A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Switzerland
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Switzerland: What You Need to Know
If you want to film in Switzerland and your video project has a small crew with discreet equipment, the good news is you will most likely not need to obtain film permits. However, if your production is larger and involves a lot of equipment as well as road closures, then permits are required. You’ll need to apply in advance, and the wait time can be two weeks or more. Additionally, any kind of commercial filming in mountains and ski resorts will need authorisation as a health and safety prerequisite.
Timing Your Swiss Film Production around the Weather
Whether you want flower-dotted green valleys or striking snowy mountaintops, you won’t go wrong with the weather in Switzerland. We have the best of both warm and sunny summer and spring seasons when there’s very little rain and a lot of daylight, perfect for outdoor shoots. For those stunning winter shots, book your dates between December and April, and you’re sure to get what you need.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
Filming equipment rental can be expensive in Switzerland when compared to the rest of Central Europe. However, partnering with us means getting a professional service along with great deals. We currently have a deal with Visuals, a well-respected local equipment rental company, so you can be sure that hiring the gear you need won’t push you over budget. For our clients, we’re always looking to provide the best at the best prices.
We can also ensure that you’ll find film crew members with a high fluency in English, as well as French and German.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes, Switzerland is an ATA carnet country, which means that any professional equipment you want to bring to your film shoot in Switzerland can be done without paying duties or taxes. The ATA carnet also covers Liechtenstein.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Switzerland is a very safe country, whether you’re filming alone or with a fixer to help.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
Switzerland is in the Schengen Zone, so you will not need a visa if you’re coming from another Schengen country or if you have a Schengen visa. If you’re coming from outside this zone, you must contact your local Swiss embassy for further details.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
You will need to work with a local company to get a working visa, but we always try to work around the necessity of such a visa, as the application can be quite complicated and time-consuming.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes, permits are necessary for drones, and it is always advised to work with a verified local drone operator.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Switzerland has both national and regional tax rebate programmes. However, you’ll need to partner with a local production support company who’ll apply for the appropriate programmes for you.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
As long as you have the applicable permits from the regional office, you will have no issue shooting in a Swiss national park.
Working with Fixer Switzerland
We have been privileged and proud to provide production support to a host of top brands and global companies. These include FedEx, UEFA, and Breitling, among many more. Our aim is to ensure that our clients get what they need, from researching and finding the perfect location to having the right vehicles to get it all.
Our strengths lie in the fact that we’ve been handling global filming projects for years and have the skills and services to help any kind of journalist or filmmaker get their project made.