Russia

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Russia, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Russia

Capital

Moscow.

Main Cities

Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod.

Local Languages

Russian (official); dozens of regional languages recognized.

Currency

Russian Ruble (RUB).

Climate

Humid continental to subarctic and arctic

General Visa Requirements:

Foreign nationals must obtain a visa to enter Russia for professional filming or audiovisual work. Visa-free entry does not permit filming or paid work. Film crews generally require either a Humanitarian Visa under the Cultural or Film category, or a Work Visa, depending on the duration and scope of the production. All visas must be sponsored by a Russian-registered legal entity.

Required Documents:

Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity beyond visa expiry
Completed visa application form
One passport-sized photograph
Proof of visa fee payment
Official invitation letter or visa support issued by:
- A Russian production company, or
- An authorized Russian organization
Letter from the production company detailing:
- Film project and objectives
- Locations and shooting schedule
- Full list of crew members and equipment
Proof of health insurance valid in Russia
HIV test certificate for long-stay visas
Equipment customs documentation, if applicable

Visa Application Process:

Visa application form: https://visa.kdmid.ru/

Processing Time:

Visa processing generally takes 10 to 20 working days. Invitation letters may require additional time.

Cost:

Visa costs generally range from USD 80 to USD 200, depending on visa type, nationality, and processing speed.

Accreditation Requirements:

All foreign film and media crews must obtain official accreditation prior to filming. Accreditation is generally issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture depending on project type, and regional authorities for local filming.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Completed accreditation application
Official invitation from a Russian partner
Letter from the production company detailing:
- Project description
- Shooting schedule and locations
- Crew list and equipment
Script, treatment, or synopsis
Proof of health insurance
Equipment list, including cameras, drones, and transmitters

Processing Time:

Accreditation processing generally takes 20 to 30 working days.

Cost:

Accreditation costs generally range from USD 200 to USD 500.

Issuing Organization:

Russia has a centralized and highly regulated permitting system. Film permits are generally issued by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, regional film commissions and city authorities, and police or security agencies. FSB approval may also be required in some cases.

Required Documents:

Film permit application
Full script or detailed treatment
Synopsis of 1 to 2 pages
Production schedule and shooting timeline
Crew list and roles
Equipment list
Proof of insurance for crew, equipment, and public liability
Location list and maps
Financing confirmation

Processing Time:

Film permit processing generally takes 20 to 30 working days. Longer lead times may be required for sensitive content or strategic locations.

Cost:

Film permit fees typically range from USD 500 to USD 2,000, depending on scope, locations, and security requirements.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private locations generally require location scouting, site visits, security assessment, photography, negotiation with property owners or state entities, and a written location agreement with any required approvals.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location fees typically range from USD 100 to USD 1,000 or more, depending on ownership and security requirements.

Drone Regulations:

Drone filming is highly restricted in Russia. Drone use for filming requires special authorization, and many areas are completely prohibited. Military zones, government sites, and urban centres are tightly controlled.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone importation generally requires advance import approval together with supporting technical and customs documentation.

Permit Issuance:

Relevant authorities may include:

Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya)
Ministry of Defense
Local security authorities

Timing:

Processing generally takes 30 to 60 working days, and approval is not guaranteed.

Cost:

No official fee stated.

Carnet Status:

Russia is an ATA Carnet country, but carnet use is strictly enforced. ATA Carnet is strongly recommended for professional film equipment.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet

Or:

Detailed equipment list with declared values
Commercial invoice, if applicable
Passports and visas of crew members
Proof of insurance
Letter of introduction outlining project details

Issuing Organization:

The relevant customs authority is the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation.

Timing:

Customs clearance generally takes 4 to 12 hours, although it can take longer depending on the level of inspection.

Cost:

With an ATA Carnet, no import duties generally apply. Without a Carnet, temporary import duties and VAT may apply, potentially exceeding 20% of equipment value.

General Overview:

Security conditions vary significantly by region in Russia, and foreign productions are closely monitored.

Security Requirements:

Filming near government buildings requires special clearance
Filming near military sites requires special clearance
Filming near borders requires special clearance
Filming near infrastructure may require special clearance
Police escorts may be mandatory
Content review and censorship considerations apply
Local legal counsel and fixers are strongly recommended

Rebates/Incentives:

Film incentives in Russia are limited and region-specific. There is no nationwide cash rebate system, and access to regional rebates or grants is subject to political and cultural review.

Available Support

Some regional rebates or grants may be available

Who Can Apply

Eligibility depends on the region and the applicable local review and approval process.

How It Fits With Permits & Visas

For productions filming in Russia, visas, accreditation, film permits, customs clearance, and drone approvals should be treated as separate but interconnected requirements. Visitor entry does not authorize filming or paid work, and all foreign productions must operate through a Russian-registered sponsor or production partner. Because approvals can involve multiple ministries, regional bodies, and security authorities, productions should plan for extensive lead times and strict documentation standards from the outset.