Switzerland

Switzerland Film Incentives Overview

Switzerland Film Incentives offer up to 40% in regional and federal funding, especially for international co-productions. Switzerland Film Incentives are managed regionally, with support from institutions like Cinéforom and Zürcher Filmstiftung.

To access Switzerland Film Incentives, projects must meet cultural requirements and partner with Swiss co-producers. Switzerland Film Incentives are available for features, documentaries, and high-end series.

Alpine vistas, modern cities, and a multilingual workforce make Switzerland Film Incentives a smart choice for diverse productions.

Hoodlum Introduction

Hoodlum Film Fixers streamline access to Switzerland Film Incentives. We help secure local partnerships, prepare applications, and manage production to ensure maximum funding.

With Hoodlum, Switzerland Film Incentives are easier to access, easier to manage, and easier to maximize.

Incentives Offered

Switzerland offers several incentives for filmmakers, including:

PICS Program

(Promotion of Investment in Cinematographic and Audiovisual Production in Switzerland)

• Cash rebate of 20% to 40% on eligible production expenses incurred in Switzerland
• Minimum spend requirement of CHF 100,000 ($103,993)
• Minimum shooting period: At least five days

Valais Film Commission

• Automatic cash rebate system
• Offers 15% to 35% of eligible expenses
• Applicable to feature-length fiction or animation films, or series that meet specific criteria

Regional Incentives

• Various cantons (e.g., Zurich, Ticino) offer regional funds to support local and international productions

Co-Production Funding

• Switzerland is a signatory to several bilateral co-production agreements
• Offers financial support to international co-productions

Tax Exemptions

• No taxes on local services contracted by a foreign production company
• Special tax agreements exist for certain co-production countries

Key Requirements and Benefits

• Minimum Spend: CHF 100,000 ($103,993) for PICS, with possible variations for short films and documentaries
• Eligible Productions: Feature-length films, series, documentaries, short films
• Application Process: Claim rebates through PICS or regional commissions like Valais
• Additional Support: Location scouting, permit assistance, production support services available in-country

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Switzerland’s film incentives, the following criteria typically apply:

• Production Types:
  • Feature-length films
  • Television series
  • Documentaries
  • Short films
• Minimum Spend:
  • CHF 100,000 ($103,993) for the PICS program
• Shooting Period:
  • Typically 5–10 days minimum in Switzerland
• Cultural Test:
  • May require elements such as Swiss themes, characters, or crew
• Qualifying Expenses:
  • Crew and cast salaries
  • Equipment rental
  • Location fees
  • Post-production costs
• Application Process:
  • Apply via PICS or regional commissions (e.g., Valais Film Commission)
• Required Documentation:
  • Budget breakdowns
  • Shooting schedules
  • Crew and cast lists
  • Proof of expenses

Minimum QPE per Project

• PICS Program Minimum QPE:
  • Around CHF 418,000 must be spent in Switzerland to access rebates of 20% or more
• Minimum Budget Requirement:
  • Some sources suggest CHF 2.45 million total budget
  • Minimum 5 days of location shooting required
• Regional Variations:
  • Requirements may differ per canton (e.g., Valais), though specifics may vary and not always publicly disclosed

Accepted Categories of Production

The following types of productions are eligible for evaluation under the Switzerland Film Rebate Scheme (PICS):

• Feature-length Films: Narrative films, duration of at least 70 minutes
• Television Series: Episodic content for TV or digital platforms
• Documentaries: Non-fiction stories or reports
• Short Films: Duration of less than 70 minutes
• Animated Films: Any story told through animation
• Co-Productions: Swiss/international collaborations

Qualifying Production Expenditures

Pre-Production Expenditures

• Script development
• Location scouting
• Casting
• Crew assembly
• Budgeting and scheduling
• Permits and licenses

Production Expenditures

Cast and Crew Salaries and Professional Fees

• Salaries for actors, directors, producers, and other crew members
• Director’s, producer’s, screenwriter’s, and editor’s fees
• Fees for cinematographers, production designers, VFX artists
• All must be incurred within Switzerland

Labour Costs

• Salaries and wages for Swiss and international cast and crew
• Social security contributions: AHV/IV/EO
• Pension fund contributions
• Health insurance premiums
• Training, recruitment, and other labour-related costs

Equipment Rental Fees

• Camera rentals (lenses, rigs, accessories)
• Lighting equipment (fixtures, generators)
• Sound gear (microphones, mixers)
• Grip equipment (dollies, cranes, jibs)
• Specialized gear (Steadicams, drones, motion control)
• Generator and power supply rentals

Location Fees

• Private and public property fees
• Filming fees in national parks or protected areas
• Location management and scouting fees

Wardrobe and Costume Expenses

• Costume design and creation
• Rentals and purchases
• Maintenance and alteration
• Accessories and related props

Set Design and Construction Costs

• Set planning, illustrations, and designer fees
• Materials and labor for construction
• Set dressing (props, furniture)
• Modifications and alterations
• Set strike/dismantling after shoot

Special Effects and Stunts Expenses

• Visual effects (VFX): CGI, compositing, animation
• Special effects (SFX): Practical effects (pyro, fog)
• Stunt coordination and performance fees
• Rental of stunt-related gear
• Safety and risk management costs

Catering, Craft, and Services Costs

• Full catering services (meals for crew)
• Craft services (snacks and beverages)
• Accommodation and transport (if bundled)
• Security services
• Cleaning and site maintenance

Specialized Services

• Post-production (editing, VFX, color grading)
• Sound recording/mixing
• Camera support
• Drone operations
• Casting agency/director services
• Location management and coordination

Accommodation and Transportation Costs

• Hotel stays and lodging for cast and crew
• Transportation between shoot locations
• Rentals, fuel, and driver services
• Domestic and international travel

Travel Costs

• Airfare (domestic and international)
• Train/bus tickets
• Car rentals or hired transport
• Fuel and toll fees
• Travel agency coordination costs

Miscellaneous Costs

• Office and admin expenses
• Communications (phone, internet)
• Insurance premiums (equipment, personnel, liability)
• Permits and licenses
• All other costs directly related to the production

Post-Production Expenditures

Eligible costs include:

• Picture, sound, and music editing
• Visual effects (CGI, animation)
• Sound design, mixing, mastering
• Color grading and correction
• Music licensing and original composition
• Rental of post-production software and equipment

Non-Qualifying Expenditures

Expenditures not eligible for the rebate include:

• Costs incurred outside Switzerland
• Deferred payments or accruals
• Financing costs (interest, loan fees)
• Marketing/publicity
• Distribution
• Expenses not directly tied to production activities

Application Process

Step 1: Pre-Production Application

• Submit before principal photography begins
• Provide:
  • Script
  • Budget
  • Production schedule
• Receive eligibility confirmation and provisional rebate estimate

Step 2: Documentation and Certification

• Submit required paperwork:
  • Company registration and tax documents
  • Budget and expenditure breakdown
  • Contracts, invoices for Swiss-based services
  • Proof of Swiss spending
• Obtain certification from Swiss authorities

Step 3: Expenditure Verification

• Submit expenditure reports
• Provide all supporting documentation
• Undergo audit or formal verification

Step 4: Rebate Claim Submission

• Submit official rebate claim
• Include all required financial documentation
• Adhere to timeline requirements

Step 5: Review and Approval

• Swiss authorities review claim and documentation
• Approval and rebate amount confirmed

Step 6: Payment

• Rebate is paid according to the approved amount

Additional Requirements

• Full compliance with scheme rules and regulations
• Maintain thorough documentation
• Respond promptly to authority requests or clarifications

Ready to maximize your film incentives?

Partner with Hoodlum Film Fixers to navigate rebate programs, streamline compliance, and connect with trusted local partners. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on creating. Contact us today to get started.