Moldova

Introduction

Moldova, a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, offers a unique mix of historic architecture, rolling vineyards, and untouched rural landscapes, making it an ideal destination for international film and TV productions. From the charming streets of Chișinău to ancient monasteries and scenic countryside, Moldova provides diverse backdrops for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography.

At Hoodlum, we provide expert film fixer services in Moldova, ensuring seamless production support for international crews. Our team handles every aspect of your shoot, including securing film permits, visa assistance, location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.

Why Film in Moldova?

• Authentic and Diverse Locations: Moldova offers historic towns, rustic villages, underground wine cellars, and beautiful natural scenery.
• Cost-Effective Production: Filming in Moldova is highly affordable, with competitive rates for locations, crew, and production services.
• Unexplored Visual Appeal: The country’s unique Eastern European charm provides fresh, visually compelling settings for storytelling.

Planning a shoot in Moldova? Hoodlum ensures a smooth and efficient production process, handling all logistics so you can focus on your creative vision. Contact us today for expert production support in Moldova.

Country Overview

Main Cities:

Chișinău, Tiraspol, Bălți

Bordering Countries:

Moldova spans 33,483 km² (12,928 sq mi) with a population of approximately 2.5 million (as of January 2023). It is bordered by Romania to the west and Ukraine to the north, east, and south.

Local Language:

Romanian

Local Currency:

Moldovan Leu (MDL)

Weather & Seasons:

Climate: Moderately continental

Summers: Warm and long, averaging 20°C (68°F)

Winters: Mild and dry, with January temperatures averaging -4°C (25°F)

Visa Requirements

General Requirements

• Visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose, and duration of stay.
• Citizens from over 60 countries, including the EU, US, Canada, and UK, do not need a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days.
• Visa on Arrival (VOA) is no longer available at Chișinău International Airport.
• Citizens of non-exempt countries must apply for a visa at a Moldovan embassy or consulate.
• Apply for a visa online

Required Documents for Application

• Valid passport
• Completed application form
• Recent photo
• Proof of visa fee payment
• Health insurance, medical certificate & Yellow Fever Card
• Invitation or confirmation from a Moldovan host (for business/private visas)
• Proof of sufficient funds

Processing Time

• E-Visa: 3-5 working days (up to 10 calendar days)
• Short-stay visa (Type C): 10-15 calendar days (up to 30 days)
• Long-stay visa (Type D): 15-30 calendar days (up to 60 days)
• Work Visa: 30-60 days or more

Visa Costs

• Tourist/Business Visa: €60-100 (Tourist visa is free)
• Private Visa: €20-50
• Transit Visa: €10-20

Visa Application Link

Moldova e-Visa Portal

International Crew Accreditation

General Requirements

• Accreditation is required only for journalists; film and event crew do not need accreditation.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs handles accreditation for journalists.
• Accreditation may be revoked if a journalist violates Moldovan laws.
• Film crew members do not require accreditation for general filming.

Documents Required (For Journalists Only)

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Visa (if required based on nationality)
• Press credentials or accreditation certificate
• Letter of assignment from a media organization
• Proof of insurance

Processing Time

• Initial accreditation: 1-14 days (issued by the National Film Commission or event organizers)
• Renewal accreditation: 1-7 days

Costs

Costs vary but typically range from $150 to $500 for journalist accreditation.

No accreditation cost for film crew (except for specific certifications if required).

General Film Permit

Issuing Authority:

• National Film Commission of Moldova (Comisia Națională de Cinematografie)
• Local police (for road closures or public locations)

Is a General Film Permit Required?

• No general film permit is required for standard productions.
• Special permits may be needed for road closures, sensitive locations, or public spaces.

Processing Time

• Film Production Permit: 5-14 days
• Road Closure Permits: Issued by local police, timing varies.

Required Documents for Film Permits

• Application Form (if required, from the Film Commission or local authorities)
• Script or Treatment (detailed summary of the project)
• Location Plan (list of locations, shoot dates, and timing)
• Production Schedule (full shooting timeline)
• Crew List (names, roles, and contact details)
• Equipment List (inventory of filming gear and vehicles)

Costs

• Application Fees: $20 to $30
• Daily Permit Fees: $50 to $600, depending on cast/crew size

Private Location Filming

General Process

Our local fixer is required to obtain written permission from private location owners.

Location Rental Costs

• Villa or House: $500 – $2,000 per day
• Castle or Historic Building: $1,500 – $5,000 per day
• Farm or Rural Property: $300 – $1,500 per day
• Industrial or Commercial Property: $800 – $3,000 per day

Additional Costs

• Location Manager Fee: $200 – $500 per day
• Security & Access Fees: $100 – $300 per day
• Cleaning & Maintenance Fees: $100 – $200 per day
• Permits & Licenses: $500 – $1,500 per project

Drone Regulations

• Registration: Mandatory for drones weighing over 250g.
• Authorization: Permission from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) required for commercial or specialized operations.
• Age Restriction: Pilots must be at least 16 years old.
• Altitude Limit: 120m (394ft) above ground level.
• Airspace Restrictions: Prohibited in controlled airspace, national parks, and sensitive areas.
• Visual Line of Sight (VLOS): Mandatory.
• Night Flying: Prohibited without special permission.
• Liability Insurance: Recommended for commercial operations.
• Safety Briefing: Must be conducted before each flight.
• Emergency Procedures: Established protocols for accidents or incidents.
• Recreational Use: Drones under 250g do not require registration.
• Commercial Use: Drones over 250g require registration and authorization.

Drone Importation Regulations

• Customs Declaration: Required for importation.
• Tariff Code: HS Code 8703.10.00.00 (unmanned aerial vehicles).
• Duty and Taxes: 0-20% customs duty, 20% VAT.
• Military-Grade Drones: Prohibited.
• High-Resolution Cameras & Encryption Technology: Restricted.
• Commercial Invoice: Must include detailed drone specifications.
• Certificate of Origin: Required to verify the country of manufacture.
• Declaration of Conformity: Compliance with Moldovan standards required.
• Import Permit: Necessary for commercial drone imports.
• License from National Agency for Regulation in Telecommunications and Information Technology: Required for drone operation.

Permit-Issuing Organizations

Local Drone Permits:

National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)

Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova

Imported Drone Permits:

Customs Service of Moldova (oversees importation)

National Agency for Regulation in Telecommunications and Information Technology (regulates drone communications)

Additional Organizations:

Moldovan Drone Association

Required Documentation for Local Drone Applications

• Operational Authorization: Issued by the CAA.
• Registration Certificate: Issued by the CAA.
• Proof of Liability Insurance: Mandatory.
• Drone Operator’s Manual: Provided by the manufacturer.
• Safety Procedures: Developed by the operator.
• Data Protection Agreement: Required for drone-based services.
• Aerial Work Permit: Issued by the CAA.
• Further Information: CAA Website

Required Documentation for Drone Importation

• Commercial Invoice: Detailed invoice with drone specifications.
• Certificate of Origin: Confirms the drone’s country of manufacture.
• Customs Declaration: Completed by importer or customs broker.
• Bill of Lading/Air Waybill: Shipping documents.
• Proof of Payment: Evidence of payment for the drone.
• Technical Specifications: Documentation detailing the drone’s characteristics.
• Declaration of Conformity: Ensures compliance with Moldovan standards.
• License from ANRCETI: Required for drones with communication frequencies.
• Environmental and Health Certificates: May be required.
• Insurance Policy: Optional but recommended.

Processing Time

• Drone Permit: Estimated processing time is 1 calendar month.
• Importation Clearance: Estimated 5-10 days or more.

Costs

Drone Permit:

 Contact the CAA for up-to-date fees.

Customs Clearance Fees:

Simple clearance:

1,500-5,000 MDL ($75-250 USD)

Complex clearance:

5,000-20,000 MDL ($250-1,000 USD)

Equipment Customs Clearance in Moldova

Is Moldova a Carnet Country?

Yes. Moldova accepts Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), also known as ATA Carnet, allowing temporary importation of goods, including film equipment, without duties or taxes.

General Process for Carnet Countries

Required Documents:

• List of equipment/items.
• Commercial invoice (if required).
• Proof of ownership/rental agreement.
• Payment for Carnet fees and security deposit.

Required Documentation for Equipment Customs Clearance

• Original Carnet Document
• List of Equipment (in triplicate)
• Commercial Invoice (if required)
• Customs Declaration (if required)
• Temporary Import: Declare equipment upon arrival and departure.
• Customs Clearance: Obtain clearance from Moldovan customs authorities.
• Re-export: Ensure all equipment is re-exported within the Carnet’s validity period.

Organizations Issuing Clearance

Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova (via local customs brokers).

Processing Time

5-10 days or more.

Costs

• Simple Customs Clearance: 1,500-5,000 MDL ($75-250 USD)
• Complex Customs Clearance: 5,000-20,000 MDL ($250-1,000 USD)

Tax Incentives:

• Moldova offers a 20% cash rebate on qualified production expenses, including location rental fees.
• Maximum reimbursement: $100,000 USD.

Production Costs:

Crew and Equipment Costs:

• Local Crew Members (Director, DP, Camera Operator, etc.): $500-$1,500 per day.
• Equipment Rental (Camera, Lighting, Grip, etc.): $500-$2,000 per day.

Other Costs:

• Accommodation & Catering (for cast and crew): $500-$2,000 per day.
• Transportation & Logistics: $200-$500 per day.

Total Estimated Costs:

• Small-scale production (1-2 days, small crew): $2,000-$10,000.
• Medium-scale production (3-5 days, medium crew): $10,000-$50,000.
• Large-scale production (6+ days, large crew): $50,000-$200,000+.

Note: These estimates are approximate and may vary depending on the specific project requirements.

Safety & Security in Moldova

General Country Overview:

Moldova is generally considered safe for travellers and production crews. While past concerns existed, many risks have significantly reduced.