Do I need a permit to film in Croatia?

Most professional productions require municipal authorization and additional approvals when filming in heritage zones or national parks.

Are incentives available?

Yes. Croatia offers competitive cash rebate programs subject to eligibility and structured documentation.

Can drone filming be approved?

Drone operations are regulated under EU aviation standards and require authorization.

Is filming in historic cities complex?

Heritage filming requires preservation compliance and controlled crew footprint planning.

Are international crews allowed to operate locally?

International crews typically collaborate with locally registered production partners to facilitate compliance and coordination.

Croatia

Hoodlum is a leading film fixer in Croatia, powering international productions of every scale with seamless, end-to-end support—from premium location scouting and fast-tracked permits to full-scale logistics and access to top-tier local talent and crew. With our established local production office in Split, we offer insider access, faster turnaround, and a level of control others simply can’t match.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Croatia

Capital

Zagreb.

Main Cities

Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, Osijek, Dubrovnik, Zadar.

Local Languages

Croatian (official).

Currency

Euro (EUR).

Climate

Mediterranean

General Visa Requirements:

Croatia is a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area. 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; however, paid film work requires work authorisation. Long-term or paid productions require a Type D (long-stay) visa and work permit arranged through a Croatian employer or registered production partner.

Required Documents:

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Completed visa application form
Proof of visa fee payment
Employment or service contract with a Croatian 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 Croatian authorities
Proof of accommodation
Proof of health insurance valid in Croatia
Criminal record certificate (if requested)
Equipment customs documentation (if applicable)

Visa Application Process:

Applications submitted through Croatian diplomatic missions or consulates
Work permit arranged by Croatian employer or production partner
Additional documentation may be requested by authorities

Official information:
Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs – Croatia
https://mvep.gov.hr/
https://mvep.gov.hr/services-for-citizens/consular-information/visa-information/234

Processing Time:

15–30 working days (Type D visas and work permits may take longer)

Cost:

USD 100–150, depending on visa type and nationality

Accreditation Requirements:

Croatia does not operate a separate film or press accreditation system for production crews. Authorisation is managed through film permits, work permits, and location approvals, coordinated by a local production partner. News or documentary crews may require additional notifications.

Required Documents:

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

Processing Time:

10–20 working days

Cost:

Generally included within film permitting fees

Issuing Organization:

Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC), under the Ministry of Culture and Media.
Local permits may also be issued by municipalities, national and nature parks, police departments, and road or traffic authorities.

Required Documents:

Film permit application
Script or detailed treatment
Synopsis (1–2 pages)
Production schedule and shooting timeline
List of crew members and roles
Equipment list
Proof of insurance (crew, equipment, public liability)
Location list and maps
Traffic or public space use plans (if required)

Processing Time:

7–15 working days (Longer for national parks or sensitive locations)

Cost:

USD 100–800, depending on locations and municipal fees

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Location scouting typically includes site visits, technical checks, photography, and documentation. Permissions are negotiated directly with property owners or institutions, followed by a written location agreement.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

USD 100–800, negotiated directly with owners or institutions

Drone Regulations:

Drone registration is mandatory
Licensed operator required for commercial filming
Advance authorisation required for each flight
Flights restricted near airports, military installations, government buildings, borders, and national parks
Liability insurance mandatory
Compliance with EU EASA regulations required

Drone Importation Regulations:

Equipment list with serial numbers
Commercial invoice or customs declaration
Drone technical specifications
Proof of ownership or rental agreement
Insurance certificate

Permit Issuance:

Croatian Civil Aviation Agency (CCAA).

Timing:

10–20 working days

Cost:

USD 70

Carnet Status:

Croatia is an ATA Carnet country. Use of an 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 and work permits
Proof of insurance
Letter of introduction outlining production details

Issuing Organization:

Croatian Customs Administration

Timing:

1–4 hours at airport, seaport, or land border

Cost:

With ATA Carnet: no import duties or VAT Without Carnet: temporary import VAT of 25 percent and customs fees may apply

General Overview:

Croatia is considered very safe, politically stable, and highly experienced in hosting international film and television productions.

Security Requirements:

Police presence required for road closures, crowd scenes, and use of weapons or pyrotechnics
Additional permits required for filming in national parks and UNESCO heritage sites
Standard EU workplace health and safety regulations apply

Rebates/Incentives:

Croatia offers a competitive cash rebate incentive administered by the Croatian Audiovisual Centre.

25 percent cash rebate on eligible local spend
30 percent rebate for productions filming in underdeveloped regions
Available for feature films, television series, animation, and high-end productions

Incentive details:
https://havc.hr/eng/filming-in-croatia/incentives