Switzerland
Location: Western / Central Europe
Broadcast Regulators
Currencies
Currency: Swiss Franc (CHF)
Q. Are there any requirements, when sending CHF?
A. You will be required to send your details, purpose of the payment and the beneficiary details. It is also mandatory that you send the beneficiary’s International Bank Account Number (IBAN).
Q. Can I send inbound and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of Switzerland.
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 CHF to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.
Q. Is sending CHF 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 CHF?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book a CHF 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.
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Switzerland is a member of the Schengen area.
UK passport holders can enter Switzerland 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
Switzerland is a very film friendly country. Permits can be obtained to shoot in most public places quickly and easily. Privately owned locations are often very accommodating.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Switzerland is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Winters (December to March) are cold and snowy. Spring (April to May) has mountain flowers in full bloom. Summers (June to August) are warm, with many blue sky days. Autumn (September to October) sees leaves changing colour.
In Switzerland, 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 Switzerland.
Costs & VAT
Switzerland is one of the more expensive places to shoot in the world, particularly for large, complicated shoots.
The standard VAT rate in Switzerland at the time of writing is set at 8.1%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Funding
The Federal Office of Culture Bundesamt für Kultur (BAK) supports all forms of art in Switzerland and aims to promote culture both on a local and international level, Including Film Investment Refund Switzerland (PICS).
They also provide Information on co-producing with Switzerland which can be found here: MEDIA Desk Suisse – MEDIA Replacement Measures
Berner Filmförderung (Bern Film Fund)
Innerschweizer Filmfachgruppe (IFFG) (Central Switzerland)
Zürcher Filmstiftung (ZFS) (Zurich 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
Film Investment Refund Switzerland (PICS).
At the time of writing, the following tool Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map does not include information regarding Switzerland. However, this may be updated in the future.
Treaty Documents