The Cyprus Film Scheme in 2026

This is a production-service summary of the September 2025 edition, open until 30 June 2027. It is not legal advice and not a guarantee. The Greek text prevails. Apply through the Cyprus Film Commission at film.investcyprus.org.cy before you budget a rebate.

What the cash rebate is

Incentive I is a cash rebate of up to 45% of eligible below-the-line spend in Cyprus and up to 25% of eligible above-the-line spend. A cultural test sets the exact percentage. You choose the cash rebate or a tax credit of 25–35%, not both. An infrastructure deduction (20% for a small company, 10% for a medium company) can sit on top. The same euro of spend cannot be aided past 50% once incentives are combined.

Who can apply

Qualifying feature films, high-end television, documentaries, and animation. Advertising, commercials, shorts, sports, news, and most studio entertainment are outside the scheme. A feature needs at least €200,000 of eligible Cyprus spend. A series episode needs at least €65,000, and an application covering up to two episodes needs at least €180,000. Other qualifying formats need at least €100,000. The production must shoot at least 20% of its days in Cyprus and spend at least 20% of its budget in Cyprus. Both tests apply.

Timing, caps, and payment

Apply before filming. If the application lands less than 90 days before the shoot, examination can take about 12 weeks. The pre-approval sets a ceiling the final claim cannot pass. The cash rebate is paid within 120 days of an accepted final audited claim. Contingency, deferrals, and unpaid invoices are not eligible spend.

The annual scheme budget is €25 million. Aid is capped at €1.5 million when both the Cyprus share of days and of budget sit between 20% and 34%, €3.5 million between 35% and 69%, and €5 million at 70% or more. CPS can introduce the local spend and the crew plan. The applicant is the production company, and the rebate is paid to them.

Send the dates and a short brief through the request form, or message Alexander on WhatsApp. We reply the same day on WhatsApp. A quote from a clear brief takes about two days.