A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Belgium
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Belgium: What You Need to Know
Want to shoot outdoors around some of Belgium’s most important heritage sites? Be prepared for a lot of paperwork, then! You will need permits from the various municipalities and the local administrators in charge of those monuments or areas. Permits will also be required if you plan to block streets and stop traffic or pedestrian flow. And, yes, if you are shooting scenes at night, then you will need a permit for that too. As they can all take some time to process, it is advisable to get your permit applications in at least three months before you need them. Not sure how to do it? Don’t worry. As your production partner, we will manage it for you.
Timing Your Belgium Film Production around the Weather
Like most countries in Western Europe, Belgium has four seasons… but you can expect rain in all of them! The season with the least rainfall is summer (May to September). If natural light and fewer people top your filming needs, then we suggest shooting in spring or autumn.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
You can easily rent all your filming gear in Belgium. Prices are what you can expect in any Western European country, though, as long-standing film fixers in the country, we have good discounts with several local film equipment rental companies.
It will also be easy to organise an English-speaking crew for you, as this is a language that is widely spoken in Belgium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Belgium is an ATA Carnet country. This means you can import any specialised filming equipment you need without additional fees or taxes.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Belgium is a safe country to film in. As foreign filmmakers, however, always take the usual precautions when filming in busy areas.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
You will not need any kind of visa if you are coming from one of the Schengen countries. Non-Schengen film crews should check with their local Belgium consulates about possible visa requirements.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
No, it is not necessary to work with a local company, but it can help with red tape and other issues.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes, you will need a permit to use a drone during your production.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
The Belgian tax shelter is available for TV series, documentaries and feature films that are made in co-production with a Belgian company with a Belgian expenditure.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes, you can shoot in a national park, but you will need to apply at least one month in advance for the permit.
Working with Fixer Belgium
Fixer prep and research? Crew bookings? Location management? Remote viewing and logistics? Whatever services you need to make your production as smooth as possible, we have the skills and experience. It is one of the reasons why global organisations and media platforms like The New York Times, the BBC, IFPMA, UNESCO, Adidas and Panasonic continue to call on us for their production requirements.