Do international productions require permits to film in Bulgaria?

Yes. Professional productions must obtain permits, particularly when filming in public spaces, historic sites, or protected areas.

How long does it take to secure filming approvals?

Timelines vary depending on project scope and locations involved, but approvals are generally predictable when applications are prepared correctly.

Is Bulgaria suitable for large international crews?

Yes. Bulgaria regularly hosts large-scale international productions and has the infrastructure to accommodate crews of varying sizes.

Can productions film in mountain, coastal, and urban environments?

Yes, though additional planning and seasonal considerations may apply depending on location and activity.

Is Bulgaria considered a safe filming destination?

With appropriate planning, risk management, and experienced local coordination, productions can operate safely and effectively.

Bulgaria

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Bulgaria, 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 Bulgaria

Capital

Sofia.

Main Cities

Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, Ruse.

Local Languages

Bulgarian (official).

Currency

Bulgarian Lev (BGN).

Climate

Continental

General Visa Requirements:

Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area for air and sea travel. EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals do not require a visa or work permit. Non-EU nationals may enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, but paid film work requires work authorization. Long-term or paid productions generally require a Type D long-stay visa and work permit, arranged through a Bulgarian employer or production partner.

Required Documents:

Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
Completed visa application form
Proof of visa fee payment
Official employment or service contract with a Bulgarian production company
Letter from the production company detailing:
- Film project and objectives
- Locations and shooting schedule
- List of crew members and equipment
Work permit approval issued by the Bulgarian Employment Agency
Proof of accommodation
Proof of health insurance valid in Bulgaria
Criminal record certificate, if requested
Equipment customs documentation, if applicable

Visa Application Process:

Crew members apply at the Bulgarian embassy/consulate or visa centre responsible for their country of residence, providing both standard and film-specific documentation.

Processing Time:

Visa and work authorization processing generally takes 15 to 30 working days. Type D visas may take longer.

Cost:

Visa costs generally range from USD 100 to USD 150, depending on visa type and nationality.

Accreditation Requirements:

There is no press-style accreditation system for film crews in Bulgaria. Authorization is generally handled through film permits and work permits, coordinated by local production partners. For news or documentary crews, notification or registration may be required through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or local municipalities.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Proof of legal stay or work authorization
Letter from the production company detailing:
- Project overview
- Shooting schedule and locations
- Crew list
Proof of health insurance
Equipment list

Processing Time:

Processing generally takes 10 to 20 working days.

Cost:

Costs are generally included within film permitting fees.

Issuing Organization:

Bulgaria has a well-established film permitting system. The primary coordinating body is the National Film Center under the Ministry of Culture. Local permits are issued by municipalities, road and traffic authorities, and police departments where applicable.

Required Documents:

Film permit application
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
Traffic or public space use plans, if required

Processing Time:

Film permit processing generally takes 7 to 15 working days.

Cost:

Film permit fees generally range from USD 100 to USD 600, depending on locations and municipal fees.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private locations are generally handled through location scouting and selection, site visits, technical checks, photography, negotiation with owners, and a written location agreement.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location fees typically range from USD 50 to USD 500, negotiated directly with property owners.

Drone Regulations:

Drone filming is regulated and strictly enforced in Bulgaria. Drone registration is mandatory, a licensed operator is required for commercial filming, authorization is mandatory for filming, liability insurance is mandatory, and operations must comply with EU EASA regulations. Flights are prohibited near airports, military facilities, government buildings, and borders.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone importation may require customs and technical documentation depending on the shipment and intended use.

Permit Issuance:

The issuing authority is the Bulgarian Civil Aviation Administration.

Timing:

Processing generally takes 10 to 20 working days.

Cost:

No official fee stated.

Carnet Status:

Bulgaria is an ATA Carnet country. 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 of crew members
Visa or work permits
Proof of insurance
Letter of introduction outlining production details

Issuing Organization:

The Bulgarian Customs Agency is the relevant customs authority.

Timing:

Customs clearance generally takes 1 to 4 hours at the airport or land border.

Cost:

With an ATA Carnet, no import duties or VAT generally apply. Without a Carnet, temporary import VAT of 20% and customs fees may apply.

General Overview:

Bulgaria is considered safe, stable, and highly film-friendly, with extensive experience hosting international productions.

Security Requirements:

Police presence may be required for road closures
Police presence may be required for crowd scenes
Police presence may be required for the use of weapons or pyrotechnics
Security coordinators are recommended for large-scale shoots
Standard EU workplace safety regulations apply

Rebates/Incentives:

Bulgaria offers a cash rebate incentive for qualifying productions. The rebate is up to 25% of eligible local spend and is administered by the National Film Center. Minimum spend thresholds apply, and the scheme is available for feature films, TV series, and high-end productions.

National Film Center – Incentives: https://www.nfc.bg/

Available Support

Up to 25% cash rebate on eligible local spend
Administered by the National Film Center
Minimum spend thresholds apply
Available for feature films, TV series, and high-end productions

Who Can Apply

Qualifying feature films, TV series, and high-end productions may apply, subject to the applicable criteria and thresholds.

How It Fits With Permits & Visas

Productions planning to film in Bulgaria should coordinate immigration, work authorization, permitting, customs, drone approvals, and incentive planning together from the start. Non-EU nationals may be able to enter visa-free for short stays, but that does not remove the requirement for work authorization when undertaking paid production work. A local Bulgarian production partner is typically essential for securing work permits, municipal filming permissions, and access to the rebate scheme where applicable.