Turkey
Location: West Asia
Broadcast Regulators
Broadcasters
Visas & Permits
Visas & Work Permits
Turkey is not a Schengen area member state.
Western passport holders can enter Turkey visa-free as tourists or with an e-Visa, for stays of up to 90 days.
Film crews entering Turkey must first have their film permit, which they would then take to their local Turkish consulate to have their passports stamped, so they can enter as film crew. Given that this process is time consuming, some crews just fly in as tourists.
Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information.
There are various companies that can provide advice on visas, such as CoSmopolitan Production Services.
Film Location Permits
Visiting productions are required to obtain a film location permit from the Directorate General of Cinema.
The application must include a project synopsis, crew and equipment information, passport copies, and the name of the Turkish fixer or service company. Allow at least a week for processing.
Once obtained, the fixer or service producer can apply for permission to film at specific locations. Depending on the location, several levels of permitting may be required from the relevant municipalities and government departments.
Small handheld, b-roll shoots might be able to get away with filming without permits although, for a smooth shoot, it’s highly recommend to secure all the required permits.
Customs
For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Turkey is an ATA carnet country.
When to Film
When to Film
Turkey is a large country with wide climate variation.
The hot, dry summers run from June to September. The mild, rainy winters run from December to March. Winter conditions can be harsher in the more arid mainland, with snow in the mountainous regions common. Spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November) are generally the best months to film.
Turkey is a predominately Muslim country. Ramadan is widely observed with many services closed during this period.
Public Holidays
Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Turkey.
Costs & VAT
Turkey is one of the least expensive of the European Mediterranean countries. On the whole, Turkey offers a fairly high production value.
Istanbul’s depth of European and Middle Eastern scenery allows many creative possibilities without the need for additional travel costs.
The Turkish Lira remains relatively weak against most major currencies, helping make Turkey a cost efficient place to shoot for many projects.
The standard VAT rate in Turkey at the time of writing is set at 20%.
Funding and Tax Incentives
Funding
This interactive tool outlines the main EU-related support opportunities for audiovisual and news media sectors. It also covers funding streams beyond the sectoral Creative Europe Programme.
It is the first practical guide, for operators from the different sectors in the media value chain, on where to find EU support for their activities and needs.
Ministry of Culture & Tourism Turkey
Incentives
Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map: Information for Turkey.