The City of Athens covers at area of 38.96 square kilometres and has a population of 665,000 (2011). It is an extremely attractive destination for film, television and advertising shoots. The majority of Greece’s production studios and audio-visual professionals are based in Athens.
The Athens Film Office provides support to audio-visual productions and helps with the issuing of short-term permits, following the submission of an application, allowing public spaces to be occupied for a period of up to a few days for public-benefit, artistic and promotional events, in accordance with Quality of Life Committee Act 248/15. The Act covers audio-visual productions.
The permit to film in public space is provided free of charge when the audio-visual production serves social or cultural aims.
In all other case, the permit to occupy public space is issued on payment of the Advertising charge foreseen by Presidential Decrees 908/2015, 1512/2015 and 2141/2016.
The Athens Film Office can provide facilities and services to audio-visual productions upon request, and will pass requests on to the competent departments to ensure their participation. We are also in close collaboration with the Hellenic Film Commission in order to ensure the best filming experience.
Keep in mind that when filming in Athens includes monuments and archaeological sites, a special filming permit is required which is issued by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and the Archaeological Service.
To avoid delays, please submit your application at least 30 days in advance.