A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Cyprus
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Cyprus: What You Need to Know
Understanding the permit process and ensuring you have the right permissions to film can be a little challenging in Cyprus. Permits are not usually needed for shooting in public places, unless the location is an archaeological site or a national park. It can be a protracted process, though working with a professional, local line producer can help. For instance, we managed to organise filming permits when working with Lime Pictures on location on the Akamas Peninsula, which is a protected natural site.
If road closures are necessary for filming, you will need to inform the local authorities, including the police. Communication is in Greek, so working with a local film fixer like Fixer Cyprus makes a lot of sense. Particularly as the authorities require regular updates, you will need a production service partner to help map access routes, parking, and power supply.
In addition, if you are planning on using a drone to film, you will need to contact authorities sooner rather than later for clearances, as this can take time.
Timing Your Cyprus Film Production around the Weather
If you’re shoot is outdoors, then the best times to film in Cyprus are spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October). During these months, the climate is pleasant, with manageable temperatures, mild humidity and long daylight hours.
During the summer months of June to August, inland temperatures can become very high, particularly if your Cyprus film production is inland. This can mean filming is only possible in the somewhat cooler hours of morning and late evening.
Winter in Cyprus is also relatively mild, but it is wetter, with heavy rainfalls in the mountain areas, especially.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
Most film producers find that renting equipment locally is generally cheaper than transporting it from abroad. However, if you’re working with us as your film fixer, it’s very important that we receive your film gear list as early as possible to ensure the equipment you need will be available. Cyprus is a small island, and while we do have a good range of cameras, lenses, and other film technology, there are only a handful of rental companies, so gear must be booked in advance. If something you need isn’t available locally, we can source it from Greece, but we’ll need plenty of notice to have it ready in time for your production.
As for hiring professional English-speaking film crews, there’s no need to worry. In the Republic of Cyprus, English is widely spoken, though fluency tends to be lower in the northern territory. Other common languages include Russian and, of course, native Greek.
While our team of film professionals have top training and international shooting experience, overall production costs are typically lower than in Western Europe and more comparable to countries such as Croatia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes, Cyprus is an ATA Carnet country, which means you can import whatever equipment is necessary for your shoot without paying duties or taxes.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, the Republic of Cyprus is an extremely safe country. However, we recommend being more cautious about safety if filming in Northern Cyprus, a territory only recognized by Turkey.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
Theoretically, a work visa is needed. However, by standard practice, if your project doesn’t exceed 45 days, you can enter the country and work on a tourist visa. Additionally, this doesn’t impact the ATA Carnet procedure.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes, you will need a local fixer to obtain the necessary permits for your shoot and to communicate with the authorities about your production. If applying for a working visa, you will need a domestic company to vouch for your stay.
Do I need a permit for drones?
You will need a permit to fly any kind of drone on the island. Cyprus is part of EASA, and so having all the up-to-date European drone flight legislation applies. Also, keep in mind that there are several military bases on the island and flying drones near or over them is strictly forbidden.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
The Cyprus Film Scheme offers a combination of cash rebates, tax credits, and tax deductions designed to lower production costs significantly. Cash Rebates of up to 45% of eligible expenditure below the line and 25% above the line are available, and, as your film fixer, Fixer Cyprus will help you navigate these schemes.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Filming in national parks is allowed, but a permit from the responsible authorities is needed. Applications usually take around 1-2 weeks and will need to be applied for by a local, Greek-speaking producer.
Working with Fixer Cyprus
We’ve had the pleasure of supporting a variety of top film, TV, web, and brand productions with our wide range of tailored production services. Most recently, we provided pre- and on-set production support, location scouting, crews, and logistics for the popular British TV show The Only Way is Essex (Season 32), as well as marketing videos for Adidas and Fendt Caravan DIAMANT.
We’ve worked with film, TV and media companies from all across the globe, and we’re ready to work with you. So, get in touch and let us help you produce a film or video that’s as stunning as the island of Cyprus itself.