20 JUNE 2022

Things to Know Before Applying for Filming Permit in Nepal

Applying for Filming Permit in Nepal? List of things you should know!

Process of acquiring Filming Permit in Nepal-Simplified!

With its scenic locations, filming in Nepal seems to be every filmmaker’s dream. It’s not a hidden fact that Nepal is an open studio for filming. The Government of Nepal focuses on the continued development, retention, competitiveness, and enhancement of the country’s film and television industry. In addition, it facilitates and issues various filming permit in Nepal, promoting the region as a preferred filming destination alongside supporting the development and growth of the local film industry. The filming permit in Nepal provides access to international film crew to any location unless mentioned otherwise for filming and also encourages them in order to promote the filming industry of Nepal, worldwide!

Nepal Government grants filming permit for Travel Shows, Documentaries, Short Films, Music videos, TV commercials, Feature Films, photoshoot, CSR videos, etc. All that the crew has to do is apply in advance for the filming permit in Nepal with the help of a Fixer in Nepal.

Documents stating the purpose and details of the film production including location of the shoot and details of the local coordinator i.e your fixer in Nepal which are necessary for the filming permit application process. Following is the list of documents required for the filming permit application:

Prepare a letter assigning Himalayan Fixer as the local coordinator/fixer in Nepal mentioning the services they provide.
Fill the Application Form Provided by the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.
Prepare an Overview Synopsis describing the story summary of the film using a sample provided by your local fixer in Nepal.
Prepare an Itinerary of filming in Nepal specifying exact dates of travel and locations from the time of arrival to departure.
Make a detailed list of the crew with designation and a scanned copy of the passports of the crew.
For Film Equipment to be brought in, provide the Equipment List with value, weight, and serial numbers for custom clearance.

List of Filming Permit in Nepal:

National Filming Permit (Mandatory)
Special Area Filming Permit
National Park Filming permit
Conservation Area Filming permit
Heritage Site Filming permit
Temples and Monasteries Filming permit

Drone Permit and License:

Under 2 Kg (Civil Aviation, Defense Ministry, Central District Office)
Over 2 Kg (Home Ministry, Defense Ministry, and Civil Aviation)
Custom Clearance (Temporary Import and Export)

National Filming Permit:

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology facilitates and issues the basic National Filming Permit. This covers filming locations inside Nepal excluding Special Areas ( National Parks, Heritage Sites, etc.), ceteris paribus. The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology grants permission to filmmakers and photographers for photo shoots and filming TV commercials, Travel documentaries, Documentaries, music videos, feature films, corporate videos, etc.

Liaison Officer:

While granting a filming permit, a Liaison Officer is appointed by the Ministry, to monitor as well as to facilitate production support at the shooting locations. The liaison officer’s duty is to facilitate foreign filmmakers filming in Nepal regarding the legal procedures and authorization of their film’s production. The officer deals with on-location local authorities and government bodies to aid in the entire process of filmmaking- from production support through to the final outcome.

Custom Clearance:

After getting a Film Permit and the appointment of the Liaison Officer, The Film Development Board of Nepal provides a letter of guarantee assigning the fixer’s responsibility to ease foreign filmmakers to temporarily import filming equipment with exempt in customs duty. The Film Development Board provides the letter of guarantee to the Local Coordinator i.e. your local fixer in Nepal for the temporary import and export of film equipment.

For more information regarding the filming permit in Nepal, inquire with Himalayan Fixer in Nepal.

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