Filming Permit in South Africa

Who needs this permit

Any producer, director or crew filming on public property — streets, parks, beaches, public buildings.

When is it required

For all commercial filming and most student/documentary filming on public property. News-gathering is usually exempt.

Eligibility

• You are a producer or authorised production representative
• You have public liability insurance in place
• You have letters of consent for any private property or heritage sites in the shot

Documents you need before applying

• Completed municipal film permit application
• Public liability insurance certificate (typically R5 million cover minimum)
• Detailed shooting schedule and locations
• Traffic management plan if roads are affected
• SAPS notification for larger shoots or firearms/stunts
• Written landowner consent for private locations
• Heritage authority consent for heritage sites

How to apply — step by step

1. 1

   Contact the municipal Film Office

   Cape Town Film Permit Office, Joburg Film Office and Durban Film Office all publish rate cards and application forms online.

2. 2

   Submit application at least 5 working days before the shoot

   Larger, complex shoots (stunts, road closures, drones) need 10 or more working days.

3. 3

   Pay the permit and location fees

   Fees depend on crew size, location and whether roads or facilities are affected.

4. 4

   Notify SAPS and any affected residents/businesses

   Some municipalities require you to distribute a resident notice at least 48 hours before the shoot.

5. 5

   Carry the approved permit on set

   You must produce the permit on request. Non-compliance can shut down the shoot.

Where, how much, how long

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying without public liability insurance
• Forgetting drone (RPAS) authorisation from SACAA and municipal permission
• Missing landowner or heritage consents
• Underestimating crew size — the fee band is set on crew numbers

Tips to speed up your application

• Book locations early — busy locations like Camps Bay and Sandton fill up fast
• Insurance certificates take 24–72 hours — order them before you apply
• Keep printed permit copies for every unit on set

Official sources

• Cape Town Film Permit Office
• Joburg Film Office

Always confirm the latest requirements and fees on the official website before applying.

Frequently asked questions

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