The permit process for filming in Turkey can be confusing for both foreign productions and local teams. Which location needs which permit, who issues it, and how long does it take? This guide pulls all of that into one place.
Types of permits
Municipality permit
Filming in public spaces — streets, squares, parks, bridges — requires permission from the relevant municipality. In Istanbul, the district municipality has authority. If a shoot crosses multiple district boundaries, you may need separate permits from each. Application channels vary: some municipalities accept online applications, others require in-person submissions. Processing takes 3–10 business days.
Ministry of Culture and Tourism permit
Shooting in museums, historic sites, archaeological sites, and national parks requires this ministry's approval. Applications must include a production script, crew list, equipment inventory, and insurance certificate. The process generally takes 2–4 weeks — apply early.
Private property permit
Shooting in private malls, hotels, restaurants, or office buildings requires a direct agreement with the property owner or management company — typically a rental contract or location agreement. Some large shopping centres have standard commercial shoot tariffs on file.
Foreign production permit
Foreign productions need a separate approval from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism before other permits can be issued. Required materials include the production company's legal details, project summary, and shoot plan.
Traffic and road closure permit
Scenes involving vehicle pursuits, talent working on roads, or traffic direction require coordination with the Police Department or relevant traffic authority. A traffic officer on set may also be required; that cost should be built into the budget.
Timing guide
- Simple municipality permit (open area, low footprint): 3–5 business days
- Central Istanbul and high-traffic locations: 1–2 weeks
- Historic sites or Ministry of Culture: 2–4 weeks
- Foreign production permit: 3–6 weeks
- Drone involved: add SHGM permit timeline on top of the above
Practical notes on the permit process
- Official applications often require formal letters in Turkish, sometimes with notarised documents.
- Some locations may require partnership with a Turkish production company.
- Permit fees vary by location and duration; some historic sites charge significant usage fees.
- Original copies of all permits must be on set during the shoot.
Most productions working in Turkey run permits through a local line producer or production company. It's the fastest and most reliable approach — both for accuracy and for navigating situations that don't follow the standard process.
The Turkish filming permit system
Turkey does not have a single centralised permit office. Permits are issued by different authorities depending on location type: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality for streets and public squares, the Ministry of Culture for heritage sites, the Ministry of Interior for productions near government buildings, SHGM for drones, and AFAD for productions requiring road closures.
Required documents
Company registration documents (Turkish production partner), project brief, storyboard or shot list, equipment list, public liability insurance certificate, crew list, and shooting schedule. PAM Istanbul prepares all documentation packages and submits directly.