Romania

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Romania, 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 Romania

Capital

Bucharest.

Main Cities

Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Constanța, Brașov.

Local Languages

Romanian (official); Hungarian and Romani widely spoken.

Currency

Romanian Leu (RON).

Climate

Temperate continental

General Visa Requirements:

Romania is part of the Schengen Area. Short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period are permitted under Schengen rules, depending on nationality. For stays exceeding 90 days, a National long-stay Type D visa is required. Type D visas are issued for specific purposes such as work and are typically valid for up to one year, with residence permit registration required after entry. Visa applications are handled through Romanian diplomatic missions or consulates, with appointment systems varying by country.

Required Documents:

Passport or travel document
Completed visa application and appointment confirmation
Biometric photograph
Proof of visa fee payment
Travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of EUR 30,000 for Schengen applications
Supporting documents depending on purpose of travel, such as invitation letters, contracts, and proof of accommodation

Visa Application Process:

Application submitted through the relevant Romanian diplomatic mission or consulate
Appointment systems and submission procedures vary by country
Additional documentation may be requested depending on purpose and nationality

Official visa information:
https://www.mae.ro/en/node/2035

Processing Time:

Schengen visa decisions are commonly issued within 15 calendar days, but may take longer depending on the consulate and case complexity.

Cost:

Schengen (Type C) visa fee: EUR 90 for adults, EUR 45 for children aged 6–11

Accreditation Requirements:

Romania does not operate a standalone film crew accreditation system. Work authorisation requirements depend on nationality, activity type, and duration of stay. Certain short-term artistic or business activities may be exempt; however, film and television productions typically confirm requirements on a case-by-case basis. In practice, productions rely on a local line producer or fixer to determine the correct immigration and labour pathway for each crew member.

Required Documents:

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

Processing Time:

Varies depending on nationality, activity, and authorisation route.

Cost:

Varies; generally managed as part of overall production coordination.

Issuing Organization:

Romanian Film Commission (RFC), which provides guidance and coordination with national and local authorities.

Required Documents:

Production title
Producer and director details
Synopsis and scene descriptions
Shooting dates and locations
Crew and cast lists
Equipment and vehicle lists
Insurance documentation
Special requirements such as road closures, police presence, or public property use

Processing Time:

Varies by location and authority. Urban areas and protected or heritage sites typically require longer lead times.

Cost:

Depends on location, municipality, and services requested.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Permissions for private locations are negotiated directly with property owners. Timing, contractual terms, and costs vary widely depending on usage, duration, and production impact.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Varies by location owner and shoot requirements.

Drone Regulations:

Romania follows EU drone regulations under Implementing Regulation (EU) 2019/947
Operations fall under Open, Specific, or Certified categories
Most professional filming scenarios, including urban areas, flights near people, controlled airspace, or heavier drones, fall under the Specific category
Operational authorisation and airspace coordination are typically required

Drone Importation Regulations:

No specific drone import permit required in most cases
Operator registration and pilot competency requirements apply under EU rules

Permit Issuance:

Romanian Civil Aeronautical Authority (AACR)

Timing:

Case-by-case, depending on operational category, airspace, and risk assessment.

Cost:

Case-by-case, depending on authorisations required and operational complexity.

Carnet Status:

Romania accepts ATA Carnets for professional film equipment.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet issued in the country of origin

Issuing Organization:

Romanian Customs Authorities, with ATA Carnet guarantees provided through the issuing body in the home country.

Timing:

Handled at entry and exit points. Timing depends on shipment size, port or airport, and inspection requirements.

Cost:

ATA Carnet issuance costs are paid in the home country, with additional logistics and shipping fees as applicable.

General Overview:

Romania is generally considered safe, with standard precautions advised in major cities and tourist areas, including awareness of pickpocketing and petty theft.

Security Requirements:

Standard public safety and workplace regulations apply
Additional measures may be required for crowd control, traffic management, or sensitive locations

Rebates/Incentives:

Romania operates a national cash rebate scheme aimed at attracting international film, television, and high-end productions. The programme has undergone revisions in recent years, and confirmation with authorities is essential for each project.

Administered By
Office for Film and Cultural Investments (OFIC), in coordination with the Romanian Ministry of Culture.

Key Features (indicative, confirm per project)

Cash rebate of up to 35 percent of eligible Romanian spend
Cultural test required
Eligible formats may include feature films, television series, documentaries, animation, commercials, and post-production or VFX projects

Qualifying Expenditure

Romanian goods and services
Romanian crew and labour
Equipment and location rentals in Romania
Post-production and VFX performed in Romania

Application Process

Pre-approval required before principal photography
Detailed tracking of eligible spend during production
Audit and verification of costs
Rebate paid after approval and audit completion, typically several months post-production

Official information:
https://romaniafilmcommission.com/film-incentives/

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Romania

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Services We Provide in Romania

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits

News from the Region

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