If you are looking to shoot a movie, commercial, or any other project in the United Arab Emirates, you must understand how to get a film permit. Film permits are required for many filming projects in the UAE, and not getting one can cause severe legal penalties.
This blog post will summarise what you need to do to get a film permit in the UAE.
1. Why do you need a film permit in the UAE?
As a filming destination, the UAE is a popular choice. There are plenty of reasons why this is. For one thing, it’s safe and stable—a place where you can trust your cast and crew won’t be in danger while they shoot their scenes (which is why many actors prefer to film here).
Also, there are plenty of talented people working in the local industry who can help make sure that your production goes smoothly.
2. How to get a film permit in the UAE?
If you want to shoot a film in the UAE, you must apply for a film permit. That's right: just like in any other country, getting permission from the government is required before filming can take place.
After all, they don't want people shooting films all over their country without them knowing about it (and probably causing trouble).
There's good news: It's a relatively straightforward application process. Most people find it pretty simple.
To get started, first things first: You'll need some information at your hand about your project to start filling out your application correctly from the beginning—and ensure things go fine when submitting your paperwork later on down the line!
3. What kind of documentation do you require?
If you want to make a film in the UAE, the first thing to do is apply for a permit. The next step is submitting your application with documentation that includes the following:
- A script outlining the story or theme of your production
- A storyboard detailing each scene and shot sequence
- An itemised list of all crew members involved in filming, including their passport details and visa status
4. The fees associated with getting a film permit
Generally speaking, the fees associated with getting a film permit are determined based on how long your project will be and what kind of filming you’re doing.
We can help you through every step: from getting permits to obtaining visas for your crew members.
As a result, you will be able to spend more time focusing on things that matter to you.
5. The process of applying for a film permit
The process of applying for a film permit is easy. You can apply online. Ensure all documents are handy so you can provide them immediately when asked. The more information you provide about your project, the easier it will be to process your request.
Once your film permit has been approved, it’s time to get to business.
6. Tips for reducing the cost of your film permit
If you're going to be shooting a film in the UAE, it's highly recommended that you hire a film permit company to help with the process. A good one will know all of the ins and outs of getting a permit and can save you time and money.
Some things can help reduce your costs:
Have an accurate budget
If you underestimate how much money it will cost to shoot in the UAE, your plans will likely fall through or go over budget. Therefore, it would be best to have everything from catering to transportation costs accounted for in your budget plan.
Create detailed schedules
A detailed schedule shows what days and times activities will occur on set (such as filming), which is essential because you may need to share this information to get permits or approvals for locations.
Write scripts page by page
Ensure everyone has approved every page before moving on to another chapter/section. Hence, no surprises are coming up later during production when it comes time for any approvals given by local authorities.
For example, police officers nearby might stop filming if they think something needs to be safer due to a lack of paperwork received beforehand.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you a better understanding of obtaining a film permit in the UAE. It can be complicated, but you don’t have to do it alone. We are here to help you. If you have questions or concerns about how we can help, don't hesitate to contact us today.
