Belgium is frequently overlooked as a filming destination — which is part of what makes it consistently deliver for the international productions that do come here. This page answers the questions we are asked most often about filming in Belgium, from Brussels to Bruges and across Wallonia and Flanders.
Does Belgium offer a film tax incentive for international productions?
Yes — and it is one of the most competitive in Europe. The Belgian Tax Shelter offers up to 40% of qualifying Belgian expenditure as a tax incentive. This is higher than France’s 30% rebate and applies to a broad range of production types including feature films, TV series, documentaries and animated content.
The Tax Shelter works through a specific financial structure involving Belgian production companies investing in international productions. The net effect is a significant reduction in Belgian production costs. We can connect you with Tax Shelter specialists early in the planning process to ensure you structure the spend correctly.
What language is spoken on set in Belgium?
Belgium has three official language communities: French (Wallonia and Brussels), Dutch (Flanders) and German (a small eastern region). This is a practical production consideration that many international producers underestimate.
In Brussels, both French and Dutch are used officially, but French dominates in most commercial settings. Productions filming in Brussels or Wallonia typically work in French. Productions filming in Flanders — Antwerp, Bruges, Ghent — will encounter primarily Dutch-speaking crew and suppliers.
Orangefilms’ core team is French-speaking. For Flemish-region productions, we work with trusted bilingual coordinators who bridge both communities effectively.
Do I need a permit to film commercially in Belgium?
Yes. Commercial filming in Belgium requires permits, though the administrative structure is more regionalised than in France — permit authorities differ between Brussels, Wallonia and Flanders. Brussels has a well-established process for international commercial productions via the Brussels Film Office. We manage the full permit process across Belgium as part of our production service.
What are the best filming locations in Belgium?
Belgium’s location range is significantly underestimated by most international producers — and that works in your favour, because popular locations are more accessible and less expensive than their French equivalents.
Brussels — The Grand Place, extraordinary Art Nouveau architecture (Victor Horta’s buildings are exceptional), the European Quarter, the Atomium, art deco interiors and a strong urban streetscape from residential to institutional.
Bruges — One of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Cobbled streets, Gothic buildings and canals make it one of the most photogenic locations on the continent. In consistent demand for period content and European heritage shoots.
Ghent — Similar to Bruges but less touristic, with a grittier medieval character and excellent canal-side locations. Often preferred for productions wanting authenticity over picture-postcard precision.
The Ardennes — Dense forests, river valleys, hilltop castles and dramatic landscape. Consistently strong for outdoor, adventure and automotive content.
We provide location scouting across Belgium and maintain direct working relationships with location managers, private estate owners and municipal film offices throughout the country.
Can Orangefilms cover both France and Belgium on the same production?
Yes — and this is one of the more distinctive things we offer. Relatively few production service companies operate credibly across both countries. Orangefilms has provided production services in both France and Belgium for decades, making us well-suited to cross-border productions that need a single point of contact with genuine local expertise in both jurisdictions.
Cross-border productions are increasingly common — a TVC might need Paris and Brussels locations in the same week, or a shoot might move between the French Riviera and Bruges. We coordinate permits, crew and logistics across both sides of the border.
How does filming in Belgium compare to filming in France?
Several meaningful differences. Belgium tends to be more straightforward administratively — the permit process in Brussels is typically more efficient than in Paris. Crew costs are generally lower. Location fees for many iconic Belgian locations are significantly lower than their French equivalents.
Belgium also has a stronger financial incentive: the 40% Tax Shelter outperforms France’s 30% rebate for qualifying productions. The trade-off is fewer globally recognised landmark locations. Belgium is an excellent choice for productions wanting distinctive European settings without the cost and complexity of Paris.
What are the most common challenges when filming in Belgium?
The language divide — productions filming across both Wallonia and Flanders need bilingual coordination from the outset. This is manageable with the right production partner, but needs to be planned rather than improvised.
Underestimating Brussels — Brussels involves navigating overlapping federal, regional and municipal jurisdictions. Starting the permit process early is as important here as in France.
Weather — Belgium has a maritime climate: mild but frequently overcast and unpredictable. We plan weather contingencies as standard. Backup locations and flexible scheduling are essential.
The Tax Shelter structure — the Tax Shelter must be set up correctly and early. Working with the wrong advisors or treating it as an afterthought can mean missing the incentive entirely. We raise this at the start of every Belgian production planning process.
Let’s talk about your shoot in Belgium
Orangefilms covers Belgium, France and Monaco as a single, integrated production service. Contact us to discuss your project — we respond to all enquiries within one business day.