Filming in Istanbul: permits, locations and logistics

Istanbul is two places for a film crew

For corporate work, “Istanbul” usually means one of two things. Either the historic and city locations that people recognise, or the industrial belt to the east: the organised industrial zones, ports and logistics centres around Tuzla, Gebze, Dilovası and the rest of Kocaeli. Many international companies have their Turkish plant or warehouse in that belt, not in the city centre. Being based in Gebze, we spend most of our shooting days there.

Permissions: what usually needs one

Rules change and depend on the exact location, so treat this as a starting point rather than legal advice.

• Your own premises. Usually your site’s own rules apply: safety, protective equipment, confidential areas, and consent from the people who appear on camera.
• Public spaces. Filming in streets, squares and parks may need permission from the relevant municipality, especially with tripods, lighting or larger crews.
• Historic sites, museums and mosques. These have their own authorities and rules; some do not allow commercial filming, or only at certain times.
• Ports, airports, military and security areas. Access and filming are restricted and need advance permission from the operator or authority.
• Drones. Flights need a registered aircraft, a licensed pilot and flight planning under the civil aviation authority’s rules, and large parts of Istanbul, including much of the Bosphorus, are restricted. See our drone filming page.
• Foreign productions. Larger productions coming from abroad may need a filming permit from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Working with a local company often simplifies this.

Traffic and timing

Crossing the city can take far longer than the distance suggests, especially in the morning and evening. Plan locations so the crew travels against the traffic or stays on one side of the Bosphorus. Two locations an hour apart on the map may be a half-day apart at the wrong time. Build in time for loading equipment, security checks at industrial sites and the safety briefing many plants require before anyone enters the floor.

Light and weather

Summer gives long days and hard midday light; spring and autumn are often the most comfortable. Winter brings rain and short days, and coastal wind can ground a drone. Keep a backup day in the plan for anything that depends on weather.

Working with a local crew

A local team knows which locations need what, how long things take and who to call. It also avoids flying a full crew and equipment in. If your own team cannot travel, a local crew can film while you follow and approve remotely. We explain how in approving a shoot from abroad.

A simple checklist

1. List every location and who controls it.
2. Check which ones need permission and how long it takes.
3. Plan the route and timing around traffic.
4. Agree a shot list and a backup day.
5. Confirm consent for everyone who appears on camera.
6. Decide who approves on the day.

If you are planning a shoot in Istanbul or the Kocaeli region, send us your locations and dates and we will tell you what is involved.