Estonia
Location: Northern Europe
Broadcast Regulators
Tarbijakaitse ja Tehnilise Järelevalve Amet (TTJA) (Republic of Estonian Consumer Protection & Technical Regulatory Authority)
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
European Film Commissions Network (a non-profit association, which supports and promotes the European film industry and culture)
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Estonia is a member of the Schengen area.
UK passport holders can enter Estonia 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
Estonia is a very film friendly country.
Tallinn requires permits to film in public spaces. Allow 40 days for permitting, if filming will affect public transport lines. Allow 30 days, if the shoot will end after 11pm. In all other cases, allow at least two weeks for processing.
Most of the rest of Estonia doesn’t require any special permits.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Estonia is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Estonia has a four season continental climate.
Summers (June to August) are warm with long daylight hours (18 hours in June). The mild summers mean that natural green scenery doesn’t dry out as much as in other countries. Autumn brings rains and colourful leaves. Winters are dark (as little as five hours of daylight) and snow-covered, with ice roads opened between the mainland and the islands during the coldest months. Spring brings migratory birds and flowers in full bloom.
In Estonia, Christianity is the largest religion, so those holidays are observed.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Estonia.
Costs & VAT
Estonia is generally more expensive than its Baltic neighbours, but much less expensive than Scandinavian countries.
Estonia’s limited film infrastructure means that the additional costs of bringing in crews and equipment need to be factored in.
The standard VAT rate in Estonia, at the time of writing, is set at 22%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Funding
Estonian Film Institute (EFI)
Film Fund of Estonian Islands
Tartu Film Fund
Viru Film Fund
Europe-Wide Funding
European Commission's Interactive Funding Tool
Tax Incentives
Tax incentives for Estonia