JOURNAL · 04/05/2026
Film Permits and Regulations in Vietnam: Da Nang Guide
When a shoot in Vietnam needs only a notice to the local People's Committee, when it needs its own licence (foreign crews, drones), and how CINEFY helps in Da Nang.
Do You Need a Filming Permit in Vietnam?
Not always. According to the Vietnamese Government news portal, film production is no longer a conditional business line, so a domestic crew filming in a public place does not need a separate “filming permit”; it must notify the local People’s Committee and follow security and public order rules. Two cases do need their own licence: foreign productions (issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism through the Cinema Department, 20 working days) and drone filming (a flight permit from the Ministry of National Defence under Decree 288/2025/ND-CP).
Below is how CINEFY sorts each case before a shoot in Da Nang, with sources so you can check for yourself (checked 2 October 2026).
Types of Filming That Require Permits
- TVC commercials filmed in public locations
- Feature films and short films with professional crews
- Documentaries featuring government buildings, military areas, or cultural sites
- Music videos shot in public streets, beaches, or parks
- Drone filming (separate flight permit from the Ministry of National Defence)
- Foreign productions filming in Vietnam (licence from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)
Filming That Typically Does NOT Require Permits
- Studio shoots in private facilities like CINEFY Studio
- Small-scale social media content (1-2 person crew, no blocking traffic)
- Private event coverage on private property
- Product photography in controlled environments
How to Get a Filming Permit in Da Nang
Step 1: Work Out Which Case Your Shoot Is
A studio or private property only needs an agreement with the owner. A domestic crew in a public place goes on to step 2. Foreign productions add step 3, drone shots add step 4. Have the schedule, exact locations, crew list and equipment list ready, because every step asks for them.
Step 2: Notify the Ward and Get Location Consent
Send a notice to the ward or commune People’s Committee where you shoot, with the schedule, locations and crew size. For parks, beaches, heritage sites or buildings, also get written consent from whoever manages the location. Timing varies by place; CINEFY confirms it within 24 hours once your schedule is set.
Step 3: Foreign Productions Apply to the Ministry
The licence to provide filming services using locations in Vietnam is issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism through the Cinema Department, within 20 working days of a complete application (Thu Vien Phap Luat). The application is filed by the Vietnamese film company providing services to the production.
Step 4: Drones and Police Coordination
Drone shots need a flight permit from the Ministry of National Defence under Decree 288/2025/ND-CP (see below). For shoots requiring road closures or traffic management, coordinate separately with the local police station (Công an phường).
Drone Filming Regulations in Vietnam
Drone operations in Vietnam are heavily regulated. Key requirements:
- Flight permit: since 5 November 2025 issued by the Ministry of National Defence under Decree 288/2025/ND-CP (LuatVietnam); recreational drones under 0.25 kg flown outside restricted and no-fly zones are exempt but must still notify the local military and police
- No-fly and restricted zones: military areas, the zones around airports and government buildings; check the exact spot before planning a flight
- Insurance: Third-party liability insurance recommended
CINEFY helps prepare the flight permit paperwork alongside the shooting schedule for aerial scenes in Da Nang. Check our equipment rental page for drone camera options.
Costs for Filming Permits in Da Nang
There is no fixed fee list in this guide: fees depend on whoever manages each location, and CINEFY quotes them per location within 24 hours. The table sums up who issues what and how long it takes, based on the sources cited above.
| Case | Procedure, authority | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Studio, private property | Agreement with the location owner | As booked |
| Public place, domestic crew | Notice to the ward People’s Committee + consent of the location manager | Varies by place |
| Foreign production | Licence from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (Cinema Department) | 20 working days from a complete application |
| Drone | Flight permit from the Ministry of National Defence (Decree 288/2025/ND-CP); under 0.25 kg recreational outside no-fly zones: exempt, notification required | Per flight application |
| Road closure, traffic control | Coordinate with the local ward police | Varies by place |
Tips for a Smooth Permit Process
Start early: Begin the permit process at least 3 weeks before your shoot date. International productions should start 6-8 weeks ahead.
Use a local fixer: A Vietnamese production company like CINEFY can handle all permit applications, liaising with authorities in Vietnamese and navigating the bureaucracy efficiently.
Have backup locations: Always scout 2-3 alternative locations in case a permit is delayed or denied for your primary choice.
Shoot in a studio: For controlled environments, CINEFY’s 360m² studio requires no permits and is available for immediate booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a filming permit in Da Nang?
A domestic crew in a public place only needs to notify the local People’s Committee and get consent from the location manager; timing varies by place. A licence for a foreign production is issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism within 20 working days of a complete application. Drones need a flight permit from the Ministry of National Defence. We recommend starting at least 3 weeks before your shoot date.
Can foreigners film in Vietnam without a permit?
Small-scale personal filming (travel videos, vlogging) generally doesn’t need a permit. A foreign production filming locations in Vietnam needs a filming services licence from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, filed by a Vietnamese film company.
What happens if you film without a permit in Vietnam?
Penalties depend on the specific breach and location under current administrative sanction rules, so this guide does not quote figures. The safest route is to work out which case your shoot falls under using the four steps above before you roll camera.
Does filming inside CINEFY Studio require a permit?
No. Filming inside private studio facilities like CINEFY does not require government permits. This is one of the key advantages of studio production: you can book and shoot the same week without waiting for permit approvals.
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