Czech Republic

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Czech Republic, 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 Czech Republic

Capital

Prague.

Main Cities

Prague, Brno, Ostrava, Plzeň, Liberec.

Local Languages

Czech (official).

Currency

Czech Koruna (CZK).

Climate

Temperate continental

General Visa Requirements:

The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals do not require a visa or work permit to enter or work in the Czech Republic. Non-EU nationals may enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or short business visits (depending on nationality), but paid work on film productions normally requires work authorization even if the stay falls within the visa-free Schengen period. Short-term cultural, artistic, or audiovisual activities may qualify for limited work permit exemptions, typically coordinated through a Czech production company or registered local production partner. Longer productions or employment exceeding 90 days may require a Long-Stay Visa (Type D) or Employee Card / Work Permit.

Required Documents:

  • Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond Schengen departure)
  • Completed visa application form
  • Proof of visa fee payment
  • Employment or service contract with a Czech production company
  • Letter from the production company detailing:
    • Film project overview
    • Shooting schedule and locations
    • List of crew members and roles
    • Equipment being imported
  • Work permit approval (issued by the Czech Labour Office, if applicable)
  • Proof of accommodation
  • Proof of travel medical insurance valid within the Schengen Area
  • Criminal record certificate (if requested)
  • Customs documentation for imported equipment (if applicable)

Visa Application Process:

Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Czech Republic
https://www.mzv.cz/
Official Visa Information
https://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/information_for_aliens/index.html

Processing Time:

Schengen short-stay visas: 10–15 working days. Long-stay visas / employee cards: 30–60 days depending on nationality.

Cost:

Schengen visa: EUR 90. Long-stay visas / work permits: approximately EUR 100–120. Fees may vary depending on nationality and visa category.Schengen visa: EUR 90. Long-stay visas / work permits: approximately EUR 100–120. Fees may vary depending on nationality and visa category.

Accreditation Requirements:

The Czech Republic does not operate a separate national accreditation system for film crews. Authorization to film is obtained through film permits, location permissions, and work permits (if required), generally coordinated through a local Czech production company or service producer. For news or documentary crews, notification to local municipal authorities or police may be required depending on filming locations.

Required Documents:

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of legal stay or work authorization (if required)
  • Letter from the production company detailing:
    • Project overview
    • Shooting schedule
    • Filming locations
    • Crew list
  • Equipment list
  • Proof of insurance

Processing Time:

10–20 working days

Cost:

Generally included within film permitting fees

Issuing Organization:

The Czech Republic does not have a centralized national authority issuing filming permits. Filming permissions are issued by local municipal authorities, district town halls (in Prague), and property owners or site administrators. The Czech Film Commission and Prague Film Office act as facilitating organizations that assist productions with location guidance, permit coordination, communication with authorities, and production support, but they do not issue filming permits directly.

Czech Film Commission
https://www.filmcommission.cz/
Prague Film Office
https://www.prague.eu/en/prague-film-office

Required Documents:

  • Film permit application
  • Script or production synopsis
  • Shooting schedule and timeline
  • Location list and maps
  • Crew list and size
  • Equipment list
  • Production insurance
  • Traffic management plan (if required)

Processing Time:

Standard filming permits: apply at least 3 weeks before filming. If the production requires street closures, traffic control, or police supervision, applications should be submitted at least 4 weeks in advance.

Cost:

Permit fees vary depending on municipality, location, and production scale. Typical municipal permit fees range between EUR 100 – EUR 1,000+. Iconic heritage locations may charge significantly higher location fees.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private locations are typically handled via location scouting and selection, a site visit and technical assessment, photography and documentation, negotiation with the property owner, and a written location agreement.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Private location fees typically range from EUR 100 – EUR 2,000+ per day. Costs vary significantly depending on property type and filming requirements.

Drone Regulations:

Drone operations in the Czech Republic follow European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations. Drone operations fall under EU categories (Open, Specific, Certified). Professional film productions typically operate in the Specific category, requiring operational authorization.

  • Drone operator registration
  • Licensed operator certification
  • Flight authorization for certain operations
  • Restricted areas near:
    • Airports
    • Military or police facilities
    • Government buildings
    • Historical monuments
  • Liability insurance recommended or required
  • Compliance with EU privacy and GDPR regulations

Drone Importation Regulations:

  • Equipment list with serial numbers
  • Commercial invoice or customs declaration
  • Drone specifications
  • Proof of ownership or rental agreement
  • Insurance certificate

Permit Issuance:

Civil Aviation Authority of the Czech Republic

Timing:

Operational authorization: 7–20 working days

Cost:

USD 70

Carnet Status:

The Czech Republic accepts ATA Carnets. An ATA Carnet is strongly recommended for temporary importation of professional film equipment.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet
OR

  • Detailed equipment list with values
  • Commercial invoice (if applicable)
  • Passports of crew members
  • Visa/work permits (if required)
  • Insurance documentation
  • Production letter explaining equipment usage

Issuing Organization:

Czech Customs Administration

Timing:

With ATA Carnet: 30 minutes – 2 hours. Without Carnet: several hours depending on inspection.

Cost:

With ATA Carnet: no import duties or VAT for temporary imports. Without Carnet: temporary import VAT (21%) and customs guarantees may apply.

General Overview:

The Czech Republic is considered safe, politically stable, and highly experienced with international film productions, particularly in Prague, which regularly hosts major international film and television productions.

Security Requirements:

  • Police supervision may be required for:
    • Road closures
    • Crowd scenes
    • Filming with weapons or pyrotechnics
  • Additional permits may be required when filming at:
    • Historical landmarks
    • UNESCO World Heritage sites
    • Protected cultural heritage areas
  • Productions must comply with European Union workplace health and safety regulations.

Rebates/Incentives:

The Czech Republic offers a film production incentive program administered by the Czech Film Fund (Státní fond kinematografie). The rebate is cash-based and paid after project completion and audit.

Official Program Information
https://fondkinematografie.cz/

Available Support

The program provides:

  • 20% rebate on qualifying Czech production expenditure
  • 10% rebate on qualifying above-the-line costs for international cast and crew

Eligible productions include:

  • Feature films
  • Television series
  • Animation projects
  • International co-productions
  • High-end television productions

Who Can Apply

To qualify, projects must pass a cultural test or qualify as an official co-production, meet minimum local spending thresholds, and be approved by the Czech Film Fund.

How It Fits With Permits & Visas

Visa and work authorization requirements depend on nationality and the nature/length of the engagement. While Schengen short stays may be visa-free for some non-EU nationals (up to 90 days in a 180-day period), paid film work normally requires work authorization even within the visa-free period. For longer engagements exceeding 90 days, a Long-Stay Visa (Type D) or Employee Card / Work Permit may be required. Film permitting is typically managed locally (municipal/district authorities and/or property owners), and work permissions and permitting are commonly coordinated through a Czech production company or service producer, especially for district-based permitting in Prague and additional requirements such as street/traffic impacts.

Meet our Local Team

Czech Republic

Jakub

Czech Rep - Jakub

Jakub

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Services We Provide in Czech Republic

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits

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