Latvia 🇱🇻

Latvia offers attractive financial incentives to encourage foreign film productions, including cash rebates and co-financing programs. Below is a detailed breakdown of the incentives:

1. Latvia Filming Incentives - Cash Rebates and Co-Financing Programs

Cash Rebates:

Latvia provides cash rebates ranging from 20% to 30% on eligible production costs for international film projects.

2. Film Incentives Breakdown

National Co-Financing Program:

Rebate Percentage:

• 20% to 30% of eligible production costs, depending on specific criteria.

Eligible Projects:

• Full-length feature films.
• Documentaries.
• Animation films.
• TV films.

Budget Requirements:

• Fiction features and animation films: Minimum budget of €711,436.
• Feature documentaries: Minimum budget of €142,287.

Application Deadlines:

• Open call at least twice a year.

Decision Timeline:

• Approximately one month.

Annual Budget:

• Base budget of €793,773, with additional financing allocated based on demand.

Riga Film Fund Co-Financing Program:

Rebate Percentage:

• 20% to 25% of eligible production costs.
• 25% if the film’s story is set in Riga or features Riga significantly and is partly shot in Riga.
• 20% if the film is shot elsewhere in Latvia.

Eligible Projects:

• Full-length fiction features.
• Documentaries.
• TV films.

Budget Requirements:

• Fiction films: Minimum budget of €700,000.
• Documentaries: No specified minimum budget.

Application Deadlines:

• Open call until September 30 on a first-come, first-served basis until the budget is depleted.

Decision Timeline:

• Approximately one month.

Annual Budget:

• €800,000.

3. Filming Incentives Terms and Conditions

Local Collaboration:

• An agreement with a local production company registered in Latvia is required.

Financing Confirmation:

• At least 50% of the film’s total financing must be confirmed at the time of application.

Spending Requirements:

• The support can be combined with other public funding sources in Latvia, provided the total public funding does not exceed 50% of the film’s total expenses in Latvia.

Reporting:

• Shooting must be completed, and reports submitted by November 30.

4. Governing Bodies for the Incentive

National Co-Financing Program:

• Administered by the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA).

Riga Film Fund Co-Financing Program:

• Managed by the Riga City Council.

5. Filming Incentive Application Process

1. Preparation:

• Secure at least 50% of the project’s financing.
• Establish a partnership with a Latvian-registered production company.

2. Application Submission:

• Prepare the necessary documentation, including a detailed budget, financing plan, and production schedule.
• Submit the application to the relevant governing body (LIAA for the national program or Riga City Council for the Riga Film Fund).

3. Evaluation:

• The application is reviewed based on eligibility criteria, including budget requirements and the extent of filming in Latvia.

4. Decision:

• A decision is typically made within one month.

5. Agreement:

• Upon approval, an agreement outlining the terms of the rebate is signed.

6. Production:

• Proceed with production, ensuring compliance with the terms of the agreement.

7. Reporting and Rebate Disbursement:

• Complete the production and submit the required reports by November 30.
• Upon approval of the reports, the rebate is disbursed.

For detailed guidelines and assistance, consult the official websites of the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and the Riga Film Fund or contact them directly.