Up to 35% Film and TV Production Refund in Iceland
With up to 35% refund on production costs, a stunning variety of locations within reach from each other, and highly experienced film crews, filming in Iceland offers a unique opportunity for all filmmakers.
A character from the TV show Katla stands by glaciers surroundings
Save more than a quarter of production costs
Iceland offers reimbursement of up to 35% of the costs incurred while producing films and television programs in Iceland. The reimbursement incentive is based on special legislation and is simple, transparent, and effective. Production costs refer to all costs incurred in Iceland deductible from enterprises' revenues under the Act on Income Tax provisions. Whether you are producing a feature film, TV series, or documentary, Iceland offers unmatched value alongside professional crews and world-class services.
25% refund incentive
All productions for feature films, TV shows, and documentaries in Iceland are eligible for a 25% reimbursement on production costs, no matter the production's total cost.
35% refund incentive
Productions for feature films, TV shows, and documentaries can raise their rebate to 35% if the production in Iceland meets the following requirements:
- Production costs incurred in producing the motion picture or television material in this country must be a minimum of ISK 350 million.
- The project in question must have a minimum of 30 working days in Iceland, either consisting of actual film production (shooting) days or defined post-production working days. Of the 30 working days, a minimum of 10 shooting days in Iceland is always required.
- The number of staff working directly on the project shall be 50 at a minimum and this work shall amount to 50 working days. It is a requirement that both salary and payments to employees and contractors shall be taxed in Iceland.
Good to know
When more than 80% of the total production costs of a motion picture or television program are incurred in Iceland, the reimbursement is calculated based on the total production cost incurred within the European Economic Area (EEA). The reimbursement scheme does not include the production of commercials or music videos.
According to the legislation, those who have been granted reimbursement shall provide Film in Iceland with access to promotional material relating to the project, free of charge, so that it can be used for marketing purposes. They must be informed of restrictions that may apply to the use of promotional material.
Working with an Icelandic Production Service company is highly recommended as they have expertise in ensuring refund for productions in Iceland and providing everything you need for your production in Iceland.
Simple Application Process
Applying for reimbursement is a straightforward procedure. Applications are submitted online to the Icelandic Film Centre and must be submitted before production begins.
Variety of stunning scenery
Black sands, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains, lava fields, waterfalls, lakes and lagoons with floating icebergs, the stark highland interior, tundra, moors patched with blue ponds, steam emitting, red and yellow sulfur mountains, scenes of serene beauty. For film producers, the best part is that the varied sceneries are not far apart and easily accessible.
A short drive can take film crews from black beaches, through lush greenery and colorful towns, into barren highlands, or towards glacial tongues and majestic mountains. This nature has represented anything from the Himalayas and the US Midwest to mythical worlds and distant planets.
Apart from the unique landscapes, the light in Iceland is the first thing you'll notice as from mid-May to mid-August, the sun only sets for around 3 hours, and there is effective light for 24 hours during this period.
Finally, Iceland is closer than you think: from New York, the flying distance to Iceland and San Fransisco is the same. There are daily direct flights to Iceland from major gateways in Europe (2,5-3 hours) and North America (5-6 hours).
ICELAND AND EUROPEAN COOPERATION
European content classification
European content classification. Since Iceland is a member of the European Economic Area, films and television programmes made in Iceland receive European content status. This entitles Icelandic productions to be classified as European material when released in Europe, without affecting any quotas on the release of non-European content material there.
The media program of the European Union
Through Iceland's membership of the European Economic Area, films and television programmes made in Iceland can receive grants for the development and distribution and promotion of Icelandic projects and for the training of professionals offered by the MEDIA Program of the European Union.
Eurimages
Iceland is a member of Eurimages, the Film Fund of the European Council which is based on the European Convention on Cinematographic co-production. Thus Icelandic producers can apply for production grants for European co-productions.
