Permits

Public spaces, road closures and protected areas.

Drones

EU drone rules plus approval for aerial recording.

Incentive

A 25% cash rebate through HAVC, plus 5% in less developed regions.

Filming in Croatia: FAQ

Permits, drones and the film incentive, answered by the people who handle them.

Permits

Public spaces, roads, drones and protected areas.

Do I need a permit to film in public spaces?

Yes. Streets, squares, harbours and parks are managed by the local city or municipality, and each issues its own filming permits. Rules differ from town to town, and busy old towns often add restrictions in summer. We apply on your behalf and plan the schedule around what is approved.

Can you close roads for filming?

Yes. Closing or controlling traffic needs approval from the police and from whoever manages the road: the state, the county or the city. For car commercials this is usually the longest lead item, so we start on it first.

What do I need to fly a drone?

Drone flights follow EU drone rules, applied in Croatia by the Croatian Civil Aviation Agency. Aerial recording also needs approval from the State Geodetic Administration, requested through its e-application. We arrange the approvals and work with experienced drone operators.

Can we film in national parks?

Sometimes. Each national park has its own permit rules, and commercial shoots are often restricted. We'll tell you early what is realistic and suggest locations with the same look and more freedom to shoot.

Film incentive

The Croatian cash rebate, in short.

Is there a film incentive in Croatia?

Yes. The Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC) runs a cash rebate of 25% of qualifying spend in Croatia, with an additional 5% for filming in less developed regions. Minimum spend and the full rules are in HAVC's Filming in Croatia guide.

Which productions qualify?

Feature films, documentaries, animation, TV films and TV series. Commercials, reality shows and game shows are not eligible.

Do we need a Croatian partner?

Yes. Foreign productions apply through a Croatian co-producer or production service company, which submits the application to HAVC. We can act as your local partner.

On the ground

Locations, seasons and crew.

How far apart are the locations?

Coast, mountains and old towns are often within an hour's drive, so one base can cover several looks. See our locations.

Can we film all year round?

Yes. Each season suits different shoots: long summer days on the coast, mild light and quieter towns in spring and autumn, and snowy mountains and empty coastal roads in winter. We help you match the season to the story.

Can you provide crew and equipment?

Yes. We work with experienced local crew and established rental houses across Croatia, so camera, lighting and grip are all available locally.

Planning a shoot in Croatia?

Tell us your locations and dates, and we'll tell you what's needed. Or see our locations first.

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Pillowtree Productions — film and video production company in CroatiaPillowtree Productions — film and video production company in Croatia