Minister for Finance Jack Chambers TD has announced the introduction of an 8% uplift under the section 481 film tax credit, aimed at supporting feature film production in Ireland. The Minister has also recognised the future growth potential of the Irish VFX sector.
The 8% Uplift has been introduced to address the significant challenges faced by smaller feature film projects, and is subject to state aid approval. It will apply to feature film productions with a maximum global budget of €20m euro. More details on the uplift will be detailed in a finance bill published next week.
Also announced in today’s Budget was the introduction of a 20% tax incentive for unscripted production in Ireland. The credit will be available at a rate of 20 per cent on qualifying expenditure of up to €15 million and, similar to the other audio-visual reliefs, projects will be required to pass a cultural test.
With regards to the growing VFX sector, the Minister said: “I have instructed my officials to monitor trends in the sector internationally over the coming year with a view to providing options to introduce a sector specific measure as part of Budget 2026, if appropriate.”
He said: “Finally, recognising the important role that share-based remuneration plays in rewarding and retaining employees, which in turn helps businesses to thrive and grow, my department commissioned an independent review of share-based remuneration this year. The report arising from that review has been published today, and contains a number of recommendations, which I will consider in due course.”
Commenting on Budget 2025, Désirée Finnegan, Chief Executive, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, said:
“The Irish Government has continued to recognise the cultural, critical and commercial success of Irish film, television and animation. We would like to thank Minister Catherine Martin for her steadfast support of the Irish screen industry and Minister Jack Chambers for the new sectoral supports announced today. Screen Ireland is delighted to welcome the incentive uplift to further develop Irish cinema, local production and creative artists. In an intensely competitive global industry, the fiscal incentive together with Screen Ireland investment, is vital in supporting Irish filmmaking and storytelling on screen, led by Irish creative talent. These enhancements support the continued development of Ireland as a cultural powerhouse and a creative production partner on an international scale.”
