Switzerland

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Switzerland, 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 Switzerland

Capital

Bern.

Main Cities

Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Bern, Lausanne, Lucerne.

Local Languages

German, French, Italian, Romansh (all official).

Currency

Swiss Franc (CHF).

Climate

Alpine

General Visa Requirements:

Some nationalities may enter Switzerland visa-free.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Recent passport photos
Proof of payment
Invitation letter
Proof of professional qualifications
Health insurance
Proof of sufficient funds

Visa Application Process:

Visa application link

Processing Time:

15 days

Cost:

$90

Accreditation Requirements:

Film crew may require a Schengen Visa or National Visa depending on project duration.
Some Swiss embassies allow online applications.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Completed application form
Recent passport photos
Proof of payment
Letter of introduction
Film crew list
Proof of professional qualifications
Production schedule
Equipment list

Processing Time:

15 days

Cost:

$50–$100

Issuing Organization:

Swiss Film Commission

Required Documents:

Application form
Project description
Production schedule
Location plan
Filming itinerary

Processing Time:

1–3 weeks

Cost:

$195–$970

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Location scouting
Permission from owner
Location agreement/contract

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Negotiated directly with property owner (fixer recommended)

Drone Regulations:

Registration required depending on weight class (0–250g, 250g–2kg, over 2kg)
Flight altitude limits (100m, 150m, 500m)
Restrictions: airports, prisons, military zones, nature reserves, national parks
Commercial flights require authorization, insurance, and pilot license
Must comply with EU-wide drone regulations

Drone Importation Regulations:

Customs declaration required
VAT (7.7%) applies to imports
Import permit required
Compliance with EU regulations
Declaration of conformity and payment of duties
Registration with FOCA

Permit Issuance:

Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)

Timing:

5–10 days

Cost:

Registration free of charge

Carnet Status:

Switzerland accepts ATA Carnet

Required Documents:

Commercial invoice
Packing list
Certificate of origin
Film permit
Location agreement
Equipment list

Issuing Organization:

Swiss Federal Customs Administration (FCA)

Timing:

2–5 days

Cost:

$175

General Overview:

Switzerland is film-friendly with world-class infrastructure, experienced crews, and breathtaking locations.

Security Requirements:

Equipment insurance (damage, loss, theft)
On-set security personnel (recommended for larger productions)
Location scouting to assess potential security risks

Rebates/Incentives:

Switzerland provides limited incentives focused on fiction, documentary, and animation projects.
Reality TV is not explicitly included.

Meet our Local Team

Switzerland

Christian

Christian

Client Brief

Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.

Selected Work by Our Local Partners in Europe

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Services We Provide in Switzerland

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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