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For the Spanish government, the audiovisual industry is strategic because of its global nature, its capacity to generate employment and its potential for modernization thanks to digitalization. That is why the express permit for workers in the audiovisual sector is a way of attracting investment.
The team of professionals, the provision of cutting-edge solutions, the diversity of locations and tax incentives are attracting more and more international filming to our country, in addition to the large number of national productions that are attracting the attention of international platforms.
Spain starts from a good position, both in terms of infrastructure and national talent, but until recently it had to face a major problem: the bureaucratic processes for the entry of talent from the hand of foreign productions and the impossible requirements for residence and work permits foreseen for the audiovisual sector. This is what has been tried to change with the legal modifications of November 12, 2021.
Who is the express permit for the audiovisual sector aimed at?
The express permit is aimed at companies and professionals working in the audiovisual sector, as it can be of great help in streamlining contracts and residency issues for foreign personnel.
This new procedure will benefit companies in the audiovisual sector that cover a wide range of traditional content (fiction, television content production, etc.), as well as the multimedia and interactive digital environment, such as software development, video games (such as eSports) and transmedia content or content that incorporates immersive experiences, as well as those that develop artistic activities performed in front of the public and disseminated through mass media.
What is new in the new legislation?
- A simplified procedure: telematic processing in 20 working days for authorization and 10 days to obtain a visa.
Workers in the audiovisual sector will no longer have to prove at least three years of work experience or present a degree, nor will they have to have a previous employment relationship of three months with the contracting company. - New objective: Intended for companies or groups of companies in the audiovisual sector that, within the framework of the provision of services between different companies, do not belong to the same business group, and whose purpose is the realization of an audiovisual production in Spain.
- Family regrouping: in all these cases, the possibility has been enabled for artists or audiovisual professionals to stay in Spain with their spouses or partners, minor or adult children, and dependent family members. Or, in case the professional is a minor, he/she will be allowed to stay in Spain with his/her parents or guardians.
What are the routes foreseen for this express permit?
There will be a first path for audiovisual professionals who will stay in Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. They will be exempt from the obligation to obtain a work authorization.
In these cases, foreigners will be able to obtain a visa which will be sufficient to stay and work in Spain during its validity.
A residence permit has also been developed as a single permit for foreigners who will reside and work in the audiovisual sector for more than 180 days.
There is no longer any doubt that Spain has become a top international production center. The filming of blockbusters such as Game of Thrones by HBO in our country and the success of La Casa de Papel by Netflix, a platform that has set up its own headquarters in Madrid, are just one example of the weight of Spain's audiovisual industry in the rest of the world.
In short, this process of express permission for workers puts Spain at the forefront of international audiovisual production, a sector that is undoubtedly booming. And as we have been warning in recent times, it does so through one of the assets that can bring most benefits to individuals and States: migration and its regulation.
From CECA MAGÁN ABOGADOS, we are at your disposal to clarify any doubts and provide comprehensive advice with a specialized team. Do not hesitate to contact our team here.
Lawyer in the labor area and expert in international mobility
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