North Macedonia

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in North Macedonia, 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 North Macedonia

Capital

Skopje.

Main Cities

Skopje, Bitola, Kumanovo, Tetovo, Ohrid.

Local Languages

Macedonian (official); Albanian co-official in many municipalities.

Currency

Macedonian Denar (MKD)

Climate

Transitional continental

General Visa Requirements:

North Macedonia is not in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities, including EU, UK, US, Canada, and Australia passport holders, may enter visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, depending on nationality. Long stays or work-related stays over 90 days generally require a national long-stay D visa and/or temporary residence, depending on the activity and nationality. Visa applications are handled through North Macedonian diplomatic missions.

Required Documents:

Passport or travel document valid for the required period
Completed visa application form
Biometric photo
Proof of accommodation and travel purpose
Proof of sufficient financial means
Proof of fee payment
Travel medical insurance, with minimum coverage to be confirmed by the consulate

Visa Application Process:

Visa information and forms are available through the official government resources (no specific e-visa portal provided).

Processing Time:

Visa processing times vary by embassy or consulate and are typically 15 to 30 calendar days, although they can take longer depending on case complexity.

Cost:

Visa fees depend on nationality and visa type and should be confirmed with the relevant embassy.

Accreditation Requirements:

Work permits are not always required for short-term film and TV shoots, particularly for foreign crews working on temporary productions. However, work authorisation depends on duration, activity, and nationality. Most international productions rely on a local line producer or fixer to confirm the correct legal route for each crew member.

Required Documents:

Formal request memo
Additional supporting documents as required by location or institution

Processing Time:

3 weeks

Cost:

$220

Issuing Organization:

The North Macedonia Film Agency, also referred to as the Film Agency of the Republic of North Macedonia, coordinates filming approvals and liaises with relevant authorities.

Required Documents:

Production title and synopsis
Producer and director details
Shooting dates and locations
Crew list and cast
Equipment and vehicle list
Insurance details
Local production partner or fixer details

Processing Time:

Permit timing varies by location and authority. Standard permits are often issued relatively quickly, while heritage sites, municipalities, and protected areas require additional lead time.

Cost:

Permit fees vary depending on location, duration, and public authority involvement.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Permission, timing, and cost for private locations are negotiated directly with the property owner and vary depending on the requirements of the shoot.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Costs vary depending on the property, duration, and production requirements.

Drone Regulations:

North Macedonia has national drone regulations overseen by the Civil Aviation Agency. Professional filming typically requires prior approval, especially in urban areas, near people, or close to restricted airspace.

Drone Importation Regulations:

No special import permit is usually required for temporary drone entry, but documentation and declarations may be requested at customs.

Permit Issuance:

The relevant authority is the Civil Aviation Agency of North Macedonia.

Timing:

Productions should generally allow at least 10 to 15 working days for approvals, especially in controlled areas.

Cost:

Requirements, approval timelines, and costs are assessed case by case and depend on flight location, altitude, safety measures, and duration.

Carnet Status:

North Macedonia accepts ATA Carnets. Temporary import of professional filming equipment can be done under an ATA Carnet.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet issued in the country of origin

Issuing Organization:

The local guaranteeing body is the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia.

Timing:

Carnet processing is handled on arrival and departure, with timing depending on shipment size and port of entry.

Cost:

Costs depend on carnet issuing fees in the home country and on logistics arrangements.

General Overview:

North Macedonia is generally considered safe for visiting productions, with standard precautions advised, particularly in urban areas and crowded locations.

Security Requirements:

Apply standard precautions in urban areas
Use additional care in crowded locations

Rebates/Incentives:

North Macedonia offers a cash rebate incentive designed to attract international film, TV, commercial, and high-end productions. The programme is administered by the North Macedonia Film Agency. The rebate rate is up to 30% of eligible local spend, with a typical minimum spend of €100,000 or the local currency equivalent. Availability is subject to the annual programme budget.

Useful link: https://filmagency.gov.mk/

Available Support

Cash rebate of up to 30% of eligible local spend
Eligible local goods and services
Eligible local crew wages and services
Eligible equipment rental and locations in North Macedonia
Eligible post-production and related services carried out locally
Available for feature films, TV series, documentaries, commercials, animation, and international co-productions

Who Can Apply

International production companies filming in North Macedonia may apply, as well as co-productions working with a local Macedonian production partner.

How It Fits With Permits & Visas

The film rebate incentive is separate from filming permits, visas, work permissions, and drone approvals. Productions applying for the rebate should ensure that all eligible spend is incurred and documented locally, that contracts clearly reference North Macedonia, and that local labour and services comply with local regulations. Rebate applications should be submitted before principal photography begins.