In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong, he/she requires a visa/entry permit to work in Hong Kong. Whether employment visas are required for location shooting depends mainly on the nature of activities in Hong Kong. Please check with the Immigration Department for further information:
Tel: (852) 2824 6111 (24-hour enquiry hotline)
Fax: (852) 2877 7711
Email: enquiry@immd.gov.hk

The normal processing time for working visa/entry permit applications is four weeks. A visa/entry permit label will be issued upon successful application. The visa/entry permit label should be affixed onto a blank visa page of the applicant's travel document for presentation to an immigration officer upon arrival in Hong Kong. In case the applicant’s Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) bearing the relevant exit endorsement is an electronic EEP, it should be presented together with the entry permit label issued to him/her for immigration arrival clearance. For further information, please visit the following links:

Overseas, Taiwan and Macao residents:
www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/GEP.html or
www.fso-createhk.gov.hk/permits_forms/en/ImmD_WorkP_Eng.pdf

Mainland residents:
www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/ASMTP.html or
www.fso-createhk.gov.hk/permits_forms/en/ImmD_WorkPMainland_Eng.pdf

Upon arrival clearance, visitors to Hong Kong will be issued with landing slips bearing their conditions and limit of stay in Hong Kong.

Film crews entering Hong Kong are not subject to duties on the importation of equipment. If your equipment is covered by ATA Carnets, approach the Customs Duty Officer upon arrival at Hong Kong, and prior to departure, for endorsement. For further information, please check with the Customs and Excise Department at
Tel: (852) 2815 7711 (24-hour enquiry hotline)
Fax: (852) 2542 3334
Email: customsenquiry@customs.gov.hk
Website: www.customs.gov.hk/en/home/index.html

For information about ATA Carnets, please email Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce at chamber@chamber.org.hk.

Baggage and equipment are subject to security check or examination like those of any other passengers. The X-ray screening system used in Hong Kong is film-safe. In case of doubt, check with the check-in counter staff of your airline.

No permit is required for filming in public areas on a non-exclusive use basis. Film crews are encouraged to notify the police of your intention to carry out filming in public areas, to ensure that the filming activities can proceed unimpeded. For notification, please send the completed notification form (available for download at www.fso-createhk.gov.hk/location_forms/HKPF_Notify_Eng.pdf to the Police Public Relation Branch (PPRB). No fees will be charged for your notification.

For enquiries, please contact PPRB at
Tel: (852) 2860 6186
Fax: (852) 2200 4303
Email: ip-sip-co-ordination-pprb@police.gov.hk

Filming on privately or publicly owned venues requires permission from owners. Normally it takes 7 - 10 working days to process the applications. Rental/ processing fees, deposits and third party liability insurance cover may be needed.

A local agent can help you find locations and make arrangement for transport, accommodation, facilities, crews and talents. Information about Hong Kong production services companies can be found on the production directory of our website.

Rates for Hong Kong crews depend on the requirements of the production. You may get some idea from the figures below.

Average Daily Wages for a Medium-scale Feature Film
       (For reference only)
       (on the basis of a 10 - 12 hour day)

Cameraman: US$1,000 Camera Assistant: US$400 Key Grip: US$400 Grip: US$250 Gaffer: US$400 Electrician: US$250 Soundman: US$400 Production Manager: US$500 Production Assistant: US$200

Don't forget to visit our website! Our Location Library features over 1,500 filming locations, with photos and application procedures. There are also application forms for filming on Government premises , special permits for filming and other useful information. These help you plan your filming in Hong Kong anytime anywhere you like.