Austria & Lichtenstein

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Austria & Lichtenstein, 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 Austria & Lichtenstein

Capital

Vienna

Main Cities

Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg, Innsbruck

Local Languages

German (Austrian variant); regional minority languages include Hungarian, Slovenian, Croatian

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Climate

Predominantly alpine and continental

General Visa Requirements:

Austria is a highly film-friendly EU country offering alpine landscapes, historic cities such as Vienna and Salzburg, scenic lakes, and medieval towns. As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Austria follows standard Schengen visa regulations. Citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland may enter and work freely. Citizens of many other countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several others, may enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period under Schengen rules. For paid filming activities or extended stays, a work permit and residence permit may be required. These are usually arranged through an Austrian production service company.

Required Documents:

Foreign crews should prepare:

Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond stay)
Schengen visa (if required)
Work permit (if applicable)
Invitation letter or contract with Austrian production company
Detailed shooting schedule and location list
Crew list with passport details
Equipment list (for temporary importation)
Proof of accommodation
Travel medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage)
Public liability insurance certificate

Working with a local Austrian production partner is strongly recommended for labor compliance and permit coordination.

Visa Application Process:

Visa applications are submitted via Austrian embassies or consulates.

Austrian embassy portal:
https://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/embassies-consulates

Schengen visa guidance:
https://www.schengenvisainfo.com/austria-visa

Filming permits are coordinated through regional film commissions.

Processing Time:

Schengen visa: approx. 15 calendar days (can extend to 30–60 days) Work permits: 4–8 weeks Film permits: typically 5–10 working days

Cost:

Schengen visa: approx. €80 Work permits: vary by permit type and duration Filming permits: often free for smaller productions

Accreditation Requirements:

Valid passport
Proof of film production
Authorization to film
Proof of professional qualifications
Health insurance
Letter of confirmation from the Austrian Film Commission or local authority

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Proof of film production
Authorization to film
Proof of professional qualifications
Health insurance
Completed accreditation application form

Processing Time:

3 – 5 days

Cost:

$22 – $55

Issuing Organization:

Austrian Film Commission (AFC) / Location Austria / Vienna Film Commission
Local authorities (municipal offices, provincial governments)

Required Documents:

Completed application form
Script and storyboard
Location plans
Proof of liability insurance
Proof of permission from location owners
Detailed filming schedule

Processing Time:

2–3 weeks

Cost:

$55 – $550

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Fixer negotiates with property owners
Handles contracts, logistics, and fees

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Case-specific; depends on project synopsis, location requirements, and filming schedule

Drone Regulations:

Must comply with EU drone laws and Austro Control regulations
Requires liability insurance
Importation requires ATA Carnet or temporary import permit

Drone Importation Regulations:

Required Documents (Local Drone)

Completed application form
Proof of liability insurance
Drone specifications and technical documentation
Pilot’s license and qualifications
Flight plan and risk assessment
Required Documents (Importation)
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Customs declaration
ATA Carnet or temporary import permit
Certificate of conformity with EU regulations (CE marking)

Permit Issuance:

Austro Control (national aviation authority)
Austrian Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation & Technology (BMVIT)

Timing:

5–10 days

Cost:

$55 – $550

Carnet Status:

Austria is a Carnet country

Required Documents:

Valid ATA Carnet document
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Customs declaration
Proof of insurance
T1 or T2 transit document (if applicable)

Issuing Organization:

Austrian Federal Customs Administration (Zollamt Österreich)

Timing:

1–3 hours

Cost:

$55 – $220

General Overview:

Austria is film-friendly, with strong government and local authority support. Communities are welcoming toward productions.

Security Requirements:

Hire private security or specialist film security firms
Follow police/local regulations
Crew safety briefings and equipment protection

Rebates/Incentives:

Austria offers rebates of up to 25% of eligible production costs for international productions (Film Location Austria / FISA+).
Applies to films, TV, and reality productions.