Do you need a permit to film or photograph in China?

Film commissions

China Film Co-Production Corporation

Foreign productions filming on the mainland apply through CFCC, which reviews the script and seeks project approval and a co-production permit. Each province needs its own permit; plan three to six months ahead.

Sources: ASEF culture360: China Film Co-Production Corporation · Screen Global Production: filming in China

More for China: Getting paid · Drone rules · AI labeling rules

Filming & photo permits in other countries: United States · United Kingdom · France · Germany · United Arab Emirates · Saudi Arabia · Nigeria · Ghana · Kenya · South Africa · Jamaica · Japan · South Korea · India · Thailand · Malaysia · Portugal · Estonia · Canada · Australia

Last verified October 6, 2026 by Terrell Groggins. Rules change: check the official source before you shoot or post. This is not legal advice.