Do I need a permit to film?

Yes. Municipal authorization is typically required, with additional approvals for protected natural sites.

Are incentives available?

Yes. A national rebate offers reimbursement of eligible local expenditure subject to compliance requirements.

Can drone filming be approved?

Drone use requires adherence to aviation regulations and location-based authorization.

Is it suitable for large-scale productions?

Yes. Established infrastructure and experienced crews support major international projects.

Can international crews operate locally?

Yes. International teams typically collaborate with locally registered production partners.

Iceland

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Iceland, 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 Iceland

Capital

Reykjavik.

Main Cities

Reykjavik, Akureyri, Keflavík, Hafnarfjörður.

Local Languages

Icelandic (official); English widely spoken.

Currency

Icelandic Króna (ISK).

Climate

Subarctic and oceanic

General Visa Requirements:

Non-Schengen nationals generally require a Schengen Visa (Type C) for stays up to 90 days.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Proof of paid accommodations and living expenses
Detailed itinerary
Proof of health insurance
Letter from the production company (purpose & duration of stay)

Visa Application Process:

Visa application link

Processing Time:

10–15 days

Cost:

$65

Accreditation Requirements:

Accreditation required from the Icelandic Film Commission or relevant local authorities.
Crews must also comply with Icelandic tax and labor regulations.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Proof of health and liability insurance
Crew list (names and roles)
Letter of introduction from production company
Proof of filming permits

Processing Time:

2–5 days

Cost:

Free of charge

Issuing Organization:

Icelandic Film Commission
Local authorities (municipalities, national parks, private landowners)

Required Documents:

Shooting schedule
Location plans
Script excerpts
Proof of liability insurance
Environmental impact assessment
Landowner/authority permissions

Processing Time:

2–6 weeks

Cost:

$75–$385

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Fixer scouts and negotiates with landowners.
Obtains permissions and coordinates logistics.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Case-specific; based on production synopsis and filming requirements.

Drone Regulations:

Maximum altitude: 120 m
Must keep 150 m from people and crowds
No flights over airports, national parks, or sensitive sites without special authorization
Visual line of sight required

Drone Importation Regulations:

Must declare at customs
Permit required from Icelandic Transport Authority (ICETRA)
Must comply with EU drone regulations

Permit Issuance:

Icelandic Transport Authority (ICETRA)

Timing:

2–5 days

Cost:

$65

Carnet Status:

Iceland accepts ATA Carnet

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Detailed equipment list

Issuing Organization:

Directorate of Customs (Tollur)

Timing:

30 minutes–1 hour

Cost:

$40–$80

General Overview:

Iceland provides a diverse range of landscapes and a strong production infrastructure.
Well-established film industry with skilled crew, rental houses, and post-production facilities.