Portugal

Entidade Reguladora para a Comunicação Social (ERC) (Portuguese Regulatory Authority for the Media)

RTP The state-owned and funded national station with two channels: RTP1, the general interest channel; and RTP 2, documentaries and political- style programmes.

SIC SIC is a private TV channel that airs game shows, reality shows, youth interest, films and soap operas.

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 

 

European Film Commissions Network (EUFCN) is a non-profit association, which supports and promotes the European film industry and culture.

Algarve Film Commission

Arrábida Film Commission

Azores Film Commission

Filmaporto Film Commission

Lisboa Film Commission

Loulé Film Office

Minho Film Commission

Portugal Film Commission (PFC)

Visas & Work Permits

Portugal is a member of the Schengen area.

UK passport holders can enter Portugal 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

City hall typically requires six working days for processing permits.

Beaches require up to two days for permits.

Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Portugal is an ATA carnet country.

When to Film

Portugal is one of Europe’s sunniest countries.

Summer weather peaks from June to September, with very good light for filming. Winter (November to March is rainy with some snow on the Serra da Estrela mountains. Spring through to autumn (April to October) are the best months to film.

Portugal 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 Portugal.

Portugal is one of the least expensive service centres in Western Europe, and is less expensive than Spain.

The standard VAT rate in Portugal at the time of writing is set at 23%.

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.

Eurimages

Ibermedia

Instituto do Cinema e do Audiovisual (ICA) (Institute of Cinema & Audiovisual)

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 Portugal.

At the time of writing, the UK does not have a trade agreement with this country. However, up to date information about UK trade agreements can be found on the GOV.UK website.