Film Services Office is a government office to facilitate film production in Hong Kong. We provide information and support to filmmakers. We are ready to give free assistance to film crews for filming locations and the necessary permits for filming here. At the outset, we are glad to furnish you with the following information -
Guide to Filming in Hong Kong
Welcome to film 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)
Mainland residents:
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
Upon arrival clearance, visitors to Hong Kong will be issued with landing slips bearing their conditions and limit of stay in 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
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.
Don't forget to download the Guide to Filming in Hong Kong compiled by FSO!
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.