Georgia

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Georgia, 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 Georgia

Capital

Tbilisi.

Main Cities

Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi, Rustavi.

Local Languages

Georgian (official); Abkhaz in Abkhazia; Russian widely spoken.

Currency

Georgian Lari (GEL).

Climate

Varied

General Visa Requirements:

Georgia offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 90 countries for stays of up to 365 days. Visa-free entry does permit filming, but paid work and professional productions generally require local registration and permits. Long-term or commercial productions typically operate through a Georgian-registered production partner.

Required Documents:

Valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity
Proof of visa-free eligibility or visa, if required
Letter from the production company detailing:
- Film project and objectives
- Locations and shooting schedule
- List of crew members and equipment
Invitation letter from a Georgian production partner, recommended
Proof of health insurance valid in Georgia
Equipment customs documentation, if applicable

Visa Application Process:

Apply online through https://www.evisa.gov.ge/geovisa/en/VisaApp

Processing Time:

Visa-free entry is immediate. Work-related registrations and permits generally take 5 to 15 working days.

Cost:

Visa-free entry applies for most nationalities. Administrative fees may apply for permits and registrations.

Accreditation Requirements:

Georgia does not require a formal press or film accreditation system for standard film productions. Authorization is generally handled through film permits, location permits, and local production company coordination. For news or sensitive documentary filming, additional approvals may be required.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Proof of legal stay
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 5 to 10 working days.

Cost:

Costs are generally included within film permitting fees.

Issuing Organization:

Georgia has a centralized, film-friendly permitting system. The primary coordinating body is Enterprise Georgia through the Film in Georgia programme. Local permits may also be required from municipal governments, police departments, and protected area authorities.

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

Processing Time:

Film permit processing generally takes 5 to 10 working days. Longer lead times may be needed for complex or multi-location shoots.

Cost:

Film permit fees generally range from USD 100 to USD 500, depending on locations and production scope.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

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

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Location fees typically range from USD 50 to USD 300 and are negotiated directly with owners.

Drone Regulations:

Drone filming is regulated in Georgia but is generally considered film-friendly. Drone registration is required, advance authorization is recommended for commercial filming, privacy laws must be respected, and liability insurance is strongly recommended. Flights are restricted near airports, military installations, 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 relevant authority is the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency.

Timing:

Processing generally takes 5 to 15 working days.

Cost:

No official fee stated.

Carnet Status:

Georgia 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
Proof of legal stay
Proof of insurance
Letter of introduction outlining production details

Issuing Organization:

The relevant customs authority is the Revenue Service of Georgia.

Timing:

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

Cost:

With an ATA Carnet, no import duties generally apply. Without a Carnet, temporary import taxes may apply and are assessed case by case.

General Overview:

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

Security Requirements:

Filming near the borders with Abkhazia requires special assessment and is generally restricted
Filming near the borders with South Ossetia requires special assessment and is generally restricted
Police presence may be required for road closures
Police presence may be required for crowd scenes
Local fixers and production coordinators are strongly recommended

Rebates/Incentives:

Georgia offers a highly competitive cash rebate incentive. The scheme provides a 20 to 25% cash rebate on qualified local spend and is administered through Enterprise Georgia under the Film in Georgia programme. An additional uplift may be available for using Georgian crew and facilities. The incentive applies to feature films, TV series, and high-end productions.

Incentive information: https://enterprisegeorgia.gov.ge/

Available Support

20 to 25% cash rebate on qualified local spend
Administered through Enterprise Georgia – Film in Georgia
Additional uplift may be available for using Georgian crew and facilities
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 programme requirements.

How It Fits With Permits & Visas

For productions filming in Georgia, visa-free entry can make travel straightforward for many nationalities, but paid work and commercial filming still require proper local coordination, permitting, and registration. Productions should align immigration status, filming permits, location approvals, customs planning, drone permissions, and incentive strategy from the outset. A Georgian production partner is particularly useful for handling local registration, permit coordination, and access to the Film in Georgia incentive programme.