Filming in Nepal
Filming in Nepal: Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions international productions ask us most. Regulations change, so our compliance desk confirms the current requirements for every project at enquiry stage.
Permits and approvals
Do we need a permit to film in Nepal?
Yes. All professional filming by foreign productions in Nepal requires official permission, and filming without a permit is against the law.
Who issues filming permits?
Filming permits for foreign productions are processed through the Film Development Board (FDB), which operates under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. Applications are made through a local coordinator such as Cine Makers. Separate permissions are needed for particular locations, including national parks, conservation areas, heritage sites and restricted areas, and for drone flights.
Which types of production need a permit?
Feature films, docudramas, television series and programmes, documentaries, commercials and music videos all require permission. Content must not portray Nepal or its people negatively.
What documents are required?
Your coordinator prepares the application with you. It typically includes:
- —A letter from the local coordinator applying for the permit
- —An authorisation letter from the production appointing the coordinator
- —The completed application form
- —A content document suited to the format: a storyboard for commercials, a treatment or synopsis for documentaries, the concept and lyrics for music videos, programme details for TV, or the full script for feature films, docudramas and series
- —A filming schedule with dates and locations
- —A crew list with names, passport numbers, roles and arrival dates
- —A list of equipment to be brought into Nepal
How long does approval take?
It depends on the format and the locations. Non-fiction and short-form projects are generally reviewed faster than feature films and scripted series, which require a full script review. Shoots in conservation areas or at heritage sites take longer, because other authorities also review the application. We give you a realistic timeline at enquiry stage and recommend starting as early as possible.
What if the authorities ask for changes to our script?
Permission is granted after the script or content has been reviewed. If changes are requested, the reasons are explained, and the decision to revise is yours. We help you understand the concerns and find workable solutions.
Are there content restrictions?
Content must not offend Nepal’s national institutions, religions, customs or culture, and must not be considered a threat to national security. Filming must not cause significant damage to the natural environment.
Costs and on-set requirements
Are there permit fees or other government costs?
Fees, deposits and related costs vary by production type and location. Every Cine Makers estimate itemises the current government costs for your project, so there are no surprises.
What is a liaison officer?
Once a permit is granted, a government-appointed representative accompanies the crew at shooting locations to confirm that filming follows the approved script, and to advise if scenes differ from it. The production covers the representative’s fee and, for travel outside Kathmandu, their transport, accommodation and meals. Scripted productions may be assigned one representative per shooting unit.
Who handles location fees?
Your coordinator. A national filming permit does not grant access to individual locations. Each location is negotiated separately with its owners or managing authorities, and fees are agreed as part of that process. We manage these negotiations for you.
Crew, visas and equipment
What visas do crew need?
Short-stay crew filming within the permit period have typically entered Nepal on tourist visas without separate work permits. Requirements can change and may differ by nationality and role, so our compliance desk confirms the current rules for your crew before travel.
Can we bring our own equipment?
Yes. Equipment can be imported temporarily for the shoot. With the correct documentation arranged in advance through the Film Development Board and customs, the process is straightforward. Without it, customs may require a cash deposit or bank guarantee based on the value of the equipment. We prepare the paperwork and advise on carnet use.
Can we rent equipment in Nepal instead?
Yes. We rent camera, grip, lighting, sound and aerial equipment, and source anything else through trusted suppliers. See Crew and equipment under Production Services & IP Development.
Can we fly drones?
Yes, with separate clearances. Drone approvals involve additional authorities and take extra time, so let us know early if aerial filming is planned.
Working with Cine Makers
Why do we need a local coordinator?
Permit applications are made through a local coordinator, who also represents the production with authorities and communities before, during and after the shoot. An experienced coordinator saves time, prevents costly mistakes and keeps your shoot compliant.
Can you run the whole production, not only permits and logistics?
Yes. As line producers we take on budgeting, scheduling, crew hiring and production management, as well as fixing and ground handling. See Production Services & IP Development.
Do you only work with foreign productions?
No. Production is at the core of what we do. We make documentaries and commissioned films for institutions and brands in Nepal, and develop our own features, series and short-form drama.
How do we get started?
Send us your project outline, proposed dates, locations and crew size through our enquiry form. We will respond with next steps, an outline timeline and an itemised estimate.
Still have a question about filming in Nepal?