Frequently asked questions about filming in Valencia

1. What are the deadlines for applying for filming permits on public roads?

According to the Public Domain Occupancy Regulation, which can be consulted here (page 89), the application must be submitted 30 days in advance. However, in València we understand that many shoots cannot be planned that far ahead, so every possible effort is made to ensure that professionals can obtain authorisations within 10 days. For notified activities, the minimum processing period is five days.

2. What should I do if filming is cancelled or suspended due to weather conditions or any other reason and I already have the permits?

In this case, the Occupancy Service must be informed that filming could not take place and that it has been rescheduled to another day. The Service will advise whether it is necessary to submit an addendum, depending on the availability of the requested location. If rain is expected, it is recommended to propose two dates in the initial application.

1. What is the cost of filming on public roads?

Filming activities of an advertising or commercial nature carried out for profit and with prior municipal authorisation are subject to a fee of €2.33 per square metre, per fraction or week. This rate is applied to the total occupied surface area related to the filming, including vehicles, sets, filming equipment, etc.

The following are exempt from this fee: broadcasts of popular celebrations and sporting events taking place on public roads and other public-use spaces; short films produced by students of film schools or academies, and generally those of an educational nature, provided that such status is certified by the competent authority; and documentary films or television programmes produced exclusively for informational or charitable purposes.

When filming does not take place on public roads, and public space occupancy is limited to the installation of auxiliary elements such as vehicles, mobile units, etc., serving filming activities carried out inside private premises, the applicable rate will be reduced by 50%.

In addition, filming fees for advertising or commercial films, videos and television recordings produced for profit and with prior municipal authorisation will be eligible for a 100% rebate when any of the following conditions apply: a significant part of the footage takes place in the city of València; the city is positively promoted abroad through its cultural, heritage, ethnological or tourist values; or the majority of the filming crew stays or resides in the city of València, in which case the volume of local contracting related to the production will be a determining factor.

Consult the tax ordinance here.

2. What is the rental cost for public spaces used for filming?

It depends on the location and the duration of the filming. Contact us and we will advise you accordingly.

3. What are the fees for filming on the beaches of Valencia?

Filming on the beaches of València is free of charge. Depending on the logistics involved, a deposit may be required, which will be refunded provided that the location is left in the same condition as it was found. It is essential to obtain permission from the Coastal Authority when the filming involves occupying the beach and/or the seafront promenade.

1. Who is responsible for placing signage on public roads to reserve spaces?

The signage must be placed by the party requesting the space reservation, namely the production company or its representative. Once authorised by the City Council of València, the area must be signposted 48–72 hours in advance, and one week in advance in orange-zone areas. Once the process has begun, you must visit the corresponding Local Police District Unit according to the area of the city. There, officers will provide the document that must be attached to the signage plates. See below for the locations of the seven District Units:

Local Police. District Unit 1: Ciutat Vella

Local Police. District Unit 2: Ruzafa

Local Police. District Unit 3: Jesús/Patraix

Local Police. District Unit 4: Abastos

Local Police. District Unit 5: Tránsitos

Local Police. District Unit 6: Exposición

Local Police. District Unit 7: Maritime Districts/Francia

2. What are the regulations regarding the entry of trailers into the city?

According to the MOBILITY ORDINANCE (page 49) of the City Council of València, the circulation of lorries with a maximum authorised weight exceeding 9 tonnes is not permitted between 7:00 and 22:00. Therefore, permission must be requested from the City Council of València whenever access to the city is required to unload filming equipment, provided that such equipment cannot be distributed in vehicles with a lower maximum weight.

3. Is it possible to provide catering on public roads during filming?

Yes, with the appropriate authorisation, provided it is covered by a marquee or tent. However, one of the requirements for exemption from public domain occupancy fees is that filming staff consume, as far as possible, in local businesses within the city.

Is it possible to film with drones in Valencia?

It is possible to submit an application. The minimum processing time is 10 working days, although at least 20 days is recommended. The authorised drone operator must register with ENAIRE Planea, where consultation tools are available to determine to whom the application should be addressed, as well as an online form in cases where coordination with the Airspace Operational Coordination Department (cop@enaire.es) is required. ENAIRE Drones is also available for enquiries without the need to register.