Filming in Singapore: parks, HDB estates, road closures, drones and work passes

Who this guide is for

• Hong Kong, Taiwan and Malaysian crews planning a shoot in Singapore.
• Producers bringing foreign cast and crew in for location filming.
• Singapore productions and student crews checking which agency handles which location.

Parks and nature reserves (NParks)

• Permit: NParks requires a permit for all filming and commercial photography in its parks and nature reserves.
• When to apply: at least 1 month before the filming dates. NParks warns that last-minute applications can go unprocessed.
• Fee: no application fee.
• One location per application: you can submit as many applications as you need, but each one covers a single location.
• Small-scale permit: a simpler form applies when the project has fewer than 16 participants, uses no drones and no large or bulky equipment such as dolly tracks, and is not a request from a media organisation. The small-scale permit does not cover nature reserves, nature parks or a list of named parks, including Fort Canning Park, Jurong Lake Gardens and Singapore Botanic Gardens.
• Nature reserves and nature parks: requests are reviewed stringently, case by case. NParks advises projects unrelated to conservation, biodiversity or sustainability to look at other locations.
• Singapore Botanic Gardens has its own online application form and rules.
• On the day: NParks asks crews to film on weekdays during off-peak periods and keep hours and crew numbers down.

HDB estate common areas (town councils)

Void decks, corridors and open spaces in HDB estates are managed by town councils, and each council runs its own filming request process. Ang Mo Kio Town Council, as one example:

• Apply at least 14 working days before the filming date; late applications can be rejected.
• Submit the filming script with the filming locations highlighted.
• The council accepts up to 7 filming requests a month, and up to 2 per division.
• The permit is granted on condition that you obtain the permits and licences needed from other authorities, including the Police, and you keep the council indemnified against claims.

Other town councils set their own rules, so check with the council for the estate you plan to use.

Vacant State land (SLA)

To use vacant State land for short-term filming, contact the Singapore Land Authority. Filming inside parks goes to NParks instead.

Road closures (Traffic Police)

The Traffic Police Road Closure Permit lets event organisers temporarily close part of a public road. Applications go through the GoBusiness portal and are assessed case by case. The Police page lists events such as sporting events, processions, parades and gatherings, and does not name filming, so speak to the Traffic Police before you plan a closure into the schedule.

Drones (CAAS)

For business use (anything other than recreational or educational flying) outdoors, CAAS requires:

• Registration of any drone with a total weight above 250 g.
• A UA Pilot Licence for the person flying, regardless of the drone's weight, location or height.
• An Operator Permit and a Class 1 Activity Permit, regardless of weight, location or height. A Class 1 Activity Permit is not valid without an Operator Permit.
• Processing times listed by CAAS: 10 working days for an Operator Permit and 5 working days for an Activity Permit.
• Protected areas need a separate permit from the Singapore Police Force. Flying in prohibited areas is not allowed at any time.

Applications are made through CAAS's eSOMS system.

Foreign cast and crew: work pass exemption (MOM)

• Who is covered: actors, models, directors, film crew, technical crew and photographers working on location filming that leads to TV or movie production. Business-to-individual services, such as wedding videography or photography, are excluded.
• Notify first: notify MOM after you enter Singapore and before you start work. Starting work without notifying MOM is an offence. The notification is submitted online.
• Time limit: work under exempt activities is capped at a total of 90 days in a calendar year.

Checklist before you apply

• Location list with the managing agency marked for each spot (NParks, town council, SLA, private owner).
• Filming dates, so you can count back 1 month for NParks and 14 working days for HDB estates.
• Headcount and equipment list, to see whether the NParks small-scale permit applies.
• Filming script with locations highlighted (town councils ask for this).
• Drone registration, pilot licence and permits, if you plan aerial shots.
• Names and arrival dates of foreign cast and crew for the MOM notification.

Frequently asked questions

Do we need a permit to film in a Singapore park?

Yes. NParks requires a permit for all filming and commercial photography in its parks and nature reserves. Apply at least 1 month ahead; there is no application fee.

Can one NParks application cover several parks?

No. Each application covers one location, so submit one per park.

Does our foreign crew need work passes?

Crew working on location filming for TV or movie production can use the work pass exemption, but each person must notify MOM after arrival and before starting work, within 90 days a year in total.

Can we fly a drone for a commercial shoot?

Yes, with a UA Pilot Licence, an Operator Permit and a Class 1 Activity Permit, plus registration for drones above 250 g.

Who approves filming at HDB void decks?

The town council that manages the estate. Ang Mo Kio Town Council, for example, needs 14 working days' notice.

References

1. National Parks Board, Apply for on-location filming permit: www.nparks.gov.sg/services/apply-on-location-filming-permit
2. Ang Mo Kio Town Council, Filming request: www.amktc.org.sg/filming-request.aspx
3. Singapore Land Authority, applying to use vacant State land for filming (Ask.gov): ask.gov.sg/sla/questions/cmbt7ovw7007hs5f6kwsy4p5q
4. Singapore Police Force, Apply for Road Closure Permit: www.police.gov.sg/E-Services/Apply-for-Road-Closure-Permit
5. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Requirements for flying UA: www.caas.gov.sg/unmanned-aircraft/requirements-for-flying-ua/
6. Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Operator and activity permits: www.caas.gov.sg/unmanned-aircraft/operator-and-activity-permits/
7. Ministry of Manpower, Work pass exempt activities: www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exempt-activities/eligible-activities
8. Ministry of Manpower, Notify MOM for an exemption: www.mom.gov.sg/passes-and-permits/work-pass-exempt-activities/notify-mom-for-an-exemption

The pages above were accessed on 1 November 2026.

Published 1 November 2026.