Bulgaria

Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Q. Are there any requirements, when sending BGN?
A. Payments that are sent from outside of Bulgaria must include a valid IBAN and SWIFT/BIC address of the beneficiary bank. If you are sending payments to the Bulgarian Tax Authority, you must include the payment type, document type and number, date, payment period, legal entity name of the business, and BULSTAT/ID number.

Q. Can I send inbound and outbound payments?
A. Yes, you can send both inbound and outbound payments from Bulgaria.

Q. How much can I send?
A. As much as you want.

Q. How long will it take for my funds to be received?
A. Standard international payment time. However, with the right foreign exchange broker, this can be done as fast as the very next day.

Q. Who can I send BGN to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.

Q. Is sending BGN expensive?
A. Not if you use the right currency broker, who will be able to offer you bank-beating exchange rates and significantly lower payment charges.

Q. Can you use forward contracts with BGN?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book a BGN exchange rate forward, protecting you against any adverse currency movements. With these contracts, you will always know exactly what is coming out of your bank account.

Information courtesy of Currencies Direct.

Film Commissions

Bulgarian Film Commission

European Film Commissions Network (a non-profit association, which supports and promotes the European film industry and culture)

Visas & Permits

Visas & Work Permits

Bulgaria is a member of the Schengen area.

UK passport holders can enter Bulgaria visa-free for stays of up to 90 days, over a 180 day period, for some business-related activities (such as attending business meetings). However, for longer stays or other types of work, a visa or permit may be required.

Further information on work visas can be found at the GOV.UK website. Alternatively, please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. There are also specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry, and may be able to assist.

Film Location Permits

Bulgaria has a very film friendly permitting process, with public locations requiring usually no more than two to three days to permit.

Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Bulgaria is an ATA carnet country.

When to Film

When to Film

Bulgaria has a conventional four season climate.

Winter (December to March) is cold with snow in the mountainous areas. Spring (April to May) sees green fields and flowers in bloom. Summer (June to September) is hot and sunny. Autumn (October to November) sees leaves changing colour. Weather-wise, April to October are the best months to film.

Bulgaria is a predominately Orthodox Christian country, so those holidays are observed

Public Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Bulgaria.

Costs & VAT

Bulgaria continues to attract visiting productions with one of the best per shoot day costs in Europe. Local costs are low and the exchange rate is favourable for most major currencies.

The standard VAT rate in Bulgaria, at the time of writing, is set at 20%.