Filming in Turkey: A Complete Guide to Incentives, Permits & Production Support

Film Rebate Overview

Turkey presents an exciting opportunity for international filmmakers with its well-structured film incentive program. Designed to attract global film and television productions, this initiative offers significant financial rebates, ensuring cost-efficiency without compromising on quality. Atlas Film Fixers is here to provide expert guidance throughout the application process, ensuring full compliance with Turkish regulations and maximizing your benefits.

Key Details of Turkey’s Film Incentive Program

The incentive program is centered around Total Production Expenditure (TPE), encompassing all local spending on Turkish goods, services, and labor. To qualify, productions must meet specific financial and operational criteria, fostering substantial local economic contributions.

Rebate Scale

The rebate scale is designed to support a variety of productions, with the following key thresholds:

• Minimum TPE: EUR 500,000 for films, series, and commercials.
• Rebate Cap: EUR 1 million per project, ensuring substantial financial support for large-scale productions.

Essential Requirements

To access the rebate, productions must adhere to several essential requirements:

• Local Registration: Productions must collaborate with a licensed Turkish production company, ensuring local industry participation.
• International Distribution: Projects must have a distribution plan targeting audiences beyond Turkey, promoting Turkish culture globally.
• Local Talent Engagement: Engaging a Turkish line producer or coordinator is mandatory, ensuring local expertise is integrated into the production.
• Insurance & Levy: Public liability insurance is required, and all crew payments are subject to local employment levies, maintaining compliance with labor laws.
• Funding Transfer: Production funds must be transferred to Turkey before filming begins, reinforcing financial commitment to the local economy.
• Regular Reporting: Productions must update costs and details bi-weekly, ensuring transparency and continuous compliance.
• Audited Accounts: After production completion, TPE audited accounts must be submitted, validating the financial aspects of the project.
• Final Submission: The final rebate application must be submitted by a licensed Turkish professional, ensuring adherence to local regulations.
• Acknowledgment: Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism must be credited in the final production, recognizing the support provided.

Application and Payout Timeline

The application process is streamlined to ensure efficient handling and timely approvals:

• Application: Productions must seek initial approval from Turkey’s Ministry of Culture, with the review process typically taking 3–6 weeks. This step involves submitting a detailed project plan and budget.
• Payout: Rebates are issued 6–9 months after the completion of audits, with a cap of EUR 500,000 per eligible cost submission. This timeline ensures that productions receive their rebates promptly, aiding in the financial management of the project.

Eligible Costs

The rebate program covers a wide range of production-related expenses. These must be paid through a Turkish production bank account to registered Turkish companies or individuals for goods and services. Eligible costs include:

• Crew Salaries: Payments to local crew members engaged through Turkish channels.
• Location Fees: Costs associated with filming at various locations across Turkey.
• Equipment Rentals: Expenses for renting production equipment from local suppliers.
• Post-Production Services: Costs incurred for editing, VFX, and other post-production activities completed within Turkey for more information on Turkey, read here.

Country Overview

Local Language

The official language is Turkish, but several minority languages are spoken, including Kurdish (Kurmanji), Zazaki, and Arabic. English is widely understood in major cities and tourist destinations like Istanbul, where locals are often willing to assist with directions and general inquiries, making communication easier for international film crews.

Currency

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY).

Best Time to Film

Turkey experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. Summers can be scorching, while winters may occasionally bring snow. The ideal time for filming, to avoid extreme weather, is during April-May and September-October, when the weather is pleasant.

Visa Requirements

e-Visa Application: Complete an online application, with payment made via credit or debit card. Approved e-Visas are sent by email.

Required Documents:

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Passport-sized photograph
• Each crew member’s biopage
• Flight details and hotel booking confirmation
• Medical certificate (including a Yellow Fever card if applicable)

Processing Time: 

Most applications are processed within 1 day.

Cost: 

The e-Visa is free of charge.

Application Link: 

visa.org.tr

International Crew Accreditation

General Requirements: No formal crew accreditation is needed & documentation Required: A film permit and insurance are mandatory for all productions.

Film Permits

Issuing Authority: Film permits are issued by the City Municipality of Culture and Tourism, Police, or Prefecture, depending on the location. Specialized permits for restricted locations, such as museums, are issued by the relevant ministry.

Processing Time:

General film permits take up to 5 working days. The entire process, including security clearances, may take up to 10 working days.

Required Documents:

• A detailed shooting synopsis
• Crew identification cards
• Passport and biopage copies
• A detailed equipment list (with serial numbers)
• Filming locations
• Estimated budget for the project

Cost: 

The cost of film permits varies by location.

Filming on Private Locations

A local fixer will negotiate the filming arrangement with private property owners. Costs vary depending on the location and the scope of the project. The cost is determined by negotiation with the property owner, facilitated by the local fixer.

Drone Permits

Drone Regulations:

Approval is required for all commercial drone flights. Drones must not exceed a flying altitude of 120 meters and must weigh under 4 kilograms for personal use.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Foreign nationals cannot register drones in Turkey. Drones are subject to seizure unless technical clearance is obtained from the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Issuing Authority: 

Permits are issued by the Turkey Civil Aviation Authority.

Required Documents for Drone Use:

Detailed qualifications of the local drone operator & a license from the Turkey Civil Aviation Authority

Processing Time: 

Minimum of 15 working days.

Cost: 

Costs vary based on the city and the area where the drone will be operated.

Equipment Customs Clearance

ATA Carnet: 

Turkey is a participant in the ATA Carnet system, allowing for the temporary import of filming equipment.

Issuing Authority: 

The Turkey Airport Customs Department manages equipment customs clearance.

Processing Time: 

Approximately 10 working days.

Cost: 

The cost is calculated based on the market value of the equipment.

Safety & Security

General Safety: 

Turkey has a well-developed infrastructure, but it is essential to remain aware of your surroundings and stay updated with local media reports. Follow the advice of local authorities, especially in sensitive border areas.

Security Requirements:

• Private security officers are recommended to safeguard filming equipment and crew members.
• A medic should be available on set to assist with any medical emergencies.

Partner with Atlas Film Fixers

Atlas Film Fixers provides expert guidance and comprehensive logistical support to ensure your production fully leverages Turkey’s film incentive program. Our team assists in every step, from securing permits and engaging local talent to managing compliance with Turkish regulations.

By partnering with Atlas Film Fixers, filmmakers can focus on their creative vision while we handle the complexities of the rebate application and production logistics. With our expertise, your production can efficiently navigate the incentive system, ensuring a smooth and successful filmmaking experience in Turkey.

Turkey’s film incentive program, combined with its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and advanced production facilities, makes it an ideal choice for international filmmakers.

For expert guidance and seamless logistics, contact Atlas Film Fixers to ensure your production benefits from the unique offerings of this spectacular location while adhering to local regulations and maximizing efficiency. Visit our LinkedIn page to keep up to date with everything we do.