Croatia
Location: Southeast Europe
Broadcast Regulators
Currencies
Currency: Croatian Kuna (HRK)
Q. Are there any requirements, when sending HRK?
A. Just your details, the beneficiary details and the purpose of the payment. For certain types of payments, the Central Bank of Croatia may decide to ask for additional information.
Q. Can I send inward and outbound payments?
A. Yes, there are no restrictions on sending money into or outside of Croatia.
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 provider, this can be received as fast as the very next day.
Q. Who can I send HRK to?
A. Both individuals and businesses can receive funds.
Q. Is sending HKR 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 HKR?
A. Yes. With the right currency broker, you can book an HKR exchange rate for up to a year 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
Istria Film Commission
Kvarner Film Commission
Varaždin Film Commission
Zadar Film Commission
Zagreb Film Office
European Film Commissions Network (a non-profit association, which supports and promotes the European film industry and culture)
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Croatia is a member of the Schengen area.
UK passport holders can enter Croatia 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
Permitting in Croatia is a very straightforward process. No extraordinary restrictions or rules apply.
Some locations are possible to permit in as little as 24 hours. Most locations can be controlled for filming. It is more difficult to control the popular tourist locations, especially in peak tourist season, but it’s still possible with enough lead-up time.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Croatia is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Coastal Croatia has hot, dry summers and mild winters. Coastal areas see plenty of sunshine from May to October. The peak tourist season is from July to August.
Croatia’s interior also has hot, dry summers, but the winters are colder with mountainous areas seeing snowfall.
Croatia is a predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Croatia.
Costs & VAT
Croatia is generally more expensive than countries further east, such as Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, but less expensive than Czech or Hungary.
Most crew and equipment are based in Zagreb, so filming on the coast can add significant travel costs. Even so, Croatia remains one of Europe’s most cost efficient options for Mediterranean scenery.
The standard VAT rate in Croatia, at the time of writing, is set at 25%.
Funding & Tax Incentives
Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC)
Europe-Wide Funding
European Commission's Interactive Funding Tool
Tax Incentives
Tax incentives for Croatia