Kosovo Production Rebate for International Productions
The Kosovo Production Rebate applies to projects that are fully or partially produced in Kosovo and aim to encourage foreign investment in the film and audiovisual sector.
Sector: Cinema - Audiovisual - Innovation and Technical Services
Support Type: Rebate - 30%
Who Provides the Rebate?
The rebate is offered by the Kosovo Cinematography Center (QKK) and the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, based on an agreement between a local production company and a foreign investor. The rebate amount is transferred to the bank account of the local production company in Kosovo, which must be dedicated exclusively to the audiovisual project.
Application Deadline: Open year-round
What is the Rebate Amount?
The rebate for audiovisual productions is 30% of eligible expenses incurred in Kosovo.
Projects that also receive public funding from the Republic of Kosovo can benefit from the rebate for expenses incurred entirely in the country. However, the total benefits (public funds + rebate) cannot exceed 50% of the total production budget.
What Are Eligible Expenses?
The rebate covers 30% of the following expenses incurred in Kosovo (excluding VAT):
- Salaries and social contributions for local screenwriters, actors, and technical staff.
- Technical services provided by specialized companies in Kosovo.
- Travel, transportation, and catering expenses during production.
- Equipment rental used within Kosovo territory.
Who is Eligible for the Rebate?
- The applicant must be a business entity registered in Kosovo for audiovisual production or a branch of a foreign company.
- The foreign investor must sign a contract with a local company for the execution of the project.
- The local company must be registered with QKK.
- The applicant must have publicly released at least one (1) audiovisual project in the last three (3) years.
- The applicant must secure at least 50% of the production budget and 100% of the foreign investment in Kosovo.
What Projects Qualify?
- The rebate can be granted for projects that meet the following conditions:
- Feature films, documentaries, animations, TV series, video games, or other similar audiovisual productions.
- Projects such as sporting events, reality shows, or programs with current political and social content are not accepted.
When is the Rebate Paid?
- Rebate payments are made in installments after production is completed and the final financial report is submitted.
- For long-format projects, the rebate can be divided into up to three (3) installments.
- For short or medium-length projects, it is usually paid in a single installment.
- Rebate payments are made between March 1st and December 23rd of each fiscal year.
When Do Eligible Expenses Begin?
Eligible expenses may include costs incurred up to six (6) months before the rebate application is submitted to QKK.
VAT Information
- Kosovo applies a general VAT rate of 18% on goods and services.
- VAT is not considered a qualified expense for reimbursement.
Information & Guidance
If you need assistance in understanding the regulations or preparing your application, please contact the Kosovo Cinematography Center (QKK).
Guidelines for International Producers
The Kosovo Cinematography Center recommends that international producers planning to produce a film or television project in Kosovo collaborate with a registered local production company. Local producers have strong relationships with local crews and service providers, offering a full range of production services, including rebate applications, budget management, location scouting, scheduling, casting, and staff recruitment.
You can find the necessary professionals and services for your production at Kosova.film
