Latvia

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Latvia, 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 Latvia

Capital

Riga.

Main Cities

Riga, Daugavpils, Liepāja, Jelgava, Ventspils.

Local Languages

Latvian (official); Russian widely spoken.

Currency

Euro (EUR).

Climate

Humid continental

General Visa Requirements:

Citizens of most non-EU countries (including South Africa) require a Schengen Visa to enter Latvia.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Proof of health insurance
Proof of accommodation
Invitation letter
Filming permit
Proof of financial means

Visa Application Process:

Visa application link

Processing Time:

15 days

Cost:

$100

Accreditation Requirements:

Accreditation is managed by the National Film Centre of Latvia, which authorises foreign crews to work in the country.

Required Documents:

Completed application form
Proof of identity
Proof of employment or contract
Film script and synopsis
Detailed shooting schedule

Processing Time:

3–5 days

Cost:

$22–$55

Issuing Organization:

Riga Film Fund
National Film Centre of Latvia

Required Documents:

Completed application form
Script and synopsis
Shooting schedule
Location plans
Proof of insurance
Letter of intent from production company

Processing Time:

5–10 days

Cost:

$50–$200

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Fixer negotiates permissions with property owners and arranges logistics.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Quote-specific, based on production synopsis, script, and location requirements.

Drone Regulations:

Must comply with EU drone regulations.
Requires Civil Aviation Agency (CAA) approval.
Drone weight limit: under 25 kg.
Maximum altitude: 120 m.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Compliance with CAA Latvia and EASA regulations required.
Must declare drone at customs if imported for commercial filming.

Permit Issuance:

Civil Aviation Agency of Latvia (CAA)

Timing:

5–10 days

Cost:

$55–$550

Carnet Status:

Latvia is a Carnet country.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Certificate of origin
Customs declaration
Insurance certificate
Permit from Latvian Film Commission

Issuing Organization:

State Revenue Service (SRS) – Customs Administration

Timing:

2–4 hours

Cost:

$55–$220

General Overview:

Latvia is film-friendly and welcoming to international crews.
Riga offers strong film infrastructure, English-speaking local crews, and good support from the Latvian Film Commission.

Security Requirements:

On-set security guards to monitor crew and equipment
Secure storage for valuable equipment
Location security to prevent unauthorized access

Rebates/Incentives:

Latvia offers a 20% rebate on total production costs, including for reality TV productions.

Meet our Local Team

Latvia

Ana

Latvia

Leva

Client Brief

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Selected Work by Our Local Partners in Europe

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Services We Provide in Latvia

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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