Portugal

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Portugal, 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 Portugal

Capital

Lisbon.

Main Cities

Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Coimbra, Faro.

Local Languages

Portuguese (official); Mirandese recognized regionally.

Currency

Euro (EUR).

Climate

Mediterranean

General Visa Requirements:

Portugal is a Schengen member, so most cast and crew can enter and film for up to 90 days without a visa.

Required Documents:

Completed and signed visa application form
Passport-sized photos
Proof of sufficient funds
Proof of return or onward travel
Documents justifying purpose of visit
Medical certificate and Yellow Fever Card (plus recommended vaccinations such as Hepatitis A & B, polio, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap, MMR)

Visa Application Process:

Visa application link

Processing Time:

15 days

Cost:

$100

Accreditation Requirements:

Crew accreditation requirements are aligned with visa requirements.

Required Documents:

Completed and signed visa application form
Passport-sized photos
Proof of sufficient funds
Proof of return or onward travel
Purpose of visit documentation
Medical certificate and Yellow Fever Card (plus recommended vaccinations)

Processing Time:

2 weeks

Cost:

Varies depending on nationality and embassy

Issuing Organization:

Local administrative authorities, central government, municipalities, site owners, police, and other entities with jurisdiction
Portugal Film Commission (coordination and guidance)
Since 2024, permits are required for all filming in public locations, regardless of crew size

Required Documents:

Description of type of shoot, locations, and timings
Proof of local public liability insurance (must be contracted locally)

Processing Time:

10 days

Cost:

Fees vary depending on entity and location

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Request approval from property owner or administrator
Negotiate fees for shoot dates
Secure a written location agreement

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Case-specific; tends to be higher in major cities

Drone Regulations:

Applications must be made by a locally registered, licensed drone pilot
Regulated by ANAC (National Civil Aviation Authority)
Open category drones do not require authorization if operating within rules (max 120m altitude, VLOS, no-fly zones respected, etc.)
Image capture for dissemination requires separate authorization from the National Aeronautical Authority (AAN)

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones allowed if compliant with EU Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/945 and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947

Permit Issuance:

ANAC (drone operations)
AAN (image capture authorization)

Timing:

3–4 days

Cost:

Free (but only local registered operators can apply)

Carnet Status:

Portugal accepts ATA Carnet

Required Documents:

Import request for filming equipment
Detailed list with serial numbers
Equipment value

Issuing Organization:

Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (AT)

Timing:

Clearance time not specified; depends on customs workload

Cost:

Costs vary depending on customs process and broker fees

General Overview:

Portugal is generally safe, with low crime rates. However, pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and car theft (especially of rental cars) are common in major tourist cities.

Security Requirements:

Private security guard or company recommended for production locations

Rebates/Incentives:

Portugal offers a 30% cash refund program for higher-budget film and TV productions
Existing 25–30% cash rebate (Tourism and Cinema Support Fund – FATC) also available
Incentives cannot be combined