Request for filming in the Autonomous Region of Madeira

In order to be able to film and/or photograph professionally in Madeira, permits and licences are required. These can be applied for from the Regional Secretariat for Tourism and Culture (SRTC), through the Madeira Film Commission.

The SRTC and the Madeira Film Commission provide institutional support and backing for national and international cinema, audiovisual and multimedia productions.

Service channels

Procedure and requirements

Documentos and requirements

Your application will first be examined by the Madeira Film Commission, and only after the entities responsible for authorising or issuing the licence have given their opinion will you be asked for the necessary documentation.

The Madeira Film Commission will only ask for more details if the application is approved.

Procedure

You will need to sign in using one of the following means of authentication:

Once you have your chosen means of authentication to hand, follow the steps below.

  1. Click on ‘Access the service' on this page and fill in the following information on the online form:
  2. identity of the person applying
  3. identity of the producer/entity
  4. identification of the project
  5. the location and the date on which you want to film and/or photograph
  6. your production needs
  7. Submit your application.

Depending on the filming locations chosen, the Madeira Film Commission will forward the application to the respective authorities who will authorise and issue the licences.

Financing by the Madeira Film Commission

Applications for funding should be emailed to madeirafilmcommission@madeira.gov.pt, with the following information attached:

  • identity of the person applying
  • identity of the producer/entity
  • identification of the project
  • scouting and/or shooting plan
  • setting up of teams
  • type of locations
  • a letter explaining the relevance of the project to Madeira
  • script of the project
  • financial schedule
  • communication plan.

For any further information or clarifications, you can contact the Madeira Film Commission at +351 219211900.

Time of issue/decision

There is no set deadline. The timeframe for authorising or issuing a licence depends on the complexity of the application and the number of entities involved.

How much

Applying via the Madeira Film Commission is free of charge. However, fees may be charged by the entities responsible for issuing licences.

Obligations

The application must be submitted in Portuguese or English.

Once the application (for a permit or for financial support) has been approved, the applicant must provide proof of the hire or purchase of goods and services in Madeira (e.g. expenditure on technical teams, rental of equipment, hotels, catering, etc.).

Legislation, refusals, contests, claims

Reasons for refusal

  • Incorrectly submitted application
  • Unclear application
  • Application submitted by a person not authorised to act
  • Violation of the rights of others
  • Application incompatible with another ongoing application
  • No public interest.

Means of opposition/Complaint to the Ombudsman

  • Complaint
  • Appeal to a higher body or to a supervisory body.

Competent Entity

Secretaria Regional de Turismo e Cultura

Address: Avenida Arriaga, n.º 18 Funchal 9004-519

Phone number: (+351) 291 211 900

Fax: (+351) 291 211 903

Email address: gabinete.srtc@madeira.gov.pt

Web url: https://www.madeira.gov.pt/srtc/