FAQ
Filming in Cyprus: questions producers ask
Who is Cyprus Production Service?
Cyprus Production Service handles local production for visiting film and photo crews. The company is Moi Ostrov Ltd (HE319483), at 15 Agaritsis, Nektaria Court, 3045 Zakaki, Limassol. The work is crew, permits, locations, and film and photo equipment rental, across Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, Paphos, and Ayia Napa. Alexander Papacosta is on +357 99 164 158 and hello@cyprusproductionservice.com.
Why do productions come to Cyprus?
Cyprus puts coast, desert, mountains, and city streets within a short drive of each other. English is widely spoken, the island has about 340 sunny days a year, and qualifying feature films and series can apply for the Cyprus Film Scheme.
What does a film production service in Cyprus include?
Cyprus Production Service supplies the local layer of a shoot: line production, location management, permits, crew, cast support through Alegency, film and photo equipment, transport, accommodation, and catering. The visiting company keeps the director, the script, and the edit.
What does a photo production service in Cyprus include?
For stills we book the location, the permits, assistants, hair and makeup, and the photo kit. That kit includes Profoto heads and Sunbounce frames sized for hard midday sun. Recent work includes the GQ Germany cover at Hotel Almyra and Net-a-Porter editorial.
How do filming permits work?
Permits sit with different authorities depending on the place: municipality, forestry, antiquities, police for roads, and the civil aviation authority for drones. We file each permit so it matches the call sheet. Airport and archaeological sites need the longest lead time.
Can a commercial claim the Cyprus cash rebate?
No. Advertising, commercials, shorts, news, sports, and most entertainment formats are outside the current scheme, which is open until 30 June 2027. Qualifying feature films, television series, documentaries, and animation can apply for up to 45% below the line and up to 25% above the line when they meet the spend and shoot-day tests.
How does Cyprus compare with Spain or Portugal?
A qualifying feature can start at €200,000 of eligible Cyprus spend. Mainland Spain’s foreign-production deduction is 30% on the first €1 million and 25% after that, and it needs at least €1 million spent in Spain. The Canary Islands pay a higher rate. Portugal’s 2026 large-production grant is 30% on the first €2 million, from €2.5 million of eligible spend. Cyprus is one base: Paphos is about an hour from Limassol, and Cape Greco is about ninety minutes. English is the working language, and the same company runs film and photo. A cultural test sets the Cyprus percentage. This is not a guarantee.
Do you rent cameras and lights without a full production service?
Yes. Film equipment rental and photography equipment rental can be booked on their own. Camera bodies in the working list include ARRI Alexa Mini, Alexa Mini LF, RED Komodo, and Canon C70, plus lighting, grip, and sound.