Filming in Macedonia

Hiring a fixer in Macedonia

Did you know that it is not necessary to tip restaurants or service people when filming in Macedonia? Film infrastructure is not very well-developed, but that can be taken care of by importing talent and gear. Most nationalities do not require a visa. Film permits are very straightforward. The weather and culture are friendly. The best part about Macedonia, though, is a 20% rebate offered as an incentive for making films here. Our fixer in Macedonia has all the details.

Visa for Macedonia

North Macedonia is not a Schengen Area member. Entry is subject to regulations from the country of origin. When filming in Macedonia, you should always contact your local North Macedonian embassy or representative for more information. For most European countries, a visa should not be necessary for a stay of up to 90 days. The same goes for the US, for stays less than 90 days within six months.

Film Permits in Macedonia

Film permits are obtained from the Republic of Macedonia Government Agency. Macedonia is film-makers friendly. It would take you 4 to 14 days to obtain permits to shoot at a municipal property area, 20 days if it’s something top-security or governmental, and 2 to 5 days for private areas. Aerial shootings need additional permission only in case of shooting in the state border areas. For details, you can contact the Macedonian Film Agency. Or let our fixer in Macedonia handle permitting for you!

Special equipment renting info

You can only find the most basic camera, grip, and lighting equipment locally. Our film fixer, upon reviewing your needs, might tell you it is best to bring in equipment from abroad. If you are looking to bring in film gear, North Macedonia is an ATA carnet country. Do not worry, we can help you with everything, from negotiating discounts with our long-standing suppliers in the region and importing the tools, to choosing the appropriate light bulbs to create a scene.

Cultural facts

We can help you obtain your film permits in Macedonia, as well as manage the customs and social life of the country. For example, you should know that it is expected people refrain from swearing or telling rude jokes around elders. Never leave two windows open in a room. There is a belief (called promaja) that the draft will make people sick. You should also know that Macedonians have quite a relaxed view of time, therefore people and events will commonly run late.

Weather when filming in Macedonia

The best time to be filming in Macedonia is generally between the summer months of June to September. However, these are also the busiest months of travel to the country. Its temporal climate means it is fine to visit anytime from April onwards. Macedonia’s climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and autumns, and relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall. There is an average of 2128 hours of sunlight per year (of a possible 4383) with an average of 5:49 of sunlight per day.

Tax rebate in Macedonia

As per our fixer in Macedonia, since 2018 one may receive a refund of up to 20% of the gross expenditures made here for filming a feature, documentary, animation, or television film or series.

Please note the investment must exceed 100k EUR and commercials or TV programs do not qualify. The request must be made by a local producer, at least 15 days before the start of the filming. You can read more on North Macedonia Film Agency’s website.

Conclusion on filming in Macedonia

We can arrange the details of your travel to Macedonia, obtain your film permits, or find the most incredible scenes for you to capture. For example, if you are looking for an eccentric custom, try visiting traditional villages, such as Ratevo on 20 January. The locals celebrate “Ratevski bamburci” by parading across the village in sheep or goat skins, to drive evil out of their community.

Each participant prepares a costume of animal skin with added horns and bells, which can weigh up to 70 kilograms. Our fixer in Macedonia wants you to be mindful, though. If the “bamburci” notice that someone from the crowd is not wearing a mask, they go and paint their face in black.

Get in touch

hello@fixermacedonia.com