Introduction
Montenegro, a hidden gem on the Adriatic coast, offers a stunning blend of rugged mountains, charming medieval towns, and pristine beaches. From the dramatic cliffs of the Bay of Kotor to the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, Montenegro provides an extraordinary variety of locations for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography.
At Hoodlum, we offer expert film fixer services in Montenegro, providing seamless production support for international crews. Our team handles every aspect of your shoot, from securing film permits and visa assistance to location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.
Why Film in Montenegro?
- Stunning Natural Beauty: Montenegro’s landscape includes dramatic mountains, lush valleys, ancient coastal towns, and idyllic beaches.
- Rich History and Culture: Capture the essence of historic cities like Kotor and Budva, with their medieval architecture and vibrant traditions.
- Film-Friendly Environment: Montenegro offers attractive incentives, a growing film infrastructure, and an experienced local crew.
Planning a shoot in Montenegro? Hoodlum ensures a smooth and efficient production process, managing all logistics so you can focus on capturing the beauty of this incredible destination. Contact us today for expert production support in Montenegro.
Country Overview
Located in the heart of the Balkan Peninsula, Montenegro offers a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and historical sites, making it an attractive destination for international TV and film production.
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET, UTC+1)
Bordering Countries:
- Croatia (west)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (northwest)
- Serbia (northeast)
- Kosovo (east)
- Albania (southeast)
Popular Locations:
- Bay of Kotor: A stunning fjord-like bay with picturesque towns and villages.
- Budva Old Town: A medieval walled city with narrow streets and historic architecture.
- Lovćen National Park: A rugged mountain range
Local Languages:
Montenegrin (official), Serbian, Bosnian, Croatian, and English widely spoken
Local Currency:
Euro (€).
When to Shoot
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer tourists, making it ideal for filming.
Visa Requirements for Montenegro
General Requirements
Montenegro follows the Schengen visa policy, requiring pre-approved visas for citizens from African countries, the Middle East, Southern Asia, and Southeast Asia. The requirements vary depending on the duration of stay.
Required Documentation
- Nationality-specific requirements
- Length of stay
- Role in the production
- Documents may include:
- Apostilles
- Country-specific verifications
- Letters of invitation
- Passport only (up to 90 days) for countries with no additional requirements
Timings
Allow 60 days for document collection and processing.
Schedule appointments with the Montenegrin or Serbian consulate in the traveller’s home country
Costs
Personal costs vary:
- Short-stay visas: approx.. €50
- Extended-stay visas: approx. €150
Visa application link (If App)
There is currently no online application platform for visas in Montenegro, however all relevant information can be found here:
https://www.gov.me/en/government-of-montenegro/visas-and-entry-requirements
International Crew Accreditation
There are currently no crew accreditation requirements in Montenegro – primarily because there is very little studio and set-lot infrastructure.
Montenegro Film Permits
Permitting Authority
Ministry of Culture: issues global permits for general broadcast productions
Regional authorities: additional permits required for specific locations
Historical areas: separate permits required for filming in historic districts
National Parks: specific filming location permits required
Timings
Location permits typically granted within 30 days of application
Scope of project may affect processing time
Required Documentation
- Official production company documents
- Crew member list
- Location and duration of shoots
- Description of final product’s broadcast scope
- Copy of final broadcast submitted to Montenegro Kinotek archives upon completion
Costs
General filming permit: approximately €50
Historic district permits (e.g. Old Town Kotor): up to €2,000/day
National Parks permit: approximately €300
Private Locations
Permission Process
Obtain signed (and possibly notarized) permission from the landowner
Scope of project and required modifications/construction may affect permission requirements
Cost
Negotiate costs directly with the location owner
Costs vary depending on the location, scope, and requirements of the project
Permit for filming falls under the general filming permit (approximately €50)
Montenegro Drone Permits
Drone Regulations
Montenegro’s drone regulations align with EU policy
Additional registrations required for professional drone operation
Drone Importation Regulations
Register drones locally with the Montenegrin CAA
Register drone pilot credentials, including license number
Licensing requirements vary by drone size, flight plan ceiling, and location
Permitting Authority
Montenegrin CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)
Local Drone Registration
Same registration and licensing requirements for local and foreign operators
Drone Importation Registration
Include drones in the importer’s ATA Carnet
Additional documentation may be required for multiple drones or drones exceeding €15,000
Timings
Registration typically completed within 30 days of application, if EU specifications are met
Costs
Minimal cost: approximately €20
Equipment Customs Clearance
Carnet Status
Montenegro is a Carnet country, simplifying customs clearance for film equipment.
Clearance Process
The process is identical to EU countries, with recognized Carnets.
Non-Carnet Country Process
Not applicable, as Montenegro is a Carnet country.
Required Documents
ATA Carnet. Additional document for equipment valued over €15,000, ensuring it won’t remain in Montenegro or be sold.
Issuing Authority
The Ministry of Economy issues the clearance.
Processing Time
Clearance is typically granted or rejected within 30 days of application.
Costs
ATA Carnet costs vary depending on the application method (service or self-application).
Ministry of Economy clearance: approximately €20.
Montenegro Safety & Security
Montenegro is considered a very safe country, with low rates of random violent crime. However, there are some safety concerns to be aware of:
- Opportunistic thefts can occur when equipment is left unattended overnight
- Pickpocketing activities in tourist areas
- Traffic-related incidents due to inadequate road infrastructure
Hospitals are well-equipped for emergency medicine, but may not be suitable for complex operations
Security Requirements
While there is no standard security protocol for filming shoots, various security services are available:
- VIP security
- Location security
- Studio security
Other specialized security services
