The 40% Cash Rebate: A Producer's Guide to Filming in Greece

The 40% Cash Rebate: A Producer's Guide to Filming in Greece

For film producers, the bottom line is as important as the creative vision. Greece has firmly established itself as a top-tier filming destination by offering one of the most attractive financial packages in the world: a 40% cash rebate on production expenses. The aid scheme, a government-backed financial support structure, provides incentives and funding for audiovisual productions, making Greece especially appealing for both local and international projects.

This guide breaks down exactly what the rebate is—officially known as Cash Rebate Greece—who qualifies, and how you can leverage it to significantly reduce the cost of filming in Greece.

What is the Greek Cash Rebate?

The Greek government’s flagship program for audiovisual investment incentives Greece is a straightforward and powerful offer. The Greek state provides and oversees this aid scheme, supporting a wide range of audiovisual production activities. The program includes feature films, television series, documentaries, animation, short films, and video games, all of which can receive a 40% cash rebate on their qualifying expenses incurred in Greece. One of its most attractive features is that there is no upper limit or cap on the amount of rebate a single project can receive, making it ideal for productions of all sizes. However, the subsidy from the cash rebate program may not exceed €8 million per audiovisual work.

Both individuals and legal entities registered in Greece with the appropriate activity codes are eligible to apply. The investment project must comply with the relevant activity codes as part of the application process.

To qualify, projects must pass a simple cultural test, which is designed to be inclusive and is easily met by the vast majority of international co-productions.

Are You Eligible? Key Requirements for Producers

Understanding the eligibility criteria is key to unlocking this incentive. Here’s what you need to know:

• Eligible Expenses: A wide range of in-country expenses qualify for the rebate, including above-the-line and below-the-line labor costs (for Greek and EU/EEA tax residents), equipment rental, location fees, post-production, travel, and accommodation. Eligible expenses also include costs related to accommodation, food, transportation, equipment rental, and services directly related to production. Director's fees, leading actors, and two leading actors' remuneration are included as eligible expenses but are subject to maximum eligible cost limits within the scheme. The total eligible costs encompass production, post-production, and associated expenses, but certain costs, such as those related to fixed assets, financial assets, and depreciation thereof, are excluded from eligible expenses.
• Minimum Spend: To be eligible for the Greece film production incentives, you must meet a minimum spending threshold in Greece. For feature films and TV series, this is typically €100,000. The total production cost and total eligible costs are calculated based on expenses incurred within Greek territory. For theatrical films, a minimum local spending of €200,000 is required, while for documentaries, the threshold is €60,000. For TV productions and television series, there are specific caps per episode, with a minimum spend required per episode produced.
• Application: The application must be submitted through a registered Greek production company or a Greek co-producer. If you also require film permit acquisition in Greece, professional services are available to facilitate this. The end date of the investment project marks the completion of the production and the start of the certification and disbursement process.

The Application Process, Step-by-Step

Navigating the application process is a clear, four-step journey:

1. Partner with a Greek Production Company: This is your first and most critical move. You need to engage a local production partner who has a proven track record with the rebate system.
2. Submit the Application: Your Greek partner will prepare and submit the application to the National Centre of Audiovisual Media and Communication (EKOME), the body that manages the program. The application for the cash rebate must be made through an electronic system designated by the granting authority.
3. Production and Audit: Once your project is approved, you can begin production. Upon completion, all qualifying expenses must be verified by an independent auditor in Greece before certification.
4. Receive the Rebate: After the audit is submitted and approved, the 40% cash rebate is transferred directly to the producer's bank account, typically within six months.

Audiovisual Center and Support: Navigating Institutional Resources

The Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center (Hellenic Aid Scheme) stands as your primary institutional partner in fully leveraging the 40% cash rebate. Our dedicated support teams assist you in understanding the compliance framework and optimizing your project’s success through extensive resources and guidance. We welcome your audiovisual production, whether it's a feature film, television production, documentary, animation, or new media project, offering structured assistance from start to finish.

When you engage with our center, we ensure your production fulfills all legal, cultural, and administrative requirements for the cash rebate program. We guide you through selecting the appropriate activity code, help you accurately calculate eligible expenses, and ensure your investment plan qualifies under the cultural criteria. Our teams provide tailored support for international co-productions, ensuring that your application is complete and compliant. We also connect you with specialized auditors recognized by EKOME, guaranteeing that your final submission meets the highest standards.

We go beyond application assistance by providing comprehensive resources and legal expertise to accelerate your project’s path to funding. From the moment you submit your application, we monitor every stage of the review process and provide continuous updates. You can also leverage your anticipated rebate amount as collateral to obtain funds, streamlining your cash flow during production. We require a comprehensive financing plan and clear production schedule, both submitted to our granting authority for approval. Our evaluation process uses cultural criteria, ensuring your project contributes to Greek audiovisual industry growth and diversity. Additionally, the cash rebate is not taxable and does not increase the company's revenue.

Once you reach production completion, we require a final auditor's report detailing all eligible expenses incurred. Meet our requirements, and we typically pay your rebate amount within six months—making this one of Europe's most efficient state aid schemes. However, the payment of the cash rebate is electronically disbursed within three months of the certification decision. Our ongoing support ensures compliance with all legal and financial prerequisites, giving you complete peace of mind throughout the process.

Our cash rebate program evolves through robust legal frameworks—established by Law No. 4487/2017 and enhanced by Laws No. 4565/2018 and No. 4704/2020. This demonstrates our commitment to fostering a dynamic audiovisual sector. These legal frameworks have made Greece a leading destination for foreign producers, offering you a robust incentive to choose Greek locations for your next project.

The Hellenic Film and Audiovisual Center's resources combined with our 40% cash rebate program deliver a powerful solution for producers seeking to optimize production costs and ensure a smooth, compliant, and financially rewarding experience in Greece. By leveraging our institutional supports, you can confidently bring your audiovisual work to life in one of the world's most creative and welcoming environments.

How a Local Fixer Maximizes Your Rebate

This is where knowing how to hire a production company in Greece becomes a strategic advantage. An experienced Greek fixer or production company does more than just handle logistics; they are your strategic partner in maximizing the financial benefits.

An expert team of fixers in Greece will:

• Help structure your budget to maximize eligible Greek spend.
• Manage the entire application process with EKOME.
• Act as the official liaison with all government bodies and auditors.
• Ensure flawless compliance with all legal and financial requirements, minimizing risk and ensuring a smooth payout.

The 40% cash rebate for filming in Greece is a game-changer for producers. It transforms a country known for its beauty into a powerhouse of financial viability. By partnering with the right local experts, you can unlock the full potential of this incentive and make your creative vision a reality for a fraction of the cost.

Ready to see how much your project could save? Contact us today for a personalized assessment and a detailed guide to our production services for international clients in Greece.