Introduction

The Netherlands is a filmmaker’s dream destination, offering stunning diversity in locations—from the iconic canals of Amsterdam and historic windmills to sleek modern architecture and tranquil countryside. Whether you’re creating a period drama, a modern thriller, or a visually striking commercial, this country delivers unmatched versatility.

Producers can also take advantage of the Netherlands Film Production Incentive, which offers up to 35% cash rebates on qualifying production costs. Combine this with a highly skilled, multilingual workforce, state-of-the-art studios, and a seamless permitting process, and you have the perfect recipe for a successful shoot.

Ready to bring your next project to life in the Netherlands? Let us handle the logistics! Contact us today to discover how we can streamline your production and help you secure the best incentives for your project.

Country Overview

Located in Northwestern Europe, the Netherlands is a country steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. With its unique blend of modern and historic cities, picturesque landscapes, and favorable filming conditions, the Netherlands is an ideal destination for filmmakers.

Main Cities

The Netherlands boasts a range of vibrant cities, each with its own distinct character. The main cities include:

Amsterdam: The capital city, known for its canals, art museums, and liberal attitude.
Rotterdam: A modern city with a rich maritime history and stunning architecture.
The Hague: The seat of government, featuring beautiful parks, palaces, and international organizations.
Utrecht: A charming university town with a rich medieval history and picturesque canals.
Leiden: A historic city with a strong academic heritage and a charming atmosphere.
Groningen: A vibrant student city in the north, known for its cultural events and nightlife.
Maastricht: A southern city with a rich history, cultural attractions, and a unique blend of Dutch and Belgian influences.
Eindhoven: A modern city in the south, known for its technology and design industries.
Haarlem: A charming city just west of Amsterdam, famous for its flower market and historic architecture.

Geography and Climate

The Netherlands is bordered by Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, the North Sea to the northwest, and the Wadden Sea to the north. The country’s climate is temperate, with mild winters and cool summers.

Language and Currency

The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, but many people also speak English. The official currency is the Euro (€).

Best Time to Film

The best time to film in the Netherlands is during spring (March to May) and summer (June to September), when the weather is mild and the tulip fields are in bloom. This makes it ideal for outdoor shoots.

Autumn (September to November) and winter (December to February) are not ideal for filming due to frequent rain, fog, and potential snow, which can disrupt outdoor shoots and limit filming opportunities.

With its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, the Netherlands is a filmmaker’s paradise. Whether you’re looking for modern cities, picturesque landscapes, or historic landmarks, the Netherlands has something to offer.

Visa Requirements

To film in the Netherlands, crew members may need to obtain a visa. The general requirements include:

Submitting an online application and uploading required documents
Paying the application fee (€80)
Scheduling an appointment at the Netherlands Embassy or Consulate

Required Documentation

Required documents include a valid passport, completed application form, recent passport photo, proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, health insurance, letter of intent, and invitation letter (if applicable).

Visa Application Link

International Crew Accreditation

The Dutch Film Fund, the Netherlands Film Commission, or the Embassy/Consulate typically facilitate international film crew accreditation. The required documents include:

Valid passport
Proof of professional credentials
Film project details
Crew list
Proof of liability insurance

Time

The accreditation process typically takes 2-4 weeks and costs €85.

General Film Permit

The Netherlands Film Fund, the Netherlands Film Commission, and local municipalities issue film permits. The required documents include:

Completed application form
Proof of liability insurance
Script and storyboard
Location list
Filming schedule
Crew and equipment list

Cost

The permit costs vary depending on the project specifics.

Time

The processing time typically takes around 5-10 working days, but can take up to 4-6 weeks for complex productions.

Private Locations

A Fixer plays a crucial role in securing and managing private film locations. They scout, negotiate, and coordinate logistics for unique and exclusive locations. The cost of renting a private film location cannot be determined until a production synopsis is presented.

Best Locations to Film in the Netherlands

The Netherlands offers a diverse range of unique and picturesque locations, making it an ideal destination for filmmakers. Here are some of the best locations to film in the Netherlands:

Nature Reserves and Landscapes
Keukenhof Gardens: Famous for its stunning tulip fields and beautiful gardens.
Hoge Veluwe National Park: One of the largest national parks in the Netherlands, featuring heathlands, sand drifts, and wild boar.
Wadden Sea: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its unique tidal landscape and diverse wildlife.
Dutch Countryside: Rolling hills, picturesque villages, and winding canals make for a quintessential Dutch landscape.
Cities and Architecture
Amsterdam Canals: The charming canals, historic bridges, and picturesque architecture make Amsterdam a unique filming location.
Rotterdam Cityscape: The modern architecture, bustling ports, and vibrant cultural scene make Rotterdam an exciting filming location.
The Hague’s Binnenhof: The historic center of Dutch politics, featuring stunning architecture and picturesque courtyards.
Utrecht’s Dom Tower: The iconic tower offers breathtaking views of the city and is a prominent landmark.
Historic Sites and Landmarks
Rijksmuseum: The national museum of the Netherlands, featuring an impressive collection of Dutch art and history.
Anne Frank House: The museum dedicated to the Jewish girl who wrote a diary during WWII, hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam.
Windmills of Kinderdijk: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a unique collection of historic windmills.
Castle De Haar: A medieval castle with stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
Coastal and Beach Locations
Scheveningen Beach: A popular beach resort in The Hague, known for its vibrant atmosphere and picturesque pier.
Wadden Islands: A chain of islands along the Dutch coast, featuring stunning beaches, dunes, and wildlife.
Hook of Holland: A scenic coastal town with a beautiful beach and stunning views of the North Sea.
Katwijk Beach: A charming beach town with a picturesque pier and stunning views of the North Sea.

These are just a few examples of the many unique and fascinating locations the Netherlands has to offer. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, historic landmarks, or urban landscapes, the Netherlands is a filmmaker’s paradise.

Drone Permit

Drone operators must register drones weighing over 250 grams and obtain permission for flights in controlled airspace. The Dutch Civil Aviation Authority (IL&T) issues permits. Required documents include:

Flight plan
Proof of drone registration
Pilot certification
Liability insurance
Declaration of compliance with Dutch and European drone regulations

Time and Costings

The processing time typically takes around 2-6 weeks, and the cost ranges from €50 to €500.

Equipment Customs Clearance

The Netherlands is a Carnet country, requiring a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) or ATA Carnet for temporary equipment importation. The Dutch Customs Authority issues clearance. Required documents include:

Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) or ATA Carnet
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Customs declaration form
Proof of insurance and identification

Time and Costings:

The processing time can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours or days.

Film Rebates and Tax Incentives

The Netherlands offers a film production incentive, including a cash rebate of up to 35% on qualifying production costs spent on parties subject to Dutch taxation. The minimum budget requirement is €1.5 million, and the production must be aired in cinemas in the Netherlands.

Safety and Security

The Netherlands offers a unique blend of modern and historic locations, a skilled and English-speaking crew, and a favourable business climate. For larger productions, it is suggested to hire professional security personnel or companies specializing in film production security.

By understanding these guidelines, filmmakers can ensure a smooth and successful production in the Netherlands.

Netherlands – Film Production Requirements & Permits 🇳🇱

General Requirement

The Netherlands is part of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free entry for EU / EEA citizens.
Citizens of non-EU countries may require a Schengen visa depending on their nationality, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of stay.
For longer stays involving employment (e.g. extended shoots), a residence or work permit may be required.

Required Information / Documentation for Application

Film crew members applying for a visa typically need to provide:

A valid passport
Invitation letter from the host production or partner company
Proof of accommodation in the Netherlands
Proof of sufficient funds
Health and travel insurance
A detailed itinerary and filming schedule
Crew list with names, roles, and contact details
Production documents proving the legitimacy of the filming activity

If the production involves paid work or stays longer than 90 days, additional documentation for residence or work authorization may be required.

Timings

Schengen visa processing time is typically 15–30 days.
For residence or work permits, processing can take longer depending on the applicant’s nationality and the scope of the production.
It is advised to apply at least 6–8 weeks in advance of filming to avoid delays.

Cost

Schengen visa application fees typically range from €60–€90, depending on nationality and service provider.
Additional fees may apply for expedited services, legalizations, or visa center handling.

Visa Application Link

Visa applications for non-EU nationals are made via the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (Netherlands) (IND) and the local Dutch embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country.

International Crew Accreditation

General Accreditation Requirements

The Netherlands does not have a formalized nationwide crew accreditation system. Instead, crew accreditation and location filming are handled locally through municipalities and regional film commissions.

Requirements generally include:

Crew list (names, roles, contact details)
Valid passports or ID
Filming schedule and call sheets
Insurance certificates (liability, equipment)
Proof of affiliation with the production company

Larger productions often work through a local production service company to streamline the process with municipal offices.

Timings

Basic local approvals may take 2–5 working days.
Larger shoots, involving public road closures or night shoots, should allow 2–4 weeks for processing.

Cost

Basic accreditation and local filming approvals are often free, though location-specific costs (traffic control, police presence, security) may apply.

General Film Permit

Organisation Issuing Permits

Film permits are issued by local municipalities in collaboration with regional film offices and the Netherlands Film Commission.

For example:

Amsterdam: issued by the city’s film office
Rotterdam: via local municipality and regional film office
The Hague: via the city’s events and filming office

Some heritage or national sites may require additional permissions from national authorities.

Timings

Small shoots (e.g. handheld, minimal crew) may receive approval in a few days.
Complex shoots (e.g. cranes, drones, road closures) may take 2–4 weeks for permitting.

Required Information / Documentation

Shooting schedule / call sheets
Location maps or plans
Script excerpts or descriptions of scenes to be filmed
Proof of liability insurance
Traffic and crowd management plans
Completed municipal filming permit application forms

Cost

Permit fees vary by municipality.
Smaller shoots may be free or low-cost, while larger productions with major street use, equipment, or road closures can range from €50 to €1,000+.

Private Film Locations

General Process

A local fixer or production service company typically assists with:
- Scouting and securing private properties
- Negotiating rates and conditions with owners
- Coordinating with municipal authorities when needed

Costs depend on the exclusivity of the location, duration of use, and the production scale.

Drone Permits in the Netherlands

Drone operations are regulated by the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT) and must comply with EU drone regulations.
Commercial filming with drones generally requires:
- Drone operator registration
- Pilot competence certificate
- Flight plan and risk assessment
- Liability insurance

Flying over crowds, urban areas, or near airports has additional restrictions and requires specific permissions.

Equipment Customs Clearance

The Netherlands accepts ATA Carnet for temporary importation of professional equipment.

Required documentation includes:

ATA Carnet
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Customs declaration
Certificate of origin

Clearance typically takes 1–2 hours at the point of entry.

Film Rebates & Tax Incentives in the Netherlands

The Netherlands Film Fund administers the Netherlands Film Production Incentive, offering a cash rebate of up to 35% on eligible production costs.

Key Features

35% rebate for feature films, animation, and documentaries.
30% rebate for high-end TV series and single episodes.
Applicable only to Dutch production expenditures — including crew, equipment, facilities, and services.
Minimum qualifying spend:
- Feature films: typically €150,000
- Documentaries: €100,000
Applicants must be registered production companies in the Netherlands, EU, EEA, or Switzerland, with proven experience.
The rebate is awarded based on a points system and cultural eligibility criteria.
A maximum grant per project may apply (often around €1.5 million).
Payment is made after production is completed and audited.
Up to 30% of the grant may be advanced under certain conditions.

This incentive can also be combined with regional funds and co-production treaties, increasing the financial attractiveness for international producers.

Safety & Security

The Netherlands is considered a safe filming environment with well-organized infrastructure.
Local police and municipal services are cooperative with film productions.
Standard security measures (liability insurance, risk assessments, emergency plans) are recommended, especially for public or large-scale shoots.