Do I need a permit to film?

Municipal authorization is generally required for public space use and additional permissions apply in protected natural areas.

Are incentives available?

Yes. A national cash rebate is available subject to eligibility and compliance requirements.

Can drone filming be approved?

Drone operations require registration and location-based authorization depending on airspace classification.

Is it suitable for large-scale productions?

Yes. Studio facilities, experienced crews, and strong infrastructure support high-budget projects.

Can international crews operate locally?

International teams typically collaborate with locally registered production partners to ensure compliance.

Finland

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Finland, 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 Finland

Capital

Helsinki.

Main Cities

Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Turku, Oulu.

Local Languages

Finnish and Swedish (both official); Sámi in Lapland.

Currency

Euro (EUR).

Climate

Cold temperate to subarctic

General Visa Requirements:

Citizens of non-EU countries may need a visa to enter Finland depending on nationality, purpose, and duration of stay. Citizens of EU/EEA countries can enter Finland without a visa.

Required Documents:

Film crew members applying for a visa need to provide:

A valid passport (valid for at least 90 days after departure)
Invitation letter from the production or host
Proof of accommodation
Proof of sufficient funds for the stay
Health and travel insurance (covering at least €30,000)
A detailed itinerary of their stay and filming schedule

Visa Application Process:

👉 Apply for a Finland Visa

Processing Time:

The processing time for a visa typically ranges from 15–30 days. It’s recommended to apply at least 6–8 weeks in advance to ensure timely processing.

Cost:

Visa fees range from €60 to €350, depending on the type of visa, duration of stay, and other factors. There may be an additional service fee of €60–€100 through external service providers (e.g. VFS).

Accreditation Requirements:

Crew accreditation in Finland requires submitting an application with the following documents to relevant authorities (e.g., the Finnish Film Commission or local municipal film offices). View documents required below.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
ID card
Proof of employment or production affiliation
Health insurance
Detailed crew list (names, roles, contacts)

Processing Time:

Crew accreditation usually takes 2–5 working days. For large-scale productions, it’s recommended to apply at least 2–4 weeks in advance.

Cost:

Crew accreditation is typically free of charge but can only be determined once we receive your full brief.

Issuing Organization:

Film permits in Finland are typically issued by local municipalities (e.g., City of Helsinki) or regional film commissions.

Required Documents:

Detailed shooting schedule
Location plans
Script excerpts
Proof of liability insurance
Completed application form

Processing Time:

1–4 weeks

Cost:

Permit fees typically range from €50 to €500.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Hoodlum Film Fixers Finland assists with:

Scouting and securing private film locations
Obtaining necessary permits
Coordinating logistics
Communicating between the production team and local authorities

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

The cost for private locations depends on the specific needs of the production.
A detailed film production bio is required for an accurate quote.

Drone Regulations:

Drone operators must obtain permission from the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) for commercial flights.
EU drone regulations apply, including restrictions on flying overpopulated areas and near airports.

Required Information / Documentation for Application

Completed application form
Proof of drone pilot competence
Drone registration certificate
Detailed flight plan and risk assessment

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones valued above €22 and weighing over 250 g must be declared to Finnish Customs (Tulli).
They may be subject to duties, taxes, and conformity assessment.

Required Information / Documentation for Drone Importation

Commercial invoice
Customs declaration
Certificate of origin
CE marking or declaration of conformity

Permit Issuance:

Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency)

Timing:

Typically 1–3 weeks.

Cost:

Drone permits generally cost between €100 and €500, depending on the type of permit.

Carnet Status:

Is Finland a Carnet Country?

Yes, Finland is an ATA Carnet country.

General Process for Carnet Country

Obtain an ATA Carnet from a national issuing association
List the goods to be temporarily imported
Pay a guarantee or bond
Present the Carnet to customs officials on arrival and departure

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Customs declaration
Certificate of origin
Proof of identity and the purpose of the visit

Issuing Organization:

Finnish Customs (Tulli) is responsible for issuing clearance.

Timing:

Typically 1–2 hours at the point of entry.

Cost:

Customs clearance fees typically range from €50 to €200.

General Overview:

Finland provides a safe and filming-friendly environment.
The country offers modern infrastructure, experienced English-speaking crews, and a 25% cash rebate incentive.
It is considered one of the safest countries in the world, with excellent emergency response services.

Security Requirements:

Standard security measures are recommended:

Hiring local security personnel
Police escorts for large shoots or stunts
Crowd management in public spaces
Additional precautions may be required for high-value equipment or sensitive locations.

Rebates/Incentives:

Finland offers a 25% cash rebate on eligible production costs for international film and TV productions filmed in the country.
The rebate is administered through Business Finland.