Moldova

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Moldova, 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 Moldova

Capital

Chișinău.

Main Cities

Chișinău, Bălți, Tiraspol, Bender.

Local Languages

Romanian (official, often called Moldovan); Russian, Gagauz, and Ukrainian also spoken.

Currency

Moldovan Leu (MDL).

Climate

Moderate continental

General Visa Requirements:

Moldova offers visa-free entry to citizens of many countries for short stays. Visa-free entry is generally permitted for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for most nationalities. Professional filming and paid work require local authorization and coordination with a Moldova-registered production partner. Longer stays or paid employment may require a temporary residence permit.

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 Moldova-registered production partner
Proof of health insurance valid in Moldova
Accommodation confirmation
Equipment customs documentation, if applicable

Visa Application Process:

Apply online via Moldova’s e-Visa portal: https://www.evisa.gov.md/

Processing Time:

Visa-free entry is immediate. Permits and work-related authorizations generally take 5 to 15 working days.

Cost:

Visa-free entry applies for most nationalities. Administrative permit fees may apply.

Accreditation Requirements:

Moldova does not operate a formal press-style accreditation system for film crews. Authorization is generally handled through film permits, location permits, and coordination with local authorities and production partners. 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:

Moldova does not have a single centralized national film office. Permits are coordinated through the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Moldova, local municipal authorities, and police departments for public spaces.

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 usage plans, if applicable

Processing Time:

Film permit processing generally takes 7 to 15 working days. Longer lead times may be needed for multi-location or public-space shoots.

Cost:

Film permit fees generally range from USD 50 to USD 300, depending on municipality and production scope.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private locations are generally handled through location scouting and identification, 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 250 and are negotiated directly with owners.

Drone Regulations:

Drone filming in Moldova is regulated and permission-based. Drone registration is mandatory, advance authorization is required for commercial filming, liability insurance is required, and privacy and data protection laws are enforced. Flights are restricted near airports, military and police 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 relevant authority is the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of Moldova.

Timing:

Processing generally takes 10 to 20 working days.

Cost:

No official fee stated.

Carnet Status:

Moldova 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 Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova.

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:

Moldova is generally safe and low-crime, particularly in Chișinău and major towns.

Security Requirements:

Filming in the Transnistria region requires special permissions and risk assessment
Police presence may be required for road closures
Police presence may be required for crowd scenes
Local fixers and production coordinators are recommended for regional shoots