Greece

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Greece, 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 Greece

Capital

Athens.

Main Cities

Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Heraklion, Larissa, Volos.

Local Languages

Greek (official)

Currency

Euro (EUR).

Climate

Mediterranean

General Visa Requirements:

Greece is part of the Schengen Area, so short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) follow Schengen visa rules. Citizens of EU / EEA countries can enter Greece without a visa. Non-EU nationals may require a Schengen visa; for longer stays, work, or employment in filming, a national permit / visa may be needed.

Required Documents:

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

A valid passport
Invitation letter or host production letter
Proof of accommodation
Proof of sufficient funds
Health / travel insurance
Detailed itinerary and filming schedule
Crew list (names, roles, contacts)
Any documents showing legitimacy of the production (contracts, financing, local partners)

If filming involves payment or employment, additional permits or work authorization may be required by Greek immigration or labor authorities.

Visa Application Process:

You would apply via the Greek embassy / consulate in your country for visa, or via Greek immigration if a longer stay permit is necessary.

Visa application link

Processing Time:

Schengen / short-stay visas: about 15 calendar days (may vary). For more complex permits or if additional reviews are required, allow extra time. Always plan to submit visa or permit applications 6–8 weeks ahead (or more) to allow for delays

Cost:

Standard Schengen visa costs (for non-EU nationals) apply. Additional fees for local permits, services, police / traffic coordination, location fees, etc., will vary by location. Permit and administrative fees for filming at archaeological / protected sites may carry special charges

Accreditation Requirements:

While Greece does not appear to have a single “crew accreditation” system, local municipalities, cultural authorities, or the Ministry of Culture may require:

Passports / ID
Crew list with roles and contacts
Insurance (liability, equipment)
Filming schedule / call sheets
Proof of affiliation or employment, especially for foreign crew

For sensitive locations (archaeological sites, heritage zones), additional clearances from the Ministry of Culture or historic preservation authorities are needed. Hellenic Film Commission+1

Required Documents:

Completed accreditation application form
Valid passport
Health insurance certificate

Processing Time:

Local clearances / liaison often take several working days to a few weeks, depending on municipality and complexity. For shoots in heritage / archaeological sites, additional review (e.g. by archaeological councils) may extend processing times

Cost:

$55–$220 Basic permits may carry moderate fees, but costs escalate for special sites (museums, monuments, UNESCO sites). Some cultural authorities require script reviews, special insurance, and oversight costs.

Issuing Organization:

The Ministry of Culture & Sports handles filming permits for monuments, archaeological sites, museums, heritage locations.
The Hellenic Film Commission / Greek Film Centre / EKOME (now part of Creative Greece) plays a role in facilitating permits, guidelines, and incentives.
For public spaces and municipal realms, local municipal / city offices often manage permits for streets, parks, public squares.

Required Documents:

Shooting schedule / call sheets
Location plans / maps / site layouts
Script excerpts or scene descriptions (particularly for cultural / heritage sites)
Proof of liability insurance
Risk / safety / traffic plans
Special certificates (e.g. “absence of violence, racism or sexism” for filming monuments) as required by Greek law in certain cases Hellenic Film Commission
Permit forms via the Ministry of Culture or local heritage authority

Processing Time:

Permit processing for locations under heritage/cultural jurisdiction may take 1–4+ weeks depending on site sensitivity. For ordinary public spaces, turnaround may be faster, especially with local liaison.

Cost:

Permits at archaeological or heritage sites often incur higher fees. Municipal permits / public space costs depend on location, size of shoot, duration, disruption. Additional costs may include “supervision fees” by conservation staff or archaeological authorities

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Scouting by fixer or location manager
Contacting and negotiating with property owners
Agreeing on terms and conditions (fees, shoot duration, restrictions)

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

$110–$5,500 depending on location

Drone Regulations:

Registration with the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) for drones over 250g
Drone pilot certificate required for commercial use
Approval from local authorities and property owners
Restricted zones include airports, military sites, national parks, and archaeological sites
Using a certified local operator is cost effective as they handle permits and logistics

Drone Importation Regulations:

Import permit required from Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport for drones over 25 kg
For drone operations over sensitive or protected areas, heritage sites, or controlled airspace, special permission from relevant authorities is needed. Κινηματογραφικός Τουρισμός+2Hellenic Film Commission+2
Drone importation or bringing your own equipment must be declared at customs.
Ensure compliance with Greek aviation / UAV regulations (local authority / civil aviation).

Permit Issuance:

Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA)

Timing:

10–15 days

Cost:

$22–$55

Carnet Status:

Greece accepts ATA Carnet for duty-free temporary import of film equipment

Required Documents:

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Certificate of origin
Bill of lading or airway bill
Customs declaration (simplified or full)
ATA Carnet (if applicable)

Issuing Organization:

Greek Customs Authority

Timing:

3–5 days

Cost:

$55–$220

General Overview:

Greece is generally safe; crews should arrange local security, especially in public areas, remote locations, or night shoots.
For sensitive / heritage sites, archaeological oversight or conservation staff may require presence or supervision.
Risk assessments, liability insurance, and local coordination with police / municipal services are essential.

Security Requirements:

Awareness of surroundings and local conditions
Planning to avoid high-risk areas
Cooperation with local authorities and film commissions

Rebates/Incentives:

Greece offers one of the most attractive film incentive programs in Europe through the Cash Rebate Scheme and a Tax Relief Program, both administered by the National Centre of Audiovisual Media and Communication (EKOME).

The cash rebate currently covers 40% of eligible expenses incurred in Greece. Eligible productions include feature films, TV series, documentaries, animation, short films, and certain digital games. The maximum rebate per project is €8 million. The minimum spend varies by project type, starting around €45,000 for shorts, €60,000 for documentaries, €200,000 for features, and €35,000 per TV episode.

The tax relief program allows investors or producers to deduct 30% of eligible expenses from taxable income. This can be combined with the cash rebate, provided the project stays within state aid limits.

Eligible costs include crew wages, equipment rental, travel, accommodation, insurance, and post-production services. Certain categories like marketing, financing costs, and fixed assets are not eligible. All projects must pass a cultural eligibility test and submit applications at least 10 days before the start of principal photography.

Once the project is completed and audited, the rebate is typically paid out within six months. Regional film offices (such as Athens and Crete) can also assist with logistics, permits, and co-financing opportunities, further increasing the incentive’s appeal.