Albania, a film scene, 35% refund proposed for international productions

2026-05-12 20:37:52, Aktualitet CNA

The government has issued for public consultation the new draft law "On Cinematography and Audiovisual", which aims to create a new financial support scheme for the film and audiovisual industry in Albania.

The draft foresees the establishment of the National Cinematography and Audiovisual Agency, AKKA, which will administer public funds for the sector, certify expenditures and manage support schemes for film and audiovisual productions.

One of the main elements of the draft law is the “Cash Rebate” scheme, through which the state will reimburse a portion of the expenses incurred in the Albanian territory by film and audiovisual productions. The draft stipulates that “the reimbursement rate is 35% of the qualified expenses incurred in the territory of the Republic of Albania”.

According to the draft law, the scheme aims to attract investments in the cinematographic and audiovisual sector, promote the development of the domestic industry and promote Albania as a destination for international productions. The beneficiaries of the scheme will be foreign cinematographic houses that have cooperation agreements with companies registered in Albania and that make expenses in the country.

The draft law also defines the procedure and deadlines for obtaining reimbursement. The Albanian Film Commission will assess the admissibility of the application and the qualification of the expenses within 45 days of the application, while the AKKA Financial Commission will review the financial report and issue a certificate of qualified expenses within 60 days of submission.

Payment by the Ministry of Finance is expected to be made within 90 days of final certification. Another element of the draft is the creation of a fund dedicated to the audiovisual industry, which will be partially financed by entities in the media and electronic communications sector.

According to the draft law, 5% of the profit tax paid by entities providing audiovisual broadcasting, online platforms and cinema operators will be transferred to the AKKA fund. The same rate of 5% is also foreseen for companies providing internet services, while electronic communications operators will contribute 2% of the profit tax.

The draft also expands the categories of projects that can be financially supported. In addition to feature films, documentaries and animation, support can also be provided to series, immersive projects with VR and AR technologies, post-production projects, international co-productions and video games.

The draft law also provides for the creation of the Albanian Film Commission as a functional structure within AKKA, with the aim of promoting Albania as a destination for film and audiovisual productions, as well as assisting domestic and foreign producers in obtaining filming permits on Albanian territory./Monitor.al