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 through BLS Office in Washington.
- 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.
Required documents:
1.- One application form (
National Visa Application form): . Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application, filling in each of its sections. It can be filled out electronically or handwritten in capital letters. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents must sign the application.
2.- One photo: Glued or clipped (not stapled) onto visa application form. Photo specifications: Passport-size, color photograph, recent (taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance), 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.
3.- Valid, unexpired passport. Original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain two blank pages for visas. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.
If the passport does not meet the requirements, it must be renewed before applying for the visa.
4.- 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 and a photocopy.
B1/B2 visa holders do not qualify to apply for a visa at this Consular Office. They must apply for a visa in their country of residence or country of origin.
5.- Proof of residence in the consular district. The applicant must be a legal resident or be enrolled in in-person studies in a center within our consular jurisdiction (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina).
Residence must be proved by one of the following, valid documents: U.S. driver’s license, state ID, university Student ID. Original and a photocopy.
If the applicant doesn’t have a US Driving license or State ID it is possible to proof the residence in our consular district by other documents, e.g. a copy of the lease agreement.
6.- Document that proves the professional relationship with the company that hires or transfers the professional.
7.- 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.
8.- 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.
9.- 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.
10.- 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.
12.- Payment of the visa fee. Different rates are applied for reasons of reciprocity. Fees in 2024:
- For US citizens: $190 if the applicant is an employee or $270 if the applicant is a self-employed worker.
- For nationals of Australia, Canada, Ethiopia, Mauritania and the United Kingdom different rates are applied. In these cases, the amount of the fee must be consulted with the Consular Office.
- For other nationalities: $99
Visa fees are revised quarterly according to current exchange rates and can be subject to changes.
13.- USPS Self-addressed and Pre-Paid Priority Mail Express envelope from the Post Office to have the passport returned by mail, if the applicant wishes for their Passport to be mailed back to them once the visa has been issued. We do not accept any other type of courier or messenger service (No FEDEX, No UPS). Tracking of mailed items is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
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 case of an unregistered couple with a stable emotional relationship equivalent to a registered couple: notarized declaration stating that you are an unregistered unmarried couple with an stable emotional relationship equivalent to a registered couple, and any other document proving the unregistered partnership with the applicant for at least 1 year, for evaluation.
- 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.
Please submit the original and a copy of all the documents proving family relationship.
Additional documents, Interview:
When necessary to assess the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.
PROCEDURE
This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district. (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina).
- 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.
- Visa application period: 1 year as of the capital investment. This period is not applicable to investments in real estate; investments in real estate made before 29 September 2013 will not be eligible.
- Place of submission. Applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office by appointment only.
Once you have all the required documents you must scan and e-mail them to cog.washington.vis@maec.es. If there is not enough space to include all the attached documents, you can send them in different, numbered emails. Please write the email subject as follows: “APPOINTMENT REQUEST. Visa Type. Given Name FAMILY NAME. Email Number”
Please do not send emails if you do not have all the required documents yet. Please be sure that you have all the required documents before scheduling an appointment, as only complete applications with all requirements will be admitted.
When we receive all the required documents, we will answer your mail and schedule an appointment to come in person to the Consular Section of the Embassy to submit the application.
- Proof of receipt: The Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application with a code that enables them to check the status of the dossier through the following link: https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/Home.aspx
- Rectifying the application: The Consular Office 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 as of the day after the submission date of the application, but this period may be extended when an interview or additional documents are requested.
- Collecting the visa:
- If the applicant wants to have the passport returned by mail: Please submit a USPS Self-addressed and Pre-Paid Priority Mail Express envelope.
- If the applicant prefers to collect the visa in person: The visa can 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. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of 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 this Consular Office 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.
- 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 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.
Required documents:
1.- One application form (National Visa Application form): . Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application, filling in each of its sections. It can be filled out electronically or handwritten in capital letters. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents must sign the application.
2.- One photo: Glued or clipped (not stapled) onto visa application form. Photo specifications: Passport-size, color photograph, recent (taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance), 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.
3.- Valid, unexpired passport. Original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain two blank pages for visas. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.
If the passport does not meet the requirements, it must be renewed before applying for the visa.
4.- 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 and a photocopy.
B1/B2 visa holders do not qualify to apply for a visa at this Consular Office. They must apply for a visa in their country of residence or country of origin.
5.- Proof of residence in the consular district. The applicant must be a legal resident or be enrolled in in-person studies in a center within our consular jurisdiction (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina).
Residence must be proved by one of the following, valid documents: U.S. driver’s license, state ID, university Student ID. Original and a photocopy.
If the applicant doesn't have a US Driving license or State ID it is possible to proof the residence in our consular district by other documents, e.g. a copy of the lease agreement.
6.- 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.
7.- 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). We do not accept State or Local Police Background Check.
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. We do not accept background checks without the Hague Apostille.
The Apostille must certify the signature on the Criminal Background check, not other signatures. We do not accept apostilles that certify the signature of a notary that stamps a seal on the criminal background check.
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).
Please submit the original and a photocopy of all the documents: background check, apostille and official translation.
8.- 
Responsible Declaration (original and a photocopy) of the absence of criminal records in the countries where you have resided during the previous 5 years.
9.- 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.
11.- Payment of the visa. Cash or Money Order. Different rates are applied for reasons of reciprocity. Fees in 2024:
- For US citizens: $190 if the applicant is an employee or $270 if the applicant is a self-employed worker.
- For nationals of Australia, Canada, Ethiopia, Mauritania and the United Kingdom different rates are applied. In these cases, the amount of the fee must be consulted with the Consular Office.
- For other nationalities: $99
Visa fees are revised quarterly according to current exchange rates and can be subject to changes.
12.- Self-addressed and Pre-Paid US “Express-Mail" envelope from the US Post Office in order to have your passport returned by mail. We do NOT accept any other type of courier or messenger service (No FEDEX – No UPS). Tracking of mailed items is the sole responsibility of the applicant.
When necessary to assess the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.
Required documents for family members
For each family member accompanying the worker, the following must be submitted:
- All the required documents specified , if applicable. 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 case of an unregistered couple with a stable emotional relationship equivalent to a registered couple: notarized declaration stating that you are an unregistered unmarried couple with an stable emotional relationship equivalent to a registered couple, and any other document proving the unregistered partnership with the applicant for at least 1 year, for evaluation.
- 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.
Please submit the original and a copy of all the documents proving family relationship.
Additional documents, Interview:
When necessary to assess the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.
PROCEDURE
This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district. (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina).
- 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.
- Visa application period: 1 year as of the capital investment. This period is not applicable to investments in real estate; investments in real estate made before 29 September 2013 will not be eligible.
- Place of submission. Applications must be submitted in person at the Consular Office by appointment only.
Once you have all the required documents you must scan and e-mail them to cog.washington.vis@maec.es. If there is not enough space to include all the attached documents, you can send them in different, numbered emails. Please write the email subject as follows: “APPOINTMENT REQUEST. Visa Type. Given Name FAMILY NAME. Email Number”
Please do not send emails if you do not have all the required documents yet. Please be sure that you have all the required documents before scheduling an appointment, as only complete applications with all requirements will be admitted.
When we receive all the required documents, we will answer your mail and schedule an appointment to come in person to the Consular Section of the Embassy to submit the application.
- Proof of receipt: The Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application with a code that enables them to check the status of the dossier through the following link: https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/Home.aspx
- Rectifying the application: The Consular Office 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 as of the day after the submission date of the application, but this period may be extended when an interview or additional documents are requested.
- Collecting the visa:
- If the applicant wants to have the passport returned by mail: Please submit a USPS Self-addressed and Pre-Paid Priority Mail Express envelope.
- If the applicant prefers to collect the visa in person: The visa can 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. The Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of 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 this Consular Office 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.
- 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.