Belgium
Location: North-western Europe
Broadcast Regulators
Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSA) (Superior Audiovisual Council)
Medienrat der Deutschsprachigen Gemeinschaft Belgiens (Media Council of the German-Speaking Community of Belgium)
Vlaamse Regulator voor de Media (VRM) (Flemish Regulator for the Media)
Currencies
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Q. Are there any requirements, when sending EUR?
A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment.
Q. Can I send inbound and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of countries using the Euro.
Q. How much can I send?
A. As much as you want.
Q. How long will it take for my funds to be received?
A. Standard international payment time. However, with the right foreign exchange broker, this can be done as fast as the same day.
Q. Who can I send EUR to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds for countries sending with the Euro.
Q. Is sending EUR expensive?
A. Not if you use the right currency broker, who will be able to offer you bank-beating exchange rates and significantly lower payment charges.
Q. Can you use forward contracts with EUR?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book a EUR exchange rate forward, protecting you against any adverse currency movements. With these contracts, you will always know exactly what is coming out of your bank account.
Information courtesy of Currencies Direct.
Film Commissions
Antwerp City Film Office
City Film Office Bruges
Ghent Film Office
Screen Flanders
screen.brussels
Service Cinéma – Hainaut Cinéma
Wallimage
European Film Commissions Network (a non-profit association, which supports and promotes the European film industry and culture)
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Belgium is a member of the Schengen area.
UK passport holders can enter Belgium visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, over a 180 day period, for some business-related activities (such as attending business meetings). However, for longer stays or other types of work, a visa or permit may be required.
Further information on work visas can be found at the GOV.UK website. Alternatively, please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. There are also specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
Belgium has a streamlined permitting process. There are no extraordinary restrictions or rules.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Belgium is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Belgium has a maritime temperate climate with rain occurring regularly across all four seasons.
Winter (November to March) is cold and rainy with occasional snowfall. Spring (April to May) is mild with green pastures and flowers in bloom. Summer (June to September) is warm with long sunny shoot days. Weather-wise, May to September are generally the best months to film.
Belgium is a predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Belgium.
Costs & VAT
Local costs are similar to other developed Western European countries, such as England and Germany.
The standard VAT rate in Belgium, at the time of writing, is set at 21%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Funding
Antwerp Film Bonus
Centre du Cinéma et de l’Audiovisuel de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles (Cinema & Audiovisual Centre of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation)
Screen Flanders
screen.brussels Fund
Vlaams Audiovisueel Fonds (VAF) (Flanders Audiovisual Fund)
Wallimage
Europe-Wide Funding
European Commission's Interactive Funding Tool
Tax Incentives
Tax incentives for Belgium