Croatia has become one of Europe’s most sought-after filming destinations, and Dalmatia sits at the heart of that appeal. But before the cameras roll, every production needs the right permissions in place. Here’s how the process works — and why it’s more straightforward than many productions expect.
Step 1: Define your locations
Everything begins with location. Whether you’re filming in a public square, a national park, a UNESCO-protected old town or on the open sea, each type of location has its own permitting authority. Historic sites, protected nature areas and public spaces each require separate approvals, so an early, accurate location list saves significant time later.
Step 2: Identify the permitting authorities
Depending on where you shoot, permits may be issued by the local municipality, the Ministry of Culture, a national or nature park administration, or port authorities for maritime scenes. Coordinating several authorities in parallel is normal for larger productions — and it’s exactly where local knowledge makes the difference.
Step 3: Apply for the 25% cash rebate
Croatia offers a cash rebate of 25% on qualifying local spend, rising to 30% in certain cases. Administered through the Croatian Audiovisual Centre (HAVC), the incentive applies to a wide range of production costs and is one of the most competitive in the region. Applications should be prepared early, as they run alongside — not after — your production planning.
Step 4: Work with a local fixer or film office
International productions rarely navigate this alone. A regional film office or experienced fixer can bundle the entire process — mapping locations to the correct authorities, preparing applications, arranging maritime and drone permissions, and connecting you with local crew who know the terrain.
The bottom line
Filming in Dalmatia is far less bureaucratic than its layered heritage might suggest — provided you start the permit process early and lean on local expertise. Get the paperwork right, and the region’s Roman palaces, island coves and mountain fortresses are yours to film.
The Split-Dalmatia Film Office handles permits, logistics and local connections so your production can focus on the work. Contact us to get started.
