Filming in Portugal
To be able to film in Portugal (whether a Portuguese or foreign production), a range of administrative procedures may need to be completed in relation to licensing, permits or prior notification.
There is a simulator tool on this page that will help you find the information you need to be able to film in Portugal.
When you select the desired options in the simulator, information and contact details for the various services and entities that you will need to call upon to film in Portugal will appear. This will facilitate the process for obtaining a filming permit.
Alternatively, you can choose your desired service directly at the bottom of this page.
Portugal Film Commission
Contact the Portugal Film Commission (PFC), if you have any questions about a simulation that you have run, or if you require further information about film production in Portugal. You will also find other services on the PFC website, such as a production guide, a location guide and financial support that is available.
Simulator
To film in Portugal, you may need permits, licences or expert assessments.
Services
To be able to film in Portugal, you may need to apply for licences or permits or to submit advance notifications. Below is a list of services that you may need to shoot video footage or take photographs. Other procedures not directly related to filming may also be necessary.
Visas and customs procedures
- Schedule a service at the Agência para a Integração Migrações e Asilo (AIMA)
- Request a residence or temporary stay visa to work in the entertainment sector
- Request a short-term Schengen visa
- Request the temporary importation procedure the temporary importation regime allows non-European Union (EU) goods to be used temporarily in the territory of the EU Taxation and Customs Union
Support and incentives
Permits and licences - Museus e Monumentos de Portugal
The type of authorisation required to film in historical sites or cultural heritage locations differs depending on the responsible entity. Consult this list of monuments to find out whether the location where you wish to film is the responsibility of Cultural Heritage or Museus e Monumentos.
Other permits and licences
- Request authorisation for filming and/or photographing cetaceans in the waters of continental Portugal
- Shooting footage or photographs in the Azores
- Request for filming in the Autonomous Region of Madeira
- Request licenses and permits for activities on roads or railway lines you must apply for a licence or permit to carry out activities such as filming on or near a road or railway track.
- Request licenses and permits on the Capitania Online+ platform you can use the Capitania Online+ plataform to apply for a permit to film on a beach, sea wall or coastline
- Request authorisation for children to participate in arts and entertainment
- Request authorisation to film with animals