How to get a film permit in Morocco.
A step-by-step walkthrough of the CCM permit process — from dossier submission to ATA carnet clearance — written for international line producers, UPMs and commercial heads of production.
- 01Day 0
Submit the CCM application
Lions Production files your dossier with the Centre Cinématographique Marocain (CCM): synopsis, screenplay (or treatment for commercials), shoot dates, location list, crew list and producer credentials. Submission is in French — we handle translation.
- 02Day 3–10
Ministry & security clearances
For sensitive locations (palaces, royal sites, border zones, mosques exteriors) the CCM circulates the dossier to the Ministry of Interior and local Wilaya. We coordinate the back-and-forth and answer any clarifications.
- 03Day 10–15
Permit issuance
CCM issues the official Autorisation de Tournage naming your producer of record (Lions Production), shoot dates and approved locations. The permit is the legal basis to operate on Moroccan soil.
- 04Day 12–18
ATA carnet & equipment import
We pre-clear your camera, grip and lighting package via ATA carnet at Casablanca (CMN) or Marrakech (RAK) customs. Door-to-set logistics, bonded warehousing and re-export at wrap are included.
- 05Pre-prep → wrap
Local authorisations on the ground
Daily location releases with Caïd, Pasha or private owners. Police and Gendarmerie coordination for road closures, crowd control and night shoots. Drone authorisation via DGAC when required.
- 06Wrap + 30 days
Wrap & CCM closeout
Final shoot report filed to CCM. For productions qualifying for the 30% cash rebate we open the audit file in parallel — refund window is currently ~6 months (target 3–4).
What producers ask us before the first scout.
How long does it take to get a film permit in Morocco?
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Standard turnaround is 10 to 15 working days from dossier submission for features and series. Commercials and stills can move faster — 5 to 7 days when the locations don't require ministry clearance. Royal sites, religious exteriors and border zones add 2–3 weeks.
Can a foreign producer apply for the permit directly?
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No. The CCM only issues permits to Moroccan production companies. A licensed local service producer (such as Lions Production) is the legal applicant and producer of record on the Autorisation de Tournage.
What documents do I need to provide?
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Synopsis or full script, shoot dates, full crew list with passport copies, location list, equipment list, insurance certificate (civil liability ≥ €1M recommended) and proof of legal existence of the foreign production company.
Do I need a separate permit for drones?
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Yes. Drone flights require authorisation from the Direction Générale de l'Aviation Civile (DGAC) and, depending on the zone, from the Ministry of National Defence. Allow 3–4 weeks. Lions Production files both in parallel with the CCM dossier.
Can we import camera gear under ATA carnet?
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Yes. Morocco is a full ATA carnet country. We recommend landing equipment at Casablanca (CMN) — more carnet-experienced customs officers — or Marrakech (RAK) for Atlas/Sahara shoots. Plan a 24–48h customs buffer.
Does the permit cover stills photography and BTS?
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The CCM Autorisation de Tournage covers moving image and on-set stills for the named production. Editorial stills shoots and standalone EPK / BTS crews follow a lighter declaration regime that we handle separately.
What does the permit cost?
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CCM administrative fees are modest (a few hundred euros). The real budget lines are local fixer / service producer fees, location releases (private owners, kasbahs, medina riads) and security coordination — all itemised in the line-production budget.
Is the permit linked to the 30% cash rebate?
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Yes — the CCM is the same authority that manages both. Productions with ≥10M MAD (~USD 1M) of local spend and ≥18 shooting days qualify. We open the rebate file alongside the permit to avoid retroactive paperwork.