Filming permits in Germany: fees, lead times & offices compared by city (2026)
There is no national filming permit in Germany. Every city decides who issues it, what it costs and how early you have to apply. We compared 30 cities from their official sources, with a link for every figure.
- cities compared
- 30
- with an online application
- 12
- linked official sources
- 111
Data as of 1 October 2026
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Who is responsible? Check a location
Paste coordinates, a Google Maps or Apple Maps link, or an address. You see which municipality is responsible, whether the spot lies in a protected area and who else you should ask.
Not legal advice – the responsible authority’s answer is binding. We show who is usually responsible, based on official geodata and OpenStreetMap.
The short version
- There is no single filming permit for Germany. Each city and each type of surface can have its own process, forms and deadlines.
- Most cities charge an administrative fee for processing. Some add a special-use fee per day or per square metre; several waive it for film shoots.
- Public streets, parks, no-parking zones, drones, public transport, stations and municipal buildings are separate checks with separate offices.
- A private location's permission does not replace public permission once sidewalk, road, parking, facade, neighbours or drones are involved.
Protected areas and land: what they mean for your shoot
Whether you need a permit depends not only on the city but also on what the land is and how it is protected. An overview of what usually applies.
- National park (Nationalpark)
- The strictest category for large natural areas. Leaving the paths, setting up equipment and flying drones are usually prohibited. Shoots need a permit from the national park administration.
- Nature reserve (Naturschutzgebiet)
- Strictly protected: the reserve’s ordinance usually prohibits leaving the paths, setting up equipment, noise and drones. Exceptions or exemptions are usually granted by the lower nature conservation authority of the district or district-free city.
- Biosphere reserve (Biosphärenreservat)
- Divided into zones: the core zone is strictly protected like a nature reserve, the buffer zone has restrictions, and the transition zone usually allows normal use.
- Landscape protection area (Landschaftsschutzgebiet)
- Protects the character and look of a landscape. Filming and photography are usually allowed; larger set-ups, vehicles off the paths or interference with nature can need permission from the lower nature conservation authority.
- Habitats Directive site (FFH-Gebiet, Natura 2000)
- A European protected area for habitats and species under the Habitats Directive. A small shoot is usually unproblematic. If it could significantly harm protected species or habitats, the nature conservation authority assesses it.
- Bird protection area (Vogelschutzgebiet, Natura 2000)
- A European protected area for wild birds. Drones, noise and light can be a problem, especially in the breeding season; if in doubt, ask the nature conservation authority.
- Forest
- Anyone may enter a forest for recreation. Commercial shoots, especially with set-ups or vehicles, usually need the forest owner’s consent; in state forests, that of the state forestry enterprise.
- Water
- For shots at or on the water, with boats or set-ups on the bank, the lower water authority is often responsible; on federal waterways, the Waterways and Shipping Office.
- Railway land
- Tracks and railway facilities must not be entered. Only the operator grants filming permits; for Deutsche Bahn, DB InfraGO.
- Streets and squares
- The municipality grants public streets, pavements and squares as special use. No-parking zones and traffic measures are ordered by the road traffic authority.
Filming permits in 30 German cities
Responsible office, fees, lead time and online application for filming on public ground. Sort by column or filter by state. Every row links to its official source.
30 of 30 cities
| Responsible office | Special-use fee | Online application | Film commission | Sources | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BerlinBerlin | Bezirksämter – Straßen- und Grünflächenamt (je nach Bezirk Ordnungsamt/Straßenverkehrsbehörde)Straßensondernutzung für Filmaufnahmen (Sondernutzungserlaubnis nach § 11 BerlStrG) | €60–1,500 for issuing the special-use permit per filming area (VGebO tariff 6917). | €65 special-use fee per day and per filming/base location (SNGebV tariff 1.5.3).Traffic orders via the Central Road Traffic Authority: per BBFC a basic fee of €10.20–767. | Mitte district: processing approx. 10–14 working days; BBFC: at least 2 weeks, ideally 3+ weeks ahead. | No | Berlin Brandenburg Film Commission (Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg) |
Informal application to the district office of the location; Mitte by e-mail. Service portal states approx. one month processing. |
| BielefeldNorth Rhine-Westphalia | Stadt Bielefeld, Amt für Verkehr, Team StraßenrechtSondernutzungserlaubnis für sonstige Nutzungszwecke (öffentliche Verkehrsfläche) | Administrative fee EUR 12 or EUR 20 for the special-use permit (other purposes). | Special-use fee under bylaw VI/10; the tariff lists no film category.Derived from the general special-use fee schedule | Special-use application at least 14 days before use starts. | YesApply online | Film Commission NRW (Film- und Medienstiftung NRW) |
No dedicated city filming page found; online application via BundID. Contact: [email protected]. |
| BochumNorth Rhine-Westphalia | Stadt Bochum, Referat für politische Gremien, Bürgerbeteiligung und Kommunikation – Externe KommunikationDreherlaubnis (kostenlos); für Sperrungen/Sondernutzung gesonderte Genehmigung des Tiefbauamts | Filming permit free. Special-use admin fee is 15% of the use fee, min EUR 5.50, max EUR 2,811.60. | Tariff 50.4 (incl. film/photo shoots) per started day: EUR 13.50 (smallest) to EUR 569 (large-scale).No-parking zones requested separately from the civil engineering office; city buildings may cost extra by contract. | Closure and special-use applications to the civil engineering office at least 14 days ahead. | YesApply online | Film Commission NRW (Film- und Medienstiftung NRW) |
Filming permit by informal email to [email protected]. Drones, structures and closures not covered. |
| BonnNorth Rhine-Westphalia | Bundesstadt Bonn, Veranstaltungskoordination (Bürgerdienste)Einzelgenehmigungen (z. B. Sperrung, Halteverbot, Aufbauten, Nachtdreh); keine allgemeine Drehgenehmigung | Fees for the individual permits are set case by case by administrative effort; no amounts published. | Special-use tariff (from 28 Mar 2024) has no filming item; fees only for separately permitted special uses per tariff.Commercial shoots on green spaces (parks, forests, cemeteries) are always charged; cemeteries: flat fee per started hour or daily cap, extra services billed separately. | Questionnaire at least 10 working days before shooting; earlier for complex shoots. Notify residents by flyer at least 96 hours ahead. | YesApply online | Film Commission NRW (Film- und Medienstiftung NRW) |
No general filming permit; handheld-only street filming needs no permit. Interval closures max. 3 minutes; full closures only exceptionally. News shoots: press office. |
| BremenBremen | Amt für Straßen und Verkehr (ASV) BremenDrehgenehmigung / Sondernutzung nach § 18 BremLStrG; verkehrsrechtliche Anordnung (Halteverbot) nach § 45 StVO | Vehicle exemption permit for film/TV shoots: EUR 11.50 (1–2 days) to EUR 17 (3–14 days); pedestrian zone EUR 17–23. | No street film tariff: other special use EUR 30–1,500 by analogy. Parks: film/ad shoots EUR 250 (EUR 375 historic) per shooting day.Derived from the general special-use fee scheduleNo-parking signs are placed by licensed traffic-safety contractors at the production's cost after an order under § 45 StVO. | With large equipment or sidewalk closures, apply at least two weeks before the shoot as a rule. | YesApply online | nordmedia Film Commission Niedersachsen/Bremen |
No general permit needed if the shoot does not obstruct traffic and uses no structures. ASV contact: [email protected]. |
| CologneNorth Rhine-Westphalia | Stadt Köln – Film und Medien (Antrag wird dem zuständigen Amt zugewiesen)Drehgenehmigung | €10.20–767 for filming in public space; €767–2,301 for exceptionally complex shoots (GebOSt). | No special-use fee for filming stated; the special-use bylaw has no filming tariff item. | At least ten working days (Mon–Fri, excl. holidays) before shooting. | YesApply online | Film Commission NRW (Film- und Medienstiftung NRW) |
Public-space questions: Ordnungsamt. Cemeteries only for documentaries/news. Fee schedule for municipal sites in preparation. |
| DortmundNorth Rhine-Westphalia | Ordnungsamt – Sondernutzung und VeranstaltungsmanagementSondernutzungserlaubnis für die Inanspruchnahme öffentlicher Wegeflächen | No separate admin fee when a special-use fee is charged (§ 11(3) bylaw). | No filming item in the tariff; fee by analogous items, minimum one-off €30.68.Derived from the general special-use fee schedule | Filming: apply at least 2 months before the date. | YesApply online | Film Commission NRW (Film- und Medienstiftung NRW) |
Contact: [email protected]. The online form is the general special-use application (login required). |
| DresdenSaxony | Landeshauptstadt Dresden, Straßen- und Tiefbauamt, Abt. Straßenverkehr (Veranstaltungs-/Drehgenehmigung)Verkehrsrechtliche Anordnung nach § 45 StVO bzw. Ausnahme; Straßen-Sondernutzungserlaubnis nach Sondernutzungssatzung | Fee-based individual permits per location; the administrative fee amount is not published. | Per MDM, tariff no. 6 (events) applies: up to 100 m² EUR 50/day, 500 m² EUR 200, 1,000 m² EUR 400, +EUR 40 per extra 100 m².Derived from the general special-use fee scheduleA professional traffic-sign plan is usually required; notify residents of closures in time by notice or leaflet. | At least four weeks before the measure starts (no-parking: four weeks before signs go up) at the traffic authority. | No | MDM Film Commission Service Sachsen (Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung) |
No general permit. Apply by post, deadline mailbox or scanned email ([email protected]). Central inquiries: [email protected]. |
| DuisburgNorth Rhine-Westphalia | Stadt Duisburg, Amt für Kommunikation (Drehanfragen); Sondernutzung: Amt für Bodenordnung, Geomanagement und KatasterSondernutzungserlaubnis (Tarif 4: Foto- und Filmaufnahmen) plus verkehrsrechtliche Anordnung (Verkehrsmanagement) | Administrative fee EUR 140 for photo/film shoots (tariff 4); extension EUR 47. | Without road closure EUR 75/day; with closure EUR 150–450/day depending on zone.Traffic-sign plan required; Duisburg police must be informed of shoots affecting traffic. | Complete application at least three weeks before the shoot to special-use and traffic management. | YesApply online | Film Commission NRW (Film- und Medienstiftung NRW) |
No general permit; case-by-case review. Send to sondernutzung@ and [email protected], cc kommunikation@. |
| DüsseldorfNorth Rhine-Westphalia | Ordnungsamt – Sondernutzung, gewerberechtliche Angelegenheiten (Amt 32/3)Sondernutzungserlaubnis im öffentlichen Straßenraum (Film- und Fotoarbeiten) | Admin fee on top of the special-use fee; general tariff item 1 for permits €1.50–75 (no film-specific amount published). | Tariff no. 19 film/photo work per day: minor up to 50 m² €44.70–55.70, heavy 200+ m² €400–500 (zone 2/1).Tariff levels 19.2–19.4 include no-parking zones and closures. | For special uses with traffic impact at least 6 weeks ahead; written applications only. | No | Film Commission NRW (Film- und Medienstiftung NRW) |
Contact: [email protected]. Parks handled separately by the parks department. |
| ErfurtThuringia | Stadtverwaltung Erfurt, Versammlungs-, Veranstaltungs- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten (Sondernutzung im öffentlichen Verkehrsraum)Sondernutzungserlaubnis im öffentlichen Verkehrsraum | Under the administrative cost ordinance (general fee range EUR 5–50,000); no fixed amount for filming published. | No film tariff in the fee ordinance; minimum fee EUR 50.00 per assessment.Derived from the general special-use fee schedule | No official deadlines; MDM recommends presenting the project to the economic development office at least two weeks before shooting. | No | MDM Film Commission Service Thüringen (Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung) |
Per MDM, the economic development office is the first contact; per-location permits in traffic areas via the civil engineering and traffic office. Informal application. |
| EssenNorth Rhine-Westphalia | Amt für Straßen und Verkehr – Baustellenmanagement (Straßenverkehrsbehörde)Straßensperrungen für Film- und Fernsehaufnahmen (verkehrsrechtliche Anordnung nach § 45 StVO) | Fees “depending on type and scope”; no amounts stated. | Special-use bylaw has no filming item; fee by the closest tariff item.Derived from the general special-use fee schedule | At least 15 days before the measure, plus 4 days for no-parking zones. | No | Film Commission NRW (Film- und Medienstiftung NRW) |
No permit needed when only walking with a camera. Informal application to the traffic authority. |
| Frankfurt am MainHesse | Ordnungsamt – Service-Center Veranstaltungen (SCV)Allgemeine Drehgenehmigung (ggf. mit Verkehrsmaßnahmen/Sondernutzung) | General filming permit (max. 14 days, no set-ups/special use) €158; annual filming permit €308. With traffic measures from €158 depending on effort. | No film tariff; only for special use (e.g. set-ups) catch-all item 21: standard €25/€20 per m² per day (zone 1/2), range €10–1,000.No-parking zones/closures by order under § 45 StVO; signage is set up by the production or a contracted specialist firm (costs not stated). | General filming permit: 5 days' notice; with traffic measures/special use usually at least 14 days. | No | Film Commission Hessen (HessenFilm und Medien) |
Apply informally by email to [email protected] with dates and addresses. Parks: Grünflächenamt; port/weekly markets: HFM; schoolyards: Stadtschulamt. |
| HamburgHamburg | Bezirksämter – Fachamt Management des öffentlichen Raumes (z. B. Bezirksamt Hamburg-Mitte)Sondernutzungserlaubnis (Drehgenehmigung) nach § 19 Hamburgisches Wegegesetz | Film Commission: district special-use permits for filming are “usually free of charge”; otherwise an admin fee under WegBenGebO applies. | Film Commission: special-use permits for filming are “usually free of charge”; otherwise WegBenGebO applies.Traffic orders (no-parking zones, closures) issued via police stations are subject to fees. | At least 2 weeks ahead (Film Commission); Mitte district recommends 4–6 weeks. | YesApply online | Film Commission Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein (MOIN Filmförderung) |
Film Commission's unified location form. The online service is the general special-use application. |
| HanoverLower Saxony | Landeshauptstadt Hannover, Fachbereich Sport, Bäder und Eventmanagement (Veranstaltungsservice)Drehgenehmigung für den öffentlichen Straßenraum nach §§ 45, 46 StVO; Sondernutzungserlaubnis | Administrative fee for the permit between EUR 35 and EUR 500, depending on workload. | Special-use fees under the city's special-use fee bylaw; no dedicated film tariff listed.Derived from the general special-use fee scheduleTraffic signs at cost from the civil engineering department (tel. 0511 168-47651) or a traffic-safety contractor. | Application deadline six weeks before the shoot. | YesApply online | nordmedia Film Commission Niedersachsen/Bremen |
No written permit without traffic obstruction or structures. Contact: [email protected]. |
| KarlsruheBaden-Württemberg | Stadt Karlsruhe, Ordnungs- und Bürgeramt – StraßenverkehrsstelleDrehgenehmigung; Sondernutzungserlaubnis bei Aufbauten, Fahrzeugen oder Parkraumreservierung | Plus admin fee based on effort; small shoots without setups are often confirmed informally by email. | Written special-use permit usually EUR 30 per day. | Not published | No | Film Commission Baden-Baden/Karlsruhe (MFG-Partner) | Send requests to [email protected], which decides if a formal special-use permit is needed. Drones too. |
| KielSchleswig-Holstein | Landeshauptstadt Kiel, Bürger- und Ordnungsamt – VerkehrsabteilungDrehgenehmigung je Drehort (Sondernutzungserlaubnis / straßenverkehrsrechtliche Erlaubnis) | Admin fee schedule item 35.2: special-use permit for public traffic areas EUR 15–150. | Tariff 4.1 (incl. filming): zone 1 EUR 0.20, zones 2/3 EUR 0.10 per m²/day; >1,000 m² 0.04/0.02; min EUR 25.Traffic order (no-parking, lane restriction): EUR 10.20–767 under GebOSt no. 261, apply 14 days ahead; a security deposit under tariff 4.2 may apply. | Per MOIN film fund, apply at least 2 weeks in advance. | YesApply online | MOIN Filmförderung Hamburg Schleswig-Holstein – Film Commission |
No blanket permit in Schleswig-Holstein; one permit per location. Contact: [email protected]. |
| LeipzigSaxony | Ordnungsamt – Versammlungs- und VeranstaltungsbehördeSondernutzungserlaubnis für Dreharbeiten (plus Anordnung nach § 45 / Ausnahme nach § 46 StVO) | No amounts stated for traffic orders. | Fee-free under § 7(3)(k) of the special-use bylaw; advertising/promotional productions excluded.Traffic plan by an authorised traffic-safety firm required; closures decided by committee on Thursdays. | At least 14 working days before shooting; parks at least 20 working days. | No | MDM Film Commission (Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung) | No permit: handheld without tripod, max. 5 people. Informal applications to [email protected]. |
| MagdeburgSaxony-Anhalt | Landeshauptstadt Magdeburg, Team Presse und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit (Ansprechpartner Dreharbeiten)Sondernutzungserlaubnis (keine generelle Drehgenehmigung in Sachsen-Anhalt) | Not published | No film tariff; tariff 20 'other special uses' EUR 28.00–5,624.21; minimum EUR 28 per special use.Derived from the general special-use fee schedule | Contact the press office at least two weeks before shooting (MDM); written special-use application at least 14 days ahead (§ 7 special-use bylaw). | No | MDM Film Commission Service Sachsen-Anhalt (Mitteldeutsche Medienförderung) |
Per the MDM location guide, the city press office is the contact for filming. |
| MainzRhineland-Palatinate | Stadtverwaltung Mainz, Hauptamt – Abteilung Presse und KommunikationDrehgenehmigung (Koordination durch Pressestelle); ggf. Sondernutzungserlaubnis | Admin fee for granting/refusing a special-use permit EUR 15–500 per ordinance. | No dedicated film tariff in the ordinance; amount depends on type, duration and area.Derived from the general special-use fee scheduleUsing short-term parking spaces incurs lost parking fees; partial days count as full days. | Submit the application form at least two weeks before the shoot if possible. | No | Media Commission Rheinland-Pfalz (Film- und Medienforum RLP) |
Email the PDF form to [email protected]; the press office coordinates with departments. Drones need separate permits. |
| MannheimBaden-Württemberg | Stadt Mannheim, Fachbereich Sicherheit und OrdnungDrehgenehmigung (schriftlicher Antrag beim Fachbereich Sicherheit und Ordnung) | Admin fee per Mannheim's admin fee ordinance; application is chargeable, amount not published. | No film tariff; no. 12 'other special uses' EUR 0.12–2,915.25 per day, minimum EUR 6.21.Derived from the general special-use fee schedule | Submit the written application usually 2–4 weeks before filming. | No | Film Commission Nordbaden – Mannheim |
Apply to [email protected] with site plan, closures/no-parking needs and shoot details. A prior consultation is recommended. |
| MunichBavaria | Mobilitätsreferat, Verkehrs- und Bezirksmanagement – Servicebüro Film, Veranstaltungen (MOR-GB2.36)Drehgenehmigung auf öffentlichem Verkehrsgrund (Sondernutzungserlaubnis) | Low effort €30/day; otherwise first day €64–87 without, €127–173 with traffic impact, by zone. | €54.90 (low effort), €191.50 without, €210.70–352.40 with closures; special cases up to €676.50.No-parking zones €32–151 by zone/duration; setups €1.50/m²/day (+50% centre); date change €25. | 10 working days before shooting; 5 for low effort, 15 for street closures. | No | Film Commission Bayern (FFF Bayern) |
No permit for max. 5 people, handheld/one tripod, no hazards. Apply by e-mail to [email protected]. |
| MünsterNorth Rhine-Westphalia | Filmservice Münster.Land, Amt für Kommunikation der Stadt Münster (Schnittstelle zu Ordnungsamt u. a.)Sondernutzungserlaubnis nach Sondernutzungssatzung; Ausnahmegenehmigungen über das Ordnungsamt | Administrative fee additionally under Münster's admin fee bylaw; amount not published. | No film tariff; tariff 13 (other uses) per m² per day set individually, minimum EUR 18.Derived from the general special-use fee schedule | Special-use applications at least four weeks before the intended use. | Not published | Filmservice Münster.Land (Stadt Münster) |
Film service coordinates requests for city-owned spaces. Cultural and similar purposes are fee-exempt (§ 8a bylaw). |
| NurembergBavaria | Servicebetrieb Öffentlicher Raum (SÖR), StraßenverkehrsbehördeDrehgenehmigung (Erlaubnis nach § 29 Abs. 2 StVO); ggf. Ausnahmegenehmigung § 46 StVO und Sondernutzungserlaubnis | Permit fee under GebOSt EUR 10.20–2,301; StVO exemption permits (§ 46) additionally EUR 10.20–776. | Special-use fee may apply under the city bylaw, assessed case by case by scope.Production pays for signs, closures and detours; liability insurance from EUR 500,000 for personal injury required. | At least four weeks / 20 working days before the shoot. | YesApply online | Film Commission Bayern (FFF Bayern) |
Handheld/tripod without traffic impact needs no permit. Online application only. Pedestrian zones/parks: property office. |
| PotsdamBrandenburg | Landeshauptstadt Potsdam, Arbeitsgruppe Untere StraßenverkehrsbehördeDreherlaubnis für Film- und Fernsehaufnahmen (Straßensondernutzung, ggf. verkehrsrechtliche Anordnung) | Admin fee based on actual effort under the road-traffic fee schedule; no amount published. | Tariff no. 11: street use for filming EUR 65 per location per day, same in all three zones.The production puts up no-parking zones incl. extra signs at least 96 h ahead; a digital traffic-sign plan is mandatory; notify residents at least 3 days ahead. | Per Berlin Brandenburg Film Commission, apply at least 14 days before the shoot (Brandenburg). | No | Berlin Brandenburg Film Commission (Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg) |
The lower road traffic authority issues filming permits. Use fee from the special-use ordinance of 20 May 2016. |
| SaarbrückenSaarland | Landeshauptstadt Saarbrücken, Presse und Online (Lotse für Filmteams); Ordnungsamt – Straßenverkehrsstelle (Sondernutzung)Drehgenehmigung; Sondernutzungserlaubnis / Ausnahmegenehmigung | Not published | The special-use ordinance of 21 July 2015 contains no tariff for filming. | Not published | Not published | Saarland Film Commission (Filmförderung Saarland, Staatskanzlei; operativ Dock11) | The city press office helps film teams with permits, locations and contacts ([email protected]). |
| SchwerinMecklenburg-Western Pomerania | Landeshauptstadt Schwerin – Sondernutzungen / verkehrsbehördliche GenehmigungenDrehgenehmigung für öffentliche Flächen (Sondernutzungserlaubnis) | Section 19 of the ordinance: EUR 30 without, EUR 50 with site inspection; extension EUR 15. | No film tariff; catch-all no. 7 for other use EUR 1.50 per m²/day.Derived from the general special-use fee scheduleTariff 6.2: parking spaces beyond normal use EUR 5.00 (zone 1) or 2.50 (zone 2) per space/day. | Written special-use application, as a rule at least 14 days before the use starts (§ 5(1) street and green-space bylaw). | YesApply online | MV Filmförderung GmbH – Film Commission |
No blanket filming permit in MV. Authority depends on site and type; site plan, signage plan and liability proof may be needed. |
| StuttgartBaden-Württemberg | Amt für öffentliche Ordnung – Bürgerservice VeranstaltungenFilm- und Drehgenehmigung für öffentliche Verkehrsflächen | Admin fee by effort €50–750; date change €11; traffic-sign plan €12.80 per quarter hour. | No special-use fees are charged for filming in Stuttgart.No-parking signs must be up at least 72 hours before shooting; residents informed 5 days ahead. | Apply at least 14 days before shooting. | No | Film Commission Region Stuttgart (WRS) |
No permit for handheld/tripod without obstruction. The Film Commission-hosted version (04/2025) states a €50–80 admin fee. |
| WiesbadenHesse | Landeshauptstadt Wiesbaden, Pressereferat (Drehgenehmigung); Straßenverkehrsbehörde (Sperrungen/Halteverbote)Drehgenehmigung; zusätzlich Sondernutzungserlaubnis bzw. verkehrsrechtliche Erlaubnis | Section 13 of the ordinance: admin fee EUR 25–150 depending on effort, for grant or refusal. | No film tariff; catch-all no. 31 for other commercial special uses EUR 5–1,000 per day.Derived from the general special-use fee scheduleTraffic permit (closures, no-parking, pedestrian zone) is separate and charged; the city may claim cost recovery. | Apply at least two weeks before the shoot; notify residents in writing one week ahead. | No | Film Commission Hessen (HessenFilm und Medien) |
Apply informally by email to [email protected]. Parks, cemeteries, forests and protected areas take longer. |
| WuppertalNorth Rhine-Westphalia | Stadt Wuppertal, Verkehrslenkung (104.11); Lotsen: Wuppertal Marketing GmbHDrehgenehmigung mit verkehrsrechtlicher Anordnung; sonst Sondernutzungserlaubnis | Traffic order €50 each (residential streets) or €300 (main roads); surcharge if applying less than 4 weeks ahead. | According to the city, no special levies are charged for filming permits.Site visit, meeting, plan drafting: €51 per started hour per person; for major effort (detours, traffic-light changes, WSW) a €300–500 surcharge. | Apply at least four weeks before shooting; later applications incur a surcharge. | Not published | Film Commission NRW (Film- und Medienstiftung NRW) |
The traffic management office (104.11) issues the filming permit and traffic order on the production's application; the press office brokers contacts. |
“Not published” means we found no figure on an official source. We do not estimate: ask the office directly.
How to get a filming permit in Germany
Do not start with the form. Start with the surface question: who controls the place and what does your shoot change there?
- 01
Clarify the surface
A handheld camera on private ground is different from lighting stands on a sidewalk, a car rig, a drone over a park or a generator on a residential street. Write down exactly where crew, equipment and vehicles will stand.
- 02
Check in a fixed order
Private permission, public ground, traffic, parks, buildings, public transport or rail, drones, police or fire brigade, noise, night work and personality rights. Many shoots need more than one approval.
- 03
Find the responsible office
The table names the office and the film commission for each city. Film commissions advise and connect you; the permit itself usually comes from the public-order, road or traffic authority or the district office.
- 04
Prepare a complete application
Production, contact, insurance, exact address with site plan, date and times including set-up and wrap, crew size, equipment, vehicles and traffic needs. Our application template covers every point.
- 05
Name special cases up front
Drones, night work, rain machines, fire, prop weapons, stunts, animals, music playback, large background casts and no-parking zones are separate checks. If you only mention them after the first approval, you lose time.
- 06
Inform residents
Post a notice in the affected buildings a few days before the shoot, with times, what to expect and an on-site contact. Our resident notice template is ready to print.
Free templates for your permit application
Three fillable PDF forms: filming permit application, resident notice and location data sheet. Fill them in on screen or print them, free and without sign-up.
Filming permit application
Fillable PDF · A4
Fillable application form for a special-use permit: applicant, location, times, crew, vehicles and no-parking zones, power, insurance and an attachments checklist.
Resident notice for filming
Fillable PDF · A4
One-page notice for front doors and stairwells: what happens when and where, which disruptions to expect and who residents can call.
Location data sheet & recce checklist
Fillable PDF · A4
Data sheet for the location recce: owner and contact, access, rooms and dimensions, power, parking, noise, conditions and a photo checklist.
How we collected the data
We compared all state capitals, Germany’s largest cities and important film locations: 30 cities in total. We looked at filming on public ground, not private locations.
We used official sources only: city websites, fee schedules and special-use bylaws, film commissions and state film funds. Every row links to its sources with the date we accessed them.
Administrative fees are charged for processing an application, special-use fees for using public ground. Where a city has no film-specific rate, we cite its general special-use fee schedule and mark the row accordingly.
If a city does not publish a figure, the table says “Not published”. We do not estimate.
Fees and procedures change. We check the data regularly; the date at the top of the table applies. Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].
Planning guidance, not legal advice. The responsible office’s information and current fee schedules are authoritative.
Want to use the data? Please do, with a source link
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Source: SetScout: <a href="https://www.setscoutapp.com/en/filming-permits-germany">Filming permits in Germany: city comparison 2026</a>Text citation
Source: SetScout, “Filming permits in Germany: fees, lead times & offices compared by city (2026)”, https://www.setscoutapp.com/en/filming-permits-germany (data as of 1 October 2026).Detailed guides for individual cities
For the most important film cities we explain permit routes, special locations and typical looks in more detail.
- Filming permit Berlin
- Filming permit Munich
- Filming permit Hamburg
- Filming permit Frankfurt am Main
- Filming permit Düsseldorf
- Drone filming permits in Germany
- Filming locations in Berlin
- Filming locations in Hamburg
- Filming locations in Munich
- Filming locations in Cologne
- Filming locations in Frankfurt am Main
- Filming locations in Stuttgart
Frequently asked questions about filming permits in Germany
Is there a national filming permit in Germany?
No. Responsibility and process depend on the city, the surface, the owner, the traffic impact and the type of shoot. Start with the city’s office or film commission listed in the table and check special locations separately.
How much does a filming permit cost in Germany?
It depends on the city. Usually there is an administrative fee for processing, sometimes a special-use fee per day or per square metre on top; several cities waive the latter for film shoots. No-parking signs, traffic measures and police support are often charged separately. The table lists the published amounts for each city with its source.
How early should I apply for a filming permit?
As early as possible. Many cities name a minimum lead time of several working days; the table shows the published figure for each city. Traffic measures, drones, large crews, parks or several offices usually need more time than a simple request.
Do small crews need a permit?
It depends on city and surface. Some cities distinguish by footprint, common use, equipment, traffic impact and commercial use. Check the official page before you plan around an exception.
Who issues the permit: the film commission or the city?
Film commissions advise, find locations and connect you with the right offices. The permit for public ground is usually issued by the city: the public-order office, the road or traffic authority or the district office.
Is permission for a private location enough?
Only for the private area and only within the permission granted. As soon as sidewalk, road, parking, drone, neighbouring land, a public facade or special use is involved, you need additional approvals.
May I use the data from this comparison?
Yes. The table and the CSV are licensed under CC BY 4.0. Please credit SetScout as the source with a link to this page; you can copy a ready-made snippet in the “Use the data” section.
How do I find out who is responsible for a filming location?
Paste coordinates, a Google Maps or Apple Maps link or an address into our “Who is responsible?” tool at the top of this page. It shows the responsible municipality or district, protected areas and land use at the point, and which other bodies you should usually ask. The responsible authority’s answer is always binding.
Can you film in a nature reserve in Germany?
Only to a limited extent. The reserve’s ordinance usually prohibits leaving the paths, setting up equipment and flying drones. For a shoot you usually need an exception or exemption from the lower nature conservation authority of the district or district-free city.
Do I need a permit to film in a landscape protection area?
Usually not for filming itself. Permission can become necessary if you put up structures, drive vehicles off the paths or interfere with nature. The area’s ordinance sets out the details.
How do I find out who owns a piece of land?
Owners are not public in Germany; only someone who proves a legitimate interest may inspect the land register. Ask the municipality: it can pass your enquiry on to the owners. Our tool drafts that enquiry for you.
Fewer permits, more control: shoot on private locations
On SetScout you find bookable private locations, from apartments to factory halls. That keeps your shoot off public ground and makes permits simpler.