A Filmmaker’s Guide
to Shooting in the Maldives
Our company works with local professionals to make sure you
are getting the right help throughout media production.
Permits in the Maldives: What You Need to Know
The Maldives is an amazing place to film in, but using public locations requires a film permit from the National Center of Arts (NCA). Processing your application can take up to 15 days, and filming in particularly high-traffic or sensitive areas like airports or national parks necessitates you gaining extra filming permission.
In addition, all film productions must have group travel insurance, and this has to be arranged through a local fixer such as Fixer Maldives.
Timing Your Maldives Film Production around the Weather
The Maldives has two seasons—dry and wet. The dry season runs from December to April and offers the best times for filming, as you can depend on sunny weather, clear skies, and calm seas.
The wet season lasts from May to October and brings strong winds and rain. While this can be useful for dramatic or stormy scenes, filming is more difficult during this time.
For underwater filming, November and April are the perfect months to capture our beautiful Ocean State’s marine life.
Planning Filming Equipment Rental & Local Crew Logistics
It is generally more practical and less expensive to bring in your own film kit. While the Maldives does not accept ATA Carnets, the customs process is fairly straightforward. In addition, with a limited supply of specialized equipment available on the archipelago, relying on local film equipment rental is a risky option.
There is only a small pool of English-speaking film professionals in the country, and as a result, rates may be higher than those of non-English-speaking crews. With Fixer Maldives, however, you’ll be in good hands. Our experienced teams are highly proficient in English and used to supporting international productions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it an ATA carnet country?
No, the Maldives do not accept ATA carnets. When you’re applying to the NCA for your film permit, you must also submit a list of the equipment you’re bringing with you along with your film project brief, and this will be used for a customs process.
Is it safe for me and my team to film there?
Yes.
Do I need a visa or a work visa to film there?
Yes. You need a Media Visa to obtain the NCA filming permit.
Do I need a local company to film or get visas there?
Yes, you do need a local registered line producer who will then apply for the NCA permit on your behalf.
Do I need a permit for drones?
Yes, you’ll need a national drone permit from both the MNDF and the MCAA, and a locally certified operator with a registered drone has to be listed on your application. Additional permission might also be needed from private property owners, such as holiday resorts, if you plan to fly the drone over these areas.
Is there a cash rebate/tax exemption or any other fiscal advantage?
Not yet.
Can I shoot in a national park and, if so, under what circumstances?
You can shoot in a national park, but your local film fixer must apply for a specific permit from the national park authorities on top of the general NCA permit.
Working with Fixer Maldives
Fixer Maldives is a member of Storytailors, one of the world’s leading film production support agencies with members in over 150 countries. Through Storytailors, we’ve supported several local, international, and multi-location shoots with services that range from scouting and permits to translation and drone operations.
Storytailors’ clients include Netflix, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, Apple TV, Mainichi Shimbun (Japan), Oracle, Hyundai, Google, FIFA, and many more. These major global players expect production services at international standards of quality, and Fixer Maldives delivers that on every project.
