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FAQs

Location Shooting – Immigration and Customs

Do I need to apply for an employment visa in order to shoot in Hong Kong?

In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong, he/she requires a visa/entry permit to work in Hong Kong. Whether employment visas are required for location shooting depends mainly on the nature of activities in Hong Kong. Please check with Immigration Department for further information:(852) 2824 6111 (24-hour enquiry hotline)(852) 2877 7711enquiry@immd.gov.hk

The normal processing time for working visa/entry permit applications is four weeks. A visa/entry permit label will be issued upon successful application. The visa/entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank visa page of the applicant's travel document for presentation to an immigration officer upon arrival in Hong Kong. In case the applicant's Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) bearing the relevant exit endorsement is an electronic EEP, it should be presented together with the entry permit label issued to him/her for immigration arrival clearance.

For further information, please visit the following links:

Overseas, Taiwan and Macao residents:

General Employment Policy (GEP)

Upon arrival clearance, visitors to Hong Kong will be issued with landing slips bearing their conditions and limit of stay in Hong Kong.

What should I do if I want to shoot in the Mainland of China?

Most people require a visa to visit the Mainland of China. Other conditions are likely to apply if you are entering the Mainland for filming purposes. It is best to check with the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in your country before departing. For addresses of the Chinese Embassies in the US and the UK, please visit their websites:

Apart from applying directly to the Chinese Consulates, application for single or multiple-entry visas to the Mainland can also be submitted through travel agencies, or through the China Travel Service, which has several branch offices in Hong Kong.

What customs procedure will the crew go through when I enter Hong Kong?

Film crews entering Hong Kong are not subject to duties on the importation of equipment. If your equipment is covered by ATA Carnets, approach the Customs Duty Officer upon arrival at Hong Kong, and prior to departure, for endorsement. Please check with Customs and Excise Department for further information:(852) 2815 7711 (24-hour enquiry hotline)(852) 2542 3334customsenquiry@customs.gov.hk

Location Shooting – Permits

Do I have to apply for a permit for location filming?

No, a general-purpose filming permit is not required. However, filming crew might need to apply for a permit/ permission for specific location:

  • Public areas

    No permit is required for filming in public areas on a non-exclusive use basis. Film crews are encouraged to notify the police of your intention to carry out filming in public areas, to ensure that the filming activities can proceed unimpeded.

    For notification, please send the completed notification form to the Police Public Relations Wing (PRW). No fees will be charged for your notification. Please check with Public Relations Wing, Hong Kong Police Force for further information:(852) 2860 6187(852) 2200 4303coordination-pr@police.gov.hk

  • Government land and premises, and within Hong Kong waters

    Permission from the respective government departments is needed for filming on government land and premises, and within Hong Kong waters. They include country parks, marine parks, public housing estates, reservoirs, and venues or facilities operated by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, e.g. Tsim Sha Tsui East Waterfront Promenade, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, parks, gardens, swimming pools, bathing beaches, public sporting facilities, etc.

  • Privately or publicly owned venues

    Filming on privately or publicly owned venues requires permission from owners. Normally it takes 7 - 10 working days to process the applications. Rental/ processing fees, deposits and third party liability insurance cover may be needed.

I wish to use special effects materials (e.g. fireworks) for filming purpose

A discharge permit is required for using special effects materials (SEM) to produce entertainment special effects. The operators responsible for the discharge shall hold valid special effects operators licences. Please check with The Special Effects Licensing Section of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency for further information:(852) 2594 0465(852) 3101 0929esela@ccidahk.gov.hk

I wish to use modified firearms and blank ammunition for filming purpose

Yes, you must apply to the Commissioner of Police for an Exemption Permit. In addition, the transit of these firearms to a filming location must be covered by a Limited Licence for Possession issued by the Commissioner. Applications for the said Permit or Licence should be made to the Police Licensing Office, at a prescribed fee, at least 10 working days in advance. Please check with Arms Licensing Section, Police Licensing Office for further information:(852) 2860 6536 / 6538(852) 2200 4323arms-licensing@police.gov.hk

Furthermore, the holder of an Exemption Permit should apply in writing to the Police Public Relations Wing for the specific use of modified firearms and blank ammunition. The application should be submitted at least 3 working days prior to the intended date of shooting. It should include a written consent issued by the owner of the property where the shooting is going to take place.  Please check with Public Relations Wing, Hong Kong Police Force for further information:(852) 2860 6187(852) 2200 4303coordination-pr@police.gov.hk

I wish to film Lion/ Dragon/ Unicorn Dance in public space

For filming lion/dragon/unicorn dance in public space, production crews should obtain a permit from the Police before the filming. The processing time is 14 days. Please check with Public Order Event Support Section, Police Licensing Office for further information:(852) 2860 6551(852) 2200 4503poe-sup-licensing@police.gov.hk

I wish to play musical Instruments in public space for filming purpose

If you plan to film in public space (e.g. pedestrian precinct) with the playing of musical instruments, a permit should be obtained from the Police. The processing time is 14 working days. Please check with Liquor and Miscellaneous Licensing Section, Police Licensing Office for further information:(852) 2860 6052 / 6524(852) 2200 4325general-licensing@police.gov.hk

I wish to use simulated logo/ badge/ uniform/ staff identity card for filming purpose

If you plan to produce and use simulated Government departmental logo, uniform, badge or staff identity card for filming, please apply to the relevant departments via. the FSO with the filming details, including the artwork of the props concerned, synopsis and scripts of the relevant scene(s). The processing time is normally 7-10 working days.

I wish to reproduce Hong Kong currency notes/ coins for filming purpose (Props Money)

Prior approval of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) must be sought for reproduction of Hong Kong currency notes or coins from electronic images to physical form for filming in Hong Kong. For application procedure, please visit HKMA Website, the processing time is around 2 weeks. Please check with HKMA Public Enquiry Service for further information:publicenquiry@hkma.gov.hk

Consent should also be sought from the note-issuing banks concerned or the Information Services Department, Hong Kong SAR Government (for HK$10 notes or coins) for use of their currency notes images for filming.

For reproduction of foreign currency notes for filming, advice of the relevant Consulates-General and Consulates in Hong Kong should be sought before carrying out the works. For use of images of euro banknotes, please read the information on European Central Bank Website. Filmmakers should pay attention to Part XI of the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200) of the Laws of Hong Kong regarding counterfeit of currency notes.

I wish to display National/ Regional Flag/ Emblem for filming purpose

For use of national flag, national emblem, regional flag or regional emblem for filming, prior permission should be sought from the Chief Secretary for Administration Office. For details, please visit Protocol Website.

Please check with Administration Wing, Chief Secretary for Administration's Office for further information:(852) 2525 5477(852) 2804 6552flags&emblems@cso.gov.hk25/F, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong

Location Shooting – Venues

I wish to book LCSD Sports Facilities for filming purpose

There are two ways to book LCSD sports facilities for location filming:

  • Booking via. Leisure Link Website Online Booking System / Leisure Link Self-Service Kiosk / LCSD Booking Counters

    Production crews should first contact the respective venueby phone to confirm the availability of a sports facility for filming before making a booking. The completed filming application form together with the filming details and booking receipt should be submitted to LCSD at least 7 working days and not more than 10 days prior to filming.

  • Advance Booking

    Production crews who need to secure a sports facility well in advance can make an advance booking 11 days to 3 months before filming by sending in the completed venue booking form and filming application form filming application form together with the filming details.

I wish to film on subways/footbridges near MTR stations

If you plan to film on subways/footbridges near MTR stations, please check first on whether the subway/footbridge is managed by the MTR Corporation Ltd (MTRCL) ( MTRCL's subways/footbridges). Approval should be sought prior to filming on MTRCL’s premises. 

For information on other subways/footbridges in Hong Kong, please contact the FSO.

I wish to find a location for shooting

Our Location Library features over 1,400 filming locations, with photos and application procedures. There are also application forms for filming on Government premises, special permits for filming and other useful information available on our website. These help you plan your filming in Hong Kong anytime anywhere you like.

Useful Tips on Filmmaking

Where can I find local production people and equipment to help me with the shooting?

You may refer to the Production Directory on the website . It provides a comprehensive list of contacts relating to Hong Kong film and video production companies.

Hiring of Child Entertainers

Under the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57), a “child” is defined as a person under the age of 15 years. The Employment of Children Regulations, made under the Employment Ordinance, prohibit the employment of children in industrial undertakings and regulate the employment of children in non-industrial establishments. For details, please visit Labour Department Website.

It is noted that children of different ages may be employed as child entertainers to serve the needs of the entertainment industry or related fields. For the development of art or training, the Commissioner for Labour may permit such employment by granting exemption from certain provisions of the Employment of Children Regulations. An employer intending to employ child entertainers should apply to the Commissioner in writing before the commencement of the employment. To ensure that the children’s schooling is not interfered and their well-being including safety, health and morals are not adversely affected, the Commissioner will impose specific conditions and restrictions upon the grant of permissions. For details, please visit “A Guide to the Employment of Child Entertainers” at Labour Department website.

I have so many questions. I need to talk to someone. Who should I approach?

The Film Promotion and Facilitation Section of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency is a one-stop shop for crews filming in Hong Kong. It gives suggestions on filming locations, assists in location scouting, liaison and applications for permits/locations and problem shooting. Its contact telephone number is (852) 2594 5758 / 5759 / 5712 / 5800.