Filming in Spain does not only mean benefiting from competitive tax incentives, but also choosing the most suitable environment based on the nature of the project, the available budget, and production logistics.

Each Spanish region offers specific advantages — fiscal, technical, and environmental — that can significantly impact the final budget of a film or television series.

In this guide, we analyze the three areas that in recent years have attracted the majority of European and international productions: the Canary Islands, Bizkaia, and Navarra.

The Canary Islands have become a well-established destination for international productions thanks to a 50% cash rebate on the first spending tier and 45% on the following tier, with higher caps than the national Spanish regime.

The archipelago offers exceptional natural diversity: volcanic beaches, mountains, deserts, and modern urban settings all within a short distance.

Its production infrastructure is highly specialized, with experienced local service companies, skilled technical crews, and stable weather conditions year-round, allowing productions to shoot twelve months a year.

Ideal for: international productions with high spending volumes, action films, commercials, and high-end TV series.

The province of Bizkaia, in the heart of the Basque Country, has become one of Europe’s most attractive audiovisual hubs.

Thanks to its updated fiscal framework, productions can access up to a 60% tax credit (with an additional +10% for productions in the Basque language).

Beyond incentives, Bizkaia offers a unique combination of urban, industrial, and natural environments, ideal for thrillers, dramas, and auteur cinema.

The Basque Film Commissions are known for their excellent operational support, including fast permitting processes, experienced local crews, and strong production infrastructure.

Bilbao and its surrounding areas are also home to major film festivals and cinema schools, creating a rapidly growing audiovisual ecosystem.

Ideal for: independent European productions, TV series, and films with an urban or industrial visual style.

Navarra — Up to 50% Incentives and Cinematic Landscapes

The Autonomous Community of Navarra strengthened its incentive program in 2024, now offering a cash rebate ranging from 35% to 45%, increasing up to 50% for animation, documentaries, women-directed projects, or productions in local languages.

Productions are required to spend at least 40% of their budget within the region, but in return they benefit from strong flexibility and access to a consolidated production network.

Navarra stands out for its cinematic landscapes: forests, historic villages, mountains, and medieval castles, making it particularly attractive for historical productions and fantasy projects with controlled budgets.

Ideal for: drama films, historical productions, and mid-to-low budget debut features.

Strategy

Today, many European productions adopt hybrid structures, combining shoots across different regions (for example, interiors in Navarra and exteriors in the Canary Islands) to maximize tax advantages and visual diversity.

Spain continues to establish itself in 2025 as one of the most advantageous countries for filming in Europe.

The combination of competitive incentives, solid infrastructure, and unique geographical and cultural diversity allows productions to achieve high-quality results while optimizing costs and timelines.

For productions seeking a reliable partner capable of navigating the different Spanish regions, Cinextras positions itself as an operational bridge between Italy and Spain, offering support in scouting, permits, logistics, and co-production services.

VerifiedSources

• Spain Film Commission – Incentives Guide 2025
• Canary Islands Film – Incentive Overview 2025
• Bizkaia Film Commission – Fiscal Advantages 2024/25
• Navarra Film Commission – New Incentives 2025
• Screen Daily / Variety – 2024–2025 Market Reports