Poland
Location: Central Europe
Broadcast Regulators
Currencies
Currency: Polish Zloty (PLN)
Q. Are there any requirements, when sending PLN?
A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment. However, payments to Social Insurance Institutions and tax authorities require additional information.
Q. Can I send inward and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of Poland.
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 times. However, with the right foreign exchange broker, you can receive funds as fast as the very same day.
Q. Who can I send PLN to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.
Q. Is sending PLN expensive?
A. No. It is pegged to the Euro, which means that prices will rise and fall in tandem.
Q. Can you use forward contracts with PLN?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book a PLN 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
Poland is a member of the Schengen area.
UK passport holders can enter Poland 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.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry who may be able to assist.
Film Location Permits
Low impact filming in Warsaw or other Polish cities doesn’t require a film location permit.
Filming that requires exclusive use of public space, larger set-ups, pyrotechnics or stunts requires permits. Timing and costs vary depending on the specific details of the shoot.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Poland is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Poland has a four season climate with hot summers, colourful leaves in autumn, white winters and spring in full bloom. Weather-wise, May to October are the best months to film.
Poland 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 Poland.
Costs & VAT
Poland is much more cost effective than Western Europe, and is on par with the Czech Republic and Hungary, but is more expensive than Latvia, Ukraine and Romania.
The standard VAT rate in Poland at the time of writing is set at 23%.
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.
Podkarpackie Regional Film Fund
Polski Instytut Sztuki Filmowej (PISF) (Polish Film Institute)
West Pomeranian Regional Film Fund
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 Poland.
Treaty Documents