Do I need a permit to film in Iceland?

Yes. Municipal authorization is generally required for public space filming, with additional approvals necessary for national parks, glacier zones, and protected geothermal areas.

Are incentives available?

Yes. Iceland offers a national rebate on eligible local expenditure, subject to registration, minimum spend thresholds, and compliance review.

Can drone filming be approved?

Drone use is regulated nationally and requires compliance with aviation guidelines, particularly near populated areas and protected sites.

Is Iceland suitable for large-scale productions?

Yes. The country has extensive experience servicing international features, series, and large commercial campaigns across challenging terrain.

Are international crews allowed to operate locally?

International teams typically collaborate with locally registered production partners to ensure regulatory compliance and rebate eligibility.

Norway

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Norway, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Norway

Capital

Oslo.

Main Cities

Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, Tromsø.

Local Languages

Norwegian (Bokmål and Nynorsk, both official); Sámi recognized regionally.

Currency

Norwegian Krone (NOK).

Climate

Temperate

General Visa Requirements:

Citizens of non-EU / non-EEA countries may need a visa (or residence/work permit) to enter Norway, depending on nationality, purpose, and duration of stay. Citizens of EU / EEA countries (plus Switzerland) can enter Norway without a visa for short stays.

Required Documents:

Film crew members applying for a visa or permit may need to provide:

A valid passport
Invitation letter / letter of intent from the production or host in Norway
Proof of accommodation in Norway
Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
Health / travel insurance covering emergencies
A detailed itinerary of stay and filming schedule
Supporting documents specific to film (crew list, production schedule, etc.)

If the stay goes beyond the visa-free limits or involves employment, a residence permit / work permit may be required via the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI).

Visa Application Process:

You should check with UDI – The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration for residence / work permits, and your nearest Norwegian embassy / consulate (or visa service provider) for short-stay visas.

UDI (Immigration) Norway
Norwegian embassies / consulates in your country

Visa application link

Processing Time:

Schengen / short-stay visa processing generally takes 15 days, though delays may occur (depending on nationality and complexity). For longer-term or work/residence permits, processing can take longer (weeks to months depending on case). It is advisable to apply 6–8 weeks in advance (or earlier) to factor in delays, supplementary requests, or administrative backlogs.

Cost:

Standard short-stay visa fees (Schengen) apply (often around €60) For national / work / residence permits; fees vary depending on the permit type, duration, and processing level Additional service / handling fees may apply via visa centres or intermediaries.

Accreditation Requirements:

While Norway does not necessarily have a centralized “film crew accreditation” office like some countries, the following practices often apply:

Submit crew lists (names, roles, contact info)
Provide passports / identity documents
Proof of affiliation or employment with the production
Insurance (liability, equipment)
Filming schedule / call sheets
Liaison with local municipalities, film commissions, and authorities (police, traffic, etc.) for permission for public locations

Local municipalities (city offices, cultural departments) will often manage filming in public spaces, street closures, permits etc.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
ID card
Proof of employment or contract
Relevant certifications or licenses
Completed accreditation application form
Photo and personal contact details

Processing Time:

Local accreditation or liaison approvals often take 2–5 working days depending on municipality. For major productions or complicated locations, start 2–4 weeks ahead.

Cost:

Basic crew accreditation / liaison is often free However, costs may arise for local services (traffic, police, security, special permits) which depend on scale and location

Issuing Organization:

Film permits are typically issued by municipalities / city offices in Norway
Also coordinate with relevant local agencies (parks, roads, heritage, environmental agencies)
Regional film commissions may assist with clearance, local relationships, and facilitation (e.g. Western Norway Film Commission)

Required Documents:

Detailed shooting schedule
Location plans
Script excerpts
Proof of liability insurance
Completed permit application form
Additional permits from local authorities if required

Processing Time:

Permit processing typically takes 1–4 weeks, depending on location, complexity, and local workflows More complex shoots (night shoots, street closures, stunts) may demand longer lead time

Cost:

Permit fees vary widely depending on location, disruption, site complexity Typical ranges might be €50 to €500 (or equivalent in Norwegian krone), but large productions or high-impact locations may incur higher fees

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Hoodlum Film Fixers in Norway assists with:

Scouting and securing private film locations
Negotiating with property owners
Obtaining necessary local permissions
Liaising with municipal authorities

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Costs depend heavily on location, exclusivity, crew size, duration, infrastructure, and access requirements
A detailed film production bio or brief is necessary to produce a precise quote

Drone Regulations:

Norway uses the EU / EASA drone regulatory framework, administered through the Civil Aviation Authority Norway (Luftfartstilsynet).
Drone operations are classified in the Open, Specific, and Certified categories based on risk. For simple, low-risk operations (“Open” category), authorization is not always required if limits are adhered to.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones weighing ≥ 250 g or with cameras may require operator registration
The drone must be marked with operator number
Liability insurance is required in many cases
Rules for privacy / sensors apply (especially where cameras / image gathering is involved)
Russian operators are banned from flying drones in Norwegian airspace. Read about it here.

Permit Issuance:

Drone permits / oversight are handled by Luftfartstilsynet (Norwegian CAA)

Timing:

Permit / authorization for more advanced drone operations may take 1–3 weeks depending on complexity and risk level. Simple “Open” category operations may be executed quicker if you comply with rules and pre-registered

Cost:

Fees vary depending on type of permit, complexity, and risk — possible range €100 to €500 (or local equivalent). Some low-risk operations under “Open” category may have minimal fees

Carnet Status:

Yes — Norway accepts ATA Carnet for temporary importation of film / technical equipment.

General Process for Carnet Country

Obtain an ATA Carnet from your national issuing association
List all equipment to be temporarily imported
Present Carnet to customs on arrival and departure
Pay any guarantee / bond if needed

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet
Commercial invoices
Packing lists
Certificates of origin
Equipment list
Proof of insurance
Customs declaration form

Issuing Organization:

Norwegian Customs handles import / export clearance

Timing:

Customs clearance (inspection, stamping) usually takes 1–2 hours (barring issues)

Cost:

Administrative / handling fees typically range €50 to €200, though local port or agent charges may vary.

General Overview:

Norway is generally safe, with good infrastructure, responsive public services, and established film-support infrastructure.
Local authorities, police, and municipal services are cooperative, especially in well-prepared productions.
Filming in remote or rugged terrain (fjords, mountains, winter conditions) requires extra logistical planning, risk assessment, safety personnel, and local knowledge.

Security Requirements:

Use of local security personnel for crowd control, theft prevention, and location protection
Police liaison especially for public space closures, night shoots, or traffic disruption
Liability insurance, risk assessments, safety protocols, and medical / emergency plans

Rebates/Incentives:

Norway offers a 25% cash rebate on approved production costs incurred in Norway for international film and TV projects. The rebate is administered by the Norwegian Film Institute (NFI).

Key eligibility criteria:

Minimum spend in Norway: NOK 4 million (~ local currency)
Minimum total (world) budget: e.g. NOK 25 million for feature films, NOK 10 million per episode for drama series, NOK 10 million for documentary, NOK 5 million per ep for doc series
At least 30% of financing must come from non-Norwegian / international sources
Application must be made before production starts in Norway
The decision is valid for 12 months (extension possible)
Disbursement / reimbursement must be claimed after production ends, within set deadlines, and audited accounts must be submitted.
There is a project cap: e.g. up to ~ USD $9.7 million (or equivalent) for film / TV projects

More articles to read on the rebate in Norway.

Norwegian Film Commission – “25% Incentive” (official) NORWEGIAN FILM COMISSION+1
Norwegian Film Institute – The Norwegian Film Production Incentive NFI
Oslo Film Commission – Incentives & Funding (Norway) Oslo Film Commission