Producing
Permits and Authorities
Depending on the location, the municipality, canton or third parties are responsible. We clarify jurisdiction and establish contact — enquiries are handled via our central form.
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Cantons
Luzern, Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Zug
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Contact point
We clarify responsibilities and bundle requests
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Costs City of Luzern
Use of public ground is free of charge
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Lead time
The earlier the request, the smoother the process
Briefly explained
For filming in Central Switzerland, the respective municipality usually issues the permit. The canton, railway, forestry office or private owners are involved as soon as cantonal roads, protected areas or special facilities are affected. We clarify the jurisdiction, bundle the requests and guide the process – free of charge.
- One single point of contact for all six cantons
- Clarification of responsibilities and direct contact with authorities
- Lead time depending on the project: a few days to several months
- Public ground in the City of Luzern is free of charge
- Requests are processed via a central form
WHO PERMITS WHAT
Four typical scenarios – featuring the bodies involved and the requirements that experience shows are usually associated with them.
Public ground
Filming on public ground usually requires a permit from the local municipality; for cantonal roads, lakesides or supra-municipal facilities, the canton or another owner is also involved. We clarify for you who is responsible in each specific case and establish contact with the right contact persons.
Depending on the project, additional requirements must be taken into account: road closures and traffic diversions, parking of production vehicles, use of squares and shore facilities, noise outside of standard hours, as well as proof of safety and insurance. The earlier we are informed about the project, the more smoothly the process can be coordinated with the authorities.
- Streets, squares, lakeshores and public facilities
- Road closures and traffic diversions
- Parking for production vehicles
- Noise outside of standard hours
- Proof of safety and insurance
- Available free of charge in the city of Luzern
RECOMMENDED LEAD TIMES
Standard practice guide values. Location, scope and the authorities involved determine the actual duration.
Simple shoot without traffic disruption
Use of squares, lakeside areas, parking
Road closures and traffic diversions
Filming in nature reserves and protected areas
Aerial filming requiring an operating permit
Foreign crew
Work permits are readily available
For film and commercial productions, Switzerland is straightforward regarding work permits: EU/EFTA crews can work for up to 90 days per year under a simplified notification procedure, while established short-term permits are available for third-country crews on temporary assignments. The cantonal offices are well-versed in these practical procedures and reach decisions quickly.
- EU/EFTA: Online notification procedure, up to 90 days per calendar year
- Third-country nationals: Short-term permits for temporary filming assignments
- Registration usually required 8 days before work commences
We can advise you in advance which procedure applies to your crew and put you in touch with the relevant authority.
CLARIFY CREW SITUATIONWHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
With this information, we can clarify responsibilities and initiate the permit process.
Project description
Format, production company, content and planned locations.
Filming period
Dates, times of day, set-up and strike.
Team size
Crew, cast, and extras on site.
Vehicles and areas
Technical vehicles, base camp, parking, deliveries.
Special activities
Night work, noise, pyrotechnics, weapons, animals, drones.
Documentation
Liability insurance, safety concept, traffic plan.
No forms on subpages: All requests go through our central contact form – including your locations shortlist.
SUBMIT INQUIRYFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PROCEED TO
Contact
Let's talk about your project
Questions about locations, permits or funding? We answer personally — every request goes through our central form.