How to start your shoot in Valencia
All the practical and administrative information to land your project in the city. From permit management to community coexistence regulations, we guide you step by step.
1. Locations and assistance
If you already have an idea, we help you bring it to life:
- Visual gallery: explore the city's spaces in our catalog.
- Professional support: we connect you with expert local location scouts.
Management: We guide you through the process of obtaining the specific permits required for your chosen venue.
2. Guide to permits, deadlines, and fees
Types of permits according to your project
In Valencia, there are two ways to process your shoot on public roads depending on the technical needs of your production:
1. Filming authorization:
It is mandatory if your project involves any of these circumstances:
- Need to cordoning off an area in the public domain.
- Interrupting vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
- The work crew exceeds ten people.
2. Notified activity (Acto comunicado):
If none of the three previous conditions are met, you only need to report the activity through a notified activity.
3. Processing:
In both cases, management must be carried out through the electronic office of the Valencia City Council. If your shoot is not on public roads, contact us and we will advise you on the specific document you need.
Deadlines, fees, and documentation
- Minimum notice: applications must be submitted 10 days in advance of the filming date.
- Mandatory documentation: you must use the form templates from the electronic office and attach a detailed map indicating the areas of occupation and reserved spaces.
- Costs: filming in the streets of Valencia can be free if it contributes to the promotion of the city's cultural values.
- Turia Gardens: there may be a refundable deposit after inspection by the parks and gardens department.
- Public or private buildings: these have their own rental rates. Valencia Film Office will help you check the corresponding fees.
Access to Ciutat Vella (El Carmen)
The Ciutat Vella district has a camera-based access control system called APR (Residential Priority Area). Its goal is to protect the heritage environment and the quality of life of residents.
How to access with production vehicles?
You must include the necessary license plates in your initial application submitted to the public domain occupation service. They will coordinate with the mobility service to provide you with the codes that will allow you to enter the license plates into the system and avoid fines.
Current Regulations and Ordinances
For more detailed technical information, you can consult the official legal texts:
- Ordinance regulating the occupation of municipal public domain, Consult from page 89.
Public Liability Insurance
A copy of the current public liability insurance must be attached to the filming application, covering any possible damage or loss that the filming might cause.
In the case of more complex action scenes that put both people and street furniture at risk, a risk assessment plan must be submitted.
3. Calendar: dates to avoid
- From March 1 to 19 due to the Fallas festivities. An Edict from the Mayor's Office is issued stating that occupations of public roads are not authorized for activities that are not related to the Fallas.
- The last Sundays of every month at the Town Hall Square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento) or surrounding areas due to various activities organized by the Valencia City Council.
- Some Sundays feature fun runs (carreras populares) through the streets of Valencia. Check here for the calendar.
- First Sunday of December. The Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Marathon takes place, and the city is filled with runners. Check dates and route here.
Check HERE the Valencia City Council Geoportal, which indicates street closures due to construction, incidents, or festivities.
4. Safety, coexistence, and sustainability
To ensure the shoot runs successfully and in harmony with the city, all productions must comply with the following responsibility guidelines:
Public safety
Compliance with current ordinances is mandatory for the entire team. Failure to comply with these rules may lead to the immediate withdrawal of the permit:
Priority of passage: the movement of ambulances, people with reduced mobility, and strollers must always be facilitated.
Road discipline: It is mandatory to respect driveways, traffic signs, and instructions from law enforcement officers.
Coexistence with the environment
A good relationship with neighbors, pedestrians, and shopkeepers is fundamental:
Direct communication: it is the production company's responsibility to deliver an information letter to affected neighbors and businesses, explaining the duration of the shoot and providing a direct contact for incidents.
Acoustic control: permitted noise levels must be strictly respected.
Cleanliness: the maintenance and cleaning of the occupied space are the mandatory responsibility of the production company.
Sustainability and respect for the environment
Valencia is committed to shoots with minimal impact. We recommend teams:
Sustainable mobility: prioritize getting to the set on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport.
Waste management: ensure all personnel dispose of cigarette butts, bottles, bags, and other waste in the recycling bins or trash cans provided.
5. Credits
The production company will be asked for filming photographs for use on Valencia Film Office platforms, as well as graphic material for distribution and a copy of the final result for archiving purposes. Likewise, the VFO logo must be included in the production credits.
We help you organize your shoot
We make your production smooth and efficient. From permit management to searching for local talent, Valencia Film Office is your strategic partner in the city.
