Working Conditions in Lithuania

Permits

• Lithuania is a member of the European Union and NATO. No special work permits are required.
• Film production permits are issued by municipal authorities and other local administrative bodies.
• Filming permits will be arranged by the Lithuanian co-producer or the production service company.

Tax Incentive

• Since 2019, the Lithuanian Film Tax Incentive offers an opportunity to save up to 30% of the film production budget.
• The scheme is available for fiction films, TV dramas, documentaries, and animated films.
• Eligibility: a minimum of 3 shooting days in Lithuania, and at least 43,000 EUR of eligible local spend.
• At least 80% of eligible production costs must be incurred in Lithuania.
• The project must meet cultural content criteria.
• Up to 20% of the Lithuanian budget may be spent abroad.

Working Hours

• A standard workweek is 5 days (6- or 7-day weeks possible if required).
• 6th day = rate × 1.5
• 7th day = rate × 2
• Sunday is officially a day off, but work is possible with an alternative day off granted; the 7th day is charged at double rate.
• Standard shooting day: 12 hours (11 hours + 1- hour lunch).
• Continuous day: 10 hours with a running lunch.
• Lunch break is must occur no later than 6 hours after crew call.
• Minimum turnaround time: 11 hours.
• If shooting takes place more than 50 km outside the residential area, travel time counts as work time.
• No extra charge for night shoots.

Overtime

• Overtime rate is ×1.5 (sometimes ×2 depending on department) of the hourly rate. Hourly rate = daily rate ÷ 11.
• Specific rules apply to lighting, grip and SFX departments (e.g., extra charges for night shifts).
• After 15 hours, overtime may be charged at ×2 of the hourly rate.

Rates

• There are no unions in Lithuania. Film crew rates are not regulated by the government and are negotiated individually.
• Exceptions: lighting, grip, and camera department rates are fixed.
• Sample rates for cast, extras, crew and transportation, updated for 2026.
• Lithuanian currency is Euro.
• Social security taxes and other fringes are included into the rates.
• Sense of humor is part of the requirements for a local crew.

Allowances

• When shooting takes place outside the residential area, the production must provide transportation or cover the appropriate fuel costs.
• When shooting is at a distant location and the crew is accommodated, full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) must be provided, or per diems must be paid for each day.

Catering

• Catering is including breakfast, snacks between breakfast and lunch, lunch and snacks between lunch and wrap. Tea, coffee, drinks, snacks all day long. Good quality food and service included would cost 25 -30 Euros per head.

Sound Stage

• Sound stage is located 8 minutes from Vilnius airport.
• 1100 m2 - floor area / 350 m2 - greenscreen area of the floor / 500 m2 – green screen working area / 150 m2 - storage area / Electricity 225 kW / Ventilation / Gas heating / Water inlet and runoff in the pavillion / Technical high at 11 meters altitude / Heavy transport intrance possible / Video surveillance cameras/ Hi-speed Wi-Fi.