence is in our jurisdiction (DC, MD, VA, WV and NC), the applicant must apply for a regular Schengen visa.
  • Foreigner’s Identification Number (NIE). The foreign artists, technicians and professionals must apply for a NIE number (if they do not have it), in Spain upon arrival, or before travelling, at the Consulate of Spain.
  • NIE Registration with Social Security (in those cases not covered by an agreement on Social Security)
  • There is no need to apply for a residence or Work authorization.

ESA VISA (91 TO 180 DAYS)

This visa is intended for professionals in the audiovisual sector, understanding as such foreign artists, technicians and professionals who are going to carry out activities within the audiovisual sector and artistic activities facing the public or intended to record of any kind for broadcast by mass media, for a duration between 91 and 180 days. The worker may be accompanied by immediate family members.

RSA VISA (MORE THAN 180 DAYS)

This visa is intended for professionals in the audiovisual sector, understanding as such foreign artists, technicians and professionals who are going to carry out activities within the audiovisual sector and artistic activities facing the public or intended to record of any kind for broadcast by mass media, for a duration of more than 180 days. The worker may be accompanied by immediate family members.

When necessary to assess the application, the Spain Embassy may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.

PROCEDURE

The Spain Embassy is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district. (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina).

Place of submission. From September 1, 2026: The application must be submitted in person by appointment only to the BLS Spain Visa Application Center for Spain in Washington DC.

BLS - SPAIN VISA APPLICATION CENTER, WASHINGTON DC - 1660 L St NW, Second Floor, Suite: 216, Washington, DC 20036

To find more information and schedule an appointment at BLS Spain Visa Application Center in Washington DC, please follow the link: BLS Spain Visa Application Center

Email: info.wases@blsinternational.net; phone number: 516-888-1169 (BLS call-center for USA)

Please note that there are different sections for Schengen Visa and for National Visa appointments.

In case of a family unit, it is possible to add appointments for accompanying family member when scheduling an appointment in BLS

Who can apply for a Visa: Visa applications must be submitted in person by the applicant, or by one of their parents if they are a minor. They may also be submitted through a duly accredited representative.

Rectifying the application: The Spain Embassy may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.

Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is 10 days from the day when the Spain Embassy forwards the documents through the visa system (not from the day the applicant submits the application at the BLS Office), but this period may be extended when an interview or additional documents are requested.

Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative within a maximum period of 1 month, counted as of the day after the date on which the favorable decision is notified. BLS Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure to collect/return the passport and any other original documentation.

Visa refusal: Visa refusals will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based.

Appeals: If a visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to the Spain Embassy in Spanish within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court Justice of Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.

ESA Validity period of the visa: The visa is valid for the entire duration of the activity (from 91 days until 180 days). The visa accredits residence in Spain during its validity period, making it unnecessary for the worker to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card. However, the worker may apply for this card at the Foreign Nationals' Office or the corresponding Police Station.

RSA Validity period of the visa: The visa is valid for 1 year, or for the same period as the residence permit granted, provided that this is for less than 1 year. The visa accredits residence in Spain during its validity period, making it unnecessary for the worker to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE, Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero). However, the worker may apply for this card at the Foreign Nationals' Office or the corresponding Police Station.

The Revised visa fee and BLS service charge are as follows:

Consulate Visa Fee Based on Citizenship Amount in USD
United States of America Employee: 190
Self-employed: 270
Australia, Canada, Ethiopia, Mauritania, United Kingdom The fee will be consulted with the Spain Embassy
All other nationals 106
BLS Service Fee Amount in USD
All Nationals 20
Notifications SMS + STS 5 + 3
  • All Fees are non-refundable
  • The Visa Fee is subject to change without notice

"Checklist"

Insurance for Long Term Visa

Travelling to Europe on a National Visa? Click Here to buy Health Insurance at competitive pricing from reputed global insurers. This Health Insurance facility is optional and provided for applicant convenience.

Disclaimer:- By clicking this link, you will be redirected to the third party website, your personal data will be handled in accordance with their privacy policy. Please note that BLS does not collect or process any information you provide on their site and does not hold any liability with respect to any dispute.

Working Visa for Professionals in the Audiovisual Sector - (91 to 180 days)

Documents Required:

National visa application form. Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application, filling in each of its sections. Visa applications can be filled out electronically or handwritten in capital letters.

1 photograph (Photo service available at Center): Glued to visa application form. Photo specifications: Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance, passport-size, color photograph, printed on matte/glossy paper, taken against a white, light, clear, uniform background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the applicant’s full oval of the face. Photos with a dark background or with objects or people that can be seen behind your head will not be accepted.

Valid, unexpired passport. The passport must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain two blank visa pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.

Proof of legal residence in the United States. Non-U.S. citizens must also submit proof of legal residence in the United States: U.S. Resident Card (Green card) or valid U.S. long term Visa. Original will be checked during appointment.

Proof of residence in the consular district. The applicant must be a legal resident or be enrolled in in-person studies within the Consular Section’s consular jurisdiction (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia). Residence must be proved by one of the following, valid documents: U.S. driver’s license, state ID. Original will be checked during appointment.

Document that proves the professional relationship with the company that hires or transfers the professional.

Document proving that the professional is part of a production project in the audiovisual sector or artistic performance facing the public or intended for recording for dissemination by mass media. This document must state the duration of the planned activity, which may not exceed 180 days.

Responsible statement from the company that hires in Spain guaranteeing that it is up to date with the payment of its obligations to Social Security and the Tax Agency.

Proof of public or private health insurance from an insurer recognized and authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance must cover all risks normally covered for nationals and must be maintained for the entire duration of the authorization. It must cover at least all the preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation assistance activities that are carried out in health centers or socio-health centers, as well as urgent health transport. The health insurance must not have a deficiency, copayment, or coverage limit, that is, it must cover 100% of the medical, hospital, and out-of-hospital expenses.

Proof of the representative's identity and capacity: If the applicant is a minor, it will be necessary to present originals and submit copies of the identity document or passport of one of their parents, as well as of the document constituting proof of kinship. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

Disclaimer Form : Please find a template in “Download forms”.

Payment of the Visa - Debit Card ONLY

Required documents for family members

For each family member accompanying the worker, the following must be submitted:

  • All the required documents specified in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11 and 12. Where applicable, those specified in 10 also. In the case of minors, the visa application must be signed by one of their parents or by a duly accredited representative.
  • Documents proving family relationship with the worker: birth certificate, marriage certificate issued by the civil registry, certificate of registration as an unmarried couple.
  • In the case of an unregistered couple with a stable emotional relationship equivalent to a registered couple: Documents proving the unregistered partnership with the applicant for at least 1 year, for evaluation. When there are children in common, it will be sufficient to submit the children’s birth certificate and prove stable cohabitation.
  • In case of adult children (18 y.o. and older): documents proving financial dependence, the adult child's civil status and that they continue to form part of the family unit. It can be certificates of disability, of single status, of cohabitation at the same address, of studies, etc.
  • In case of relatives in the ascending line (65 y.o. and older parents): documents proving financial dependence and that they form part of the family unit.

Foreign official documents must be apostilled or legalized and must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

Additional documents, Interview: When necessary to assess the application, the Spain Embassy may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.

Working Visa for Professionals in the Audiovisual Sector - (More than 180 days)

Documents required:

National visa application form: Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application, filling in each of its sections. Visa applications can be filled out electronically or handwritten in capital letters.

1 photograph (Photo service available at Center): Glued or clipped onto visa application form. Photo specifications: Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance, passport-size, color photograph, printed on matte/glossy paper, taken against a white, light, clear, uniform background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the applicant’s full oval of the face. Photos with a dark background or with objects or people that can be seen behind your head will not be accepted.

Valid, unexpired passport: The passport must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain two blank visa pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.

Proof of legal residence in the United States: Non-U.S. citizens must also submit proof of legal residence in the United States: U.S. Resident Card (Green card) or valid U.S. long term Visa. Original will be checked during the appointment.

Proof of residence in the consular district: The applicant must be a legal resident or be enrolled in in-person studies within the Consular Section’s consular jurisdiction (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and West Virginia). Residence must be proved by one of the following, valid documents: U.S. driver’s license, state ID. Original will be checked during the appointment.

Residence permit (Resolución de Autorización de Residencia inicial) issued by the UGECE: (“Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos”, del “Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones” de España – “Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit”, “Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration” of Spain)

In case of the accompanying family members: Residence permit for family members (Resolución de Autorización de Residencia inicial para familiares).

The Spanish company, or legal representative, may request the permit submitting the application along with the supporting documentation to the UGECE.

Criminal record check certificate: Applicants of legal age (18 years old and older) must submit the original and a photocopy (not notarized) of their criminal background check certificate(s) issued by their country or countries of residence for the past 2 years.

  • The criminal background check must be issued by the U.S. Department of Justice – Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). State or Local Police Background Check is not acceptable.
  • The background check must be issued within the 6 months preceding the submission of the visa application.
  • The background check must be authenticated with The Hague Apostille. Background checks without the Hague Apostille is not acceptable..
  • The Apostille must certify the signature on the Criminal Background check, not other signatures. Apostilles that certify the signature of a notary that stamps a seal on the criminal background check is not acceptable..
  • The criminal background check will not be accepted if it has been altered or damaged in any way, including damage caused by removing staples.
  • The background check must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish by a sworn/certified translator. (The translation does not need an Apostille and the Apostille does not need a translation).

If the applicant has spent more than 6 months (more than 180 days) during the last 2 years in another country (outside the USA or Spain), an additional criminal background check from every country of residence must be provided. The criminal background checks must be authenticated with the Apostille of The Hague, unless it is issued by an EU member state. The criminal background check issued by an EU authority does not need to be apostilled to be accepted. If the country in which the applicant has lived in the past 2 years does not subscribe to The Hague Convention of 1961, the background check must by authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country and then by the Consulate of Spain in this country. The background check must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish (if the original is not written in Spanish or does not include the text in Spanish).

Responsible declaration (original and a photocopy) of the absence of criminal records in the countries where you have resided during the previous 5 years. Please find a template in “Download forms”.

Proof of the representative's identity and capacity. If the applicant is a minor, it will be necessary to present originals and submit copies of the identity document or passport of one of their parents, as well as of the document constituting proof of kinship. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

Disclaimer Form : Please find a template in “Download forms”.

Payment of the Visa fees - Debit Card ONLY

Required documents for family members

For each family member accompanying the worker, the following must be submitted:

  • All the required documents specified in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11 and 12. Where applicable, those specified in 10 also. In the case of minors, the visa application must be signed by one of their parents or by a duly accredited representative.
  • Documents proving family relationship with the worker: birth certificate, marriage certificate issued by the civil registry, certificate of registration as an unmarried couple
  • In the case of an unregistered couple with a stable emotional relationship equivalent to a registered couple: Documents proving the unregistered partnership with the applicant for at least 1 year, for evaluation. When there are children in common, it will be sufficient to submit the children’s birth certificate and prove stable cohabitation.
  • In case of adult children (18 y.o. and older): documents proving financial dependence, the adult child's civil status and that they continue to form part of the family unit. It can be certificates of disability, of single status, of cohabitation at the same address, of studies, etc.
  • In case of relatives in the ascending line (65 y.o. and older parents): documents proving financial dependence and that they form part of the family unit.

Foreign official documents must be apostilled or legalized and must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.

Additional documents, Interview: When necessary to assess the application, the Spain Embassy may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.

Note: We regret we cannot accept photographs that do not meet these requirements

photo img

Please provide one recent photograph (not more than 6 months old) of yourself, which should not have been used previously in the passport. The photograph should be in colour and:

  • Taken against a white background so that features are distinguishable and contrast against the background.
  • Clear share quality and with the face in focus.
  • Printed on normal photographic paper (camera print).
  • Full face, non-smiling [without sunglasses, a hat/cap or other head covering, unless the applicant wears such items because of their religious belief or ethnic background]
  • Please stick the Photograph on the Visa Application Form.

Note: Please follow these instructions carefully. If photographs presented do not meet these requirements your application will be considered incomplete. A photo booth meeting these requirements is available at the centre.

Decision period: Once the application is accepted as complete, the legal term to reach a resolution is 1 month from the day after the application was registered in the visa system (not from the date of receipt of application at the BLS office), but this time frame may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.

Refusal of visa or stay permit for studies. The refusal of the visa or the authorization to stay for studies will always be notified in writing, stating the reasons on which the decision was based.

Appeals: In the event of a denial of a stay authorization for studies or a visa, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration in Spanish before the Office that denied the request within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. A contentious-administrative appeal may also be filed before the Superior Court of Justice of Madrid within a period of 2 months from the day following the date on which the applicant receives the notification of the refusal of a visa or the dismissal of the appeal for reconsideration.

Once the visa has been collected, the applicant must enter Spanish territory during the validity period of the visa. The visa must be stamped upon entry into the Schengen States. Once in Spain and within the first thirty days, the applicant must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card or TIE (“Foreigner Identity Card”) at the Foreign National Office at the Police station in the city you will stay. If the duration of the activity does not exceed 180 days, the visa will be sufficient to prove the stay and you don’t need to apply for a TIE.

bls-qms