A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in Lithuania
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in Lithuania: What You Need to Know
When it comes to filming in Lithuania, journalists, individual filmmakers, and people planning to film for personal purposes do not need a permit to shoot. However, large-scale film productions, including brand ads, documentaries, TV series and films, obtain permits from the local municipal government where filming takes place. Once the application is submitted, the process can take up to two weeks.
Mid-scale projects planned for the Lithuanian capital city, Vilnius, can apply to the Vilnius Film Office for support in getting any relevant permits and shooting permissions. This is particularly important if the shoot is set to happen in a public area.
Timing Your Lithuanian Film Production around the Weather
It’s essential to take the weather into account if filming outdoors in Lithuania. Spring and summer months are typically mild but still see regular rain showers throughout. As such, it’s a good idea to use Ziplock bags to protect equipment from condensation.
Temperatures in the summer months are generally between 18°C (64°F) and 24°C 75°F), though recent summers have witnessed much higher temperatures. Spring, on the other hand, typically boasts temperatures between 10°C and 20°C, depending on which end of the season you’re filming in.
Winter is a different story, however. This time of year is cold and dark, with temperatures often falling below 0°C (32°F). This means that if your filming schedule falls between December and mid-March, you should expect to be shooting in snow.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
It’s much cheaper to rent filming gear in Lithuania rather than transporting your own, especially for shorter projects or when you need access to specialised equipment. Rental rates, which are comparable to those in other Eastern European countries such as Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, are significantly lower than the costs associated with buying and shipping film equipment internationally.
If you plan to hire a film crew in Lithuania, we can help. You’ll have no problem sourcing English-speaking film professionals and technicians here, and our contacts will ensure your team is also experienced and expert in their given fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
Yes, Lithuania is an ATA Carnet country, which means there will be no problem if you need to temporarily import film equipment into the country.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes, it is safe for you and your team to film in Lithuania. Violent crime is rare, though, of course, it’s always advisable for visitors to be on their guard against petty theft and pickpocketing.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
You do not need a work visa to film in Lithuania (unless you are here for more than 3 months). We recommend getting a regular Tourist Schengen visa, which grants up to 90 days’ stay in the country for pleasure or business purposes.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Unless your filming project takes longer than three months and necessitates applying for a work visa, you can film in the country without having to have a local film production company vouch for you.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes. Lithuania is part of EASA, and all the European legislation is applicable.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
The Lithuanian Film Tax Incentive has been in place since 2019 and offers film-makers and production companies a 30% cash rebate on the condition that at least 50.000 EUR is spent in the country.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
Yes, it is possible to film in a national park with the necessary permits from the applicable local government. There will be a fee, but the amount will depend on where exactly you’re shooting.
Working with Fixer Lithuania
As a leading film fixer in the region, we offer a comprehensive list of services. These include pre-production planning, location scouting, sourcing permits and local access, kit management, handling equipment hire and transport, and managing your post-production needs.
As a member of Storytailors, a world-leading global video production agency, we’ve supported major commercial, corporate, and multi-location shoots across Lithuania, Europe and beyond. Our regional portfolio includes collaborations with global brands and broadcasters such as Netflix, National Geographic, Oxford University Press,Adidas and more.
If you’re planning a Lithuania film production, let us help make it a success from start to finish.
