Permits and Incentives

The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority works with filmmakers, production companies and industry stakeholders to help navigate the practical aspects of filming within the province.


Whether you're planning a commercial shoot, documentary, television production, feature film or digital content project, understanding permit requirements, approval processes and available incentives early in the planning stage can help streamline production and support successful outcomes.

South African Film Production Incentives

South Africa offers a range of incentive programmes designed to support local content creation, attract investment, strengthen the film and television industry and contribute to economic growth.

Administered by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), these programmes support both local and international productions while encouraging skills development, job creation and industry growth.

Available programmes include:

  • Foreign Film and Television Production and Post-Production Incentive
  • South African Film and Television Production and Co-Production Incentive
  • South African Film and Television Production Incentive
  • South African Emerging Black Filmmakers Incentive


Download the Incentives for the Film Industry Guide

Learn about funding opportunities available through the Authority


Foreign Film and Television Production Incentive


The Foreign Film and Television Production and Post-Production Incentive is designed to attract large-budget international productions to South Africa while supporting local employment, skills development and industry growth.


Key Eligibility Requirements


Productions may qualify where:

  • Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) is at least R15 million for productions filming in South Africa.
  • Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) is at least R12 million when working with a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor service company.
  • Qualifying South African Post-Production Expenditure (QSAPPE) is at least R1.5 million for post-production activities conducted in South Africa.
  • Incentive Structure


Qualifying productions may be eligible for:

  • A rebate of 25% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE).
  • A rebate of 20% of Qualifying South African Post-Production Expenditure (QSAPPE).
  • An additional 2.5% rebate for post-production expenditure of R10 million or more.
  • An additional 5% rebate for post-production expenditure of R15 million or more.

The programme provides a reimbursable grant of up to R50 million per qualifying project.

Important Application Considerations
Applicants should submit applications no earlier than 45 calendar days before the commencement of principal photography. Productions are encouraged to begin planning significantly earlier to allow sufficient time for approvals and supporting documentation.

Productions are also required to meet specific procurement and compliance requirements, including expenditure with qualifying black-owned suppliers. Full programme guidelines should be reviewed before submitting an application.


Tax Incentives for Film Productions


South Africa also offers film-related tax incentives through the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Section 12O of the Income Tax Act provides qualifying productions with access to a tax allowance designed to stimulate film production and investment.

To qualify, productions must meet specific requirements relating to:

  • Film approval status
  • Revenue generation
  • Investor participation
  • Rights exploitation
  • Qualification periods


Filming Permits and Approvals

KwaZulu-Natal offers a wide variety of filming environments, ranging from urban centres and public spaces to heritage sites, protected areas, beaches, wildlife reserves and privately owned locations.

Permit requirements vary according to the location, scale and nature of the production. Depending on the project, filmmakers may need approvals from municipal authorities, government departments, conservation agencies, heritage authorities, private property owners, transport authorities or aviation regulators.
Early engagement with relevant stakeholders is strongly encouraged, particularly for productions involving road closures, public spaces, drones, large crews, specialist equipment or environmentally sensitive locations.

By identifying requirements during the planning phase, productions can establish realistic timelines and minimise disruptions during filming.

The Authority can provide guidance and direct filmmakers to the appropriate organisations and approval processes where required.

Contact the Film Office for production guidance

View filming resources and guidelines [Link to Useful Links]


Protected and Special-Use Locations

KwaZulu-Natal is home to a number of environmentally, culturally and historically significant locations that require additional consideration when planning a production.
Filming within protected areas, heritage sites, conservation zones and certain public facilities may involve additional permissions and conditions designed to protect these valuable assets while supporting responsible production activity.

Requirements vary depending on the location, the scale of the production and the intended use of the content. Early engagement with the relevant authorities is recommended to ensure sufficient time for approvals and site-specific requirements.

Browse filming locations across the province [Link to Interactive Locations Library]


Drone Filming and Aerial Productions

Aerial filming can add significant production value and provide unique perspectives, but it also requires careful planning and compliance with applicable regulations.

Productions intending to use drones should ensure that operators hold the necessary certifications and approvals, and that filming activities comply with aviation regulations and site-specific requirements.

Additional permissions may be required depending on the location, surrounding infrastructure and intended flight operations. Filmmakers are encouraged to confirm requirements well in advance of filming schedules.


Planning an Incentive Application

Productions intending to apply for incentive programmes are encouraged to begin planning early.

Application windows, expenditure thresholds, procurement requirements and supporting documentation can all influence project timelines. Early preparation helps production teams assemble the necessary information, understand programme requirements and maximise available opportunities.

The Film Office can assist productions by providing guidance and directing applicants to the appropriate resources and contacts.

Speak to the Film Office about your production [Link to Contact Page]

Additional Resources

Browse filming locations across KwaZulu-Natal

Connect with crew and service providers

Explore funding opportunities


Frequently Asked Questions

  • When should I begin the permit application process?
    Productions are encouraged to begin engaging with permit and approval processes as early as possible. Timeframes vary depending on the location, stakeholders involved and the complexity of the production.
  • Do protected areas require additional permissions?
    Yes. Filming within protected areas, heritage sites and conservation zones may require additional approvals and conditions designed to protect these environments and cultural assets.
  • Are there specific requirements for drone filming?
    Drone operators must comply with applicable aviation regulations and any site-specific requirements that may apply to the filming location.
  • Can international productions access South African incentives?
    Certain national incentive programmes are specifically designed to attract qualifying foreign film and television productions. Eligibility requirements and expenditure thresholds apply.
  • Where can I find the latest incentive information?
    The latest incentive information, programme guidelines and application requirements are available through the relevant national authorities and industry resources.


Industry Contacts


Film Incentive Applications


Film Incentive Claims

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