Spain boosts foreign film shoots with tax incentives

Since 2020, Spain has implemented measures to attract international film productions, heightening its appeal as a prime location for foreign filmmakers. This initiative began with an attractive tax credit policy offering a 30% deduction on expenses up to €1 million, followed by 25% on the remainder, with a cap raised to €20 million in 2023. These tax incentives have been part of a broader strategy, termed 'Spain, audiovisual hub of Europe,' aimed at increasing audiovisual content production by 30% within a five-year span. Among the notable productions benefiting from this policy are high-profile series and films, including 'The Walking Dead', 'Lucky Luke', and 'The Fantastic 4', which have chosen various picturesque locations across Spain to film. For instance, in early February 2025, filming for the next season of 'The Walking Dead' occurred in Granada, attracting local extras to participate as the crew transformed the medieval streets into a zombie-invaded landscape. Other notable productions included British director Guy Ritchie's project, which took place in Cadiz, and episodes filmed in the scenic Canary Islands by French filmmaker Guillaume Nicloux. The local economy has begun to reap the benefits of the surge in international film activity, with increased business opportunities for local communities and service providers catering to the needs of film crews. As more films and television shows continue to set in Spain, local economies are more actively engaged, creating more jobs and encouraging tourism. Spain's prior status as an underutilized filming location is rapidly changing, as filmmakers now view it as an attractive option for production. To further enhance its competitiveness and sustain the momentum of increasing filming activity, the Spanish government continues to promote its various picturesque locations and set up additional administrative facilities to streamline the process for international filmmakers. With these ongoing efforts and incentives, it is anticipated that Spain will solidify its position as a preferred hub for audiovisual content production in Europe.