Latvia
Location: Northern Europe
Broadcast Regulators
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 (EUFCN) is a non-profit association, which supports and promotes the European film industry and culture.
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Latvia is a member of the Schengen area.
UK passport holders can enter Latvia 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.
Film Location Permits
Latvia is a very film friendly country. Permits usually take no more than a week.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Latvia is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Latvia has a four season climate.
Winters (December to March) are cold and snowy. Spring (April to May) has wildflowers in full bloom. Summers (June to September) are warm. Autumn (October to November) brings colourful leaves. Mist is common in summer and autumn.
Latvia is a majority Christian country, so those holidays are observed. The west is predominately Lutheran and the east is mostly Eastern Orthodox.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Latvia.
Costs & VAT
Latvia remains one of the most cost competitive production centres in Europe.
The standard VAT rate in Latvia at the time of writing is set at 21%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Funding
Cine-Regio is a network of regional film funds in Europe.
Creative Europe is the European Commission's programme for providing support to the culture and audiovisual sectors.
National Film Centre of Latvia
This interactive tool outlines the main EU-related support opportunities for audiovisual and news media sectors. It also covers funding streams beyond the sectoral Creative Europe Programme.
Incentives
Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map: Information for Latvia.
Treaty Documents