Updated October 2026 — by Avv. Claudia Roggero, DANDI.media. DANDI.media attended the Beldocs International Documentary Film Festival in Belgrade in May 2026: this guide answers the questions we heard most often from Serbian and Balkan producers.
In summary
- Italy and Serbia have a bilateral film co-production agreement, signed in Belgrade on 21 March 2023 and in force since 4 August 2024: recognised co-productions are national works in both countries.
- For Croatia there is a bilateral agreement too; for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia the old Italy–Yugoslavia agreement still applies; other Balkan countries work through the European Convention.
- The Italian co-producer brings the Italian tax credit (30% for independent producers), Ministry and regional funds; the Serbian co-producer brings Film Center Serbia support and the Serbian 25–30% cash rebate.
- Recognition must be requested before principal photography, in both countries.
The Italy–Serbia co-production agreement
The agreement was signed in Belgrade on 21 March 2023 and entered into force on 4 August 2024, for five years with tacit renewal. Co-productions approved under it are treated as national works in Italy and in Serbia, and can access the benefits each country grants to its own films. A joint commission meets periodically to check the overall balance between the two countries’ co-productions, investments and technical and artistic participation. The competent authorities are the Directorate-General for Cinema and Audiovisual of the Italian Ministry of Culture and, for Serbia, the Ministry of Culture and Film Center Serbia.
For Serbia, the agreement replaces the old Italy–Yugoslavia agreement. Before fixing the shares in a deal memo, read the agreement and its annex: the financial and creative thresholds are those of the agreement, not of the European Convention.
Italy and the Balkans: which framework applies
| Country | Legal basis with Italy | Local incentive |
|---|---|---|
| Serbia | Bilateral agreement, in force since 4 August 2024 | Cash rebate 25%, 30% for Serbian spend of at least €5 million (Film Center Serbia) |
| Croatia | Bilateral agreement, ratified by Italy in 2017 | Cash rebate 25%, plus 5% in less developed regions (HAVC) |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Slovenia | Former Italy–Yugoslavia agreement, still applied; or the European Convention | National funds; check current rebates with each film centre |
| North Macedonia, Albania | European Convention on Cinematographic Co-production | National funds; check current rebates with each film centre |
Under the revised European Convention (in force for Italy since 1 June 2022), each co-producer contributes 5–80% in a multilateral co-production and 10–90% in a bilateral one without a treaty; if one of the countries has ratified only the 1992 text, the old ranges apply (10–70% multilateral, 20–80% bilateral). See our European Convention guide and our guide to Italy’s co-production treaties.
What the Italian co-producer brings
- The national tax credit on the Italian share: 30% for independent producers and 20% for non-independent ones since the 2026 reform. The 40% credit applies only to foreign service productions, not to co-productions. See our Italian tax credit guide.
- Ministry of Culture funding, including the selective fund for minority co-productions, which requires an Italian share of at least 20% in a bilateral and 10% in a multilateral co-production.
- Regional film funds, which usually require spending in the region.
- Eurimages and Creative Europe MEDIA, which can be added on top.
- Italian festivals and distribution, from Venice and Rome to Trieste and Festival dei Popoli.
Recognition in Italy
The Italian co-producer files the application with the Directorate-General for Cinema and Audiovisual before principal photography, with the signed co-production agreement, the financial plan, the shooting schedule and proof of the rights acquired; a sworn translation is needed for contracts not in Italian. The co-production agreement and the deeds affecting rights in the film are registered with the Italian Public Cinematographic and Audiovisual Register (PRCA), which financiers and funders check to verify the chain of title. On the Serbian side, recognition by Film Center Serbia is the prerequisite for Serbian funds.
Contracts on the Italian share must also include the AI clauses required by the Italian tax credit rules.
Documentaries: three points to check
- Archive footage and photographs: every item needs a written licence. Since Law no. 182 of 2025, simple photographs are protected in Italy for 70 years from production (previously 20): many archive images are protected again.
- Releases from everyone identifiable on screen, with specific care for minors and vulnerable people.
- E&O insurance, increasingly required by distributors and broadcasters: plan it from development.
See our guide on clip and archive clearance in Italy.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a co-production agreement between Italy and Serbia?
Yes. It was signed in Belgrade on 21 March 2023 and has been in force since 4 August 2024. Co-productions approved under it are treated as national works in both countries.
Can a Serbian producer access the Italian tax credit?
Not directly. In an official co-production the Italian co-producer accesses the Italian national credit for its share, while the Serbian co-producer accesses Serbian support, including the 25–30% cash rebate on Serbian spend.
What is the minimum Italian share in a co-production with a Balkan partner?
It depends on the framework: the Italy–Serbia or Italy–Croatia agreement, or the European Convention. To access the Italian fund for minority co-productions, the Italian share must be at least 20% in a bilateral and 10% in a multilateral co-production.
Which agreement applies to Bosnia and Herzegovina or Montenegro?
The former Italy–Yugoslavia agreement is still applied to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro and Slovenia. Multilateral projects can also use the European Convention.
When must the co-production be registered?
Before principal photography, in both countries, with the signed co-production agreement and the documents on rights and financing.
Related guides
| Topic | Resource |
|---|---|
| Mistakes to avoid in Italy–Balkans co-productions | /en/film-co-production-balkans-mistakes/ |
| Best co-production partners for Italy | /en/european-film-co-productions/ |
| Italian film tax credits | /en/italy-film-tax-credits/ |
| Eurimages co-production requirements | /en/eurimages-co-production-requirements/ |
| Romania’s 30% cash rebate | /en/film-production-in-romania/ |
| Film and TV law in Italy | /en/what-en/film-and-television/ |
Co-producing with Italy from the Balkans?
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