BORNEO FIXER

Professional Production Assistance in Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei

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Filming Permits & Crew Visa Procedures

The process to procure all necessary filming permits and crew visa to film in Borneo is somewhat of a challenge in itself. Unfortunately there is excessive bureaucracy and overlapping jurisdictions by authorities. The Malaysian States of Sabah and Sarawak (on Borneo), each have their own rules and requirements when it comes to filming permits and crew visa.

It is very important that you have a clear idea of your shoot and that all documents and facts you submit are correct, otherwise you might risk weeks or even months of delay or even need to resubmit your application. This is where Borneo Fixer comes in. We make sure applications are done the proper way.
Unfortunately we get so many inquiries asking us to apply for permits with too short notice. Here a quick overview on minimum processing times for filming permits and crew visa:

SABAH Malaysia 8-10 Weeks

SARAWAK Malaysia 6-8 Weeks

INDONESIA 4-5 Weeks

BRUNEI 4-5 Weeks

PENINSULAR Malaysia 2-3 Weeks

These are minimum processing times from our own experience (once all documents are ready to be submitted) and no guarantee that your permit and visa will be ready. On some occasions you can get lucky and receive the permits a little earlier. On other occasions there can be further delays due to the scope of the shoot, the nationality of the crew, public holidays and many other reasons. For more details check the tabs below.

SABAH - Malaysia

Do I need filming permits and a visa for filming in Sabah - Malaysian Borneo?
Unless you are taking photographs and video for purely personal “home” use, you will most likely need a filming permit and a work visa. Even if you are an independent filmmaker and your project is non-commercial, as long it will be shown in public or maybe is considered to be submitted to a festival, you are required to apply for filming permits and visa.

Can I apply for filming permits and crew visa by myself through the Malaysian embassy?
Unfortunately you can’t apply by yourself. By law you are required to appoint a “local sponsor” to act on your behalf. Only companies with a production licence registered by the Malaysian National Film Board (FINAS) can be appointed as “local sponsor”. Your “local sponsor” (fixer) is also required by law to join and advice you during the whole time of your shoot. This is the government’s way to ensure that you follow the official guidelines and local customs.
Download the Official Guidelines of the Malaysian Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by foreign Artistes

How long will it take to get my filming permits for Sabah - Malaysian Borneo?

The minimum time needed for the application process, from the moment we have received and reviewed all the needed documents, is usually 8-10 weeks. Additional time has to be considered if your shoot is very complex or if there are important public holidays during the application period. For peace of mind, we recommend to start the application process as early as possible.

Is there a way to speed up the filming permit application process in Sabah - Malaysian Borneo?
No, but you might get lucky and receive your permits 1-2 weeks earlier. However, we can’t guarantee this.

What are the documents to get ready for the permit application process in Sabah - Malaysian Borneo?
  1. Script / Storyboard / Synopsis in English on the production company’s letterhead
  2. Profile of the production company; company name, company’s full address, contact person, telephone number, fax numbers, e-mail and website URL. Also include a bit of the history of the production company, including examples of past productions.
  3. Support letter by the commissioning broadcaster / company (if possible)
  4. A complete crew list with birthdate, nationality and passport details
  5. Digital passport-size photographs of each crew member with light coloured, neutral background. This pictures must be of high quality. No hats, sunglasses or sleeveless shirts allowed.
  6. Digital scan of each crew members passport; front page, main page including all personal details, 3 empty pages
  7. Production equipment list with serial number and value of each item. If you are not sure yet what gear you will bring, take your best guess. Add rather more on the list than too little.
  8. Filming schedule with exact date and filming locations. We will help you to plan an optimised filming schedule.
  9. Tentative arrival and departure schedule of crew, including airport and airline flight details. Since we recommend you not to book your flights until your permits are approved, this tentative schedule will be your best guess and will be adjusted afterwards if needed.
  10. Signed production agreements between you and us. There are some agreements we will provide you to sign and send back to us.

Where and how fast can I get work visa for foreign film crew in Sabah - Malaysian Borneo?
Sabah is autonomous when it comes to immigration and visa policies. The visa application process for film crew is connected to the filming permit application and usually will be taken care of by your “local sponsor”. Different nationalities of crew require a different procedure. Some will be able to collect their visa upon arrival in Sabah, others will need to collect it at the Malaysian Embassy overseas before traveling to Sabah. We will advice you accordingly.

How do I clear customs for my film and photo equipment into Sabah - Malaysian Borneo?
Malaysia is an Carnet ATA consignee country. Malaysian customs department is strict when it comes to importing professional camera gear, make sure you get your ATA Carnet in your country before departure.

Is there anyone from the Sabah government joining the shoot?
No, thats what the government licensed fixer is here for.

Flowchart Filming Permits & Crew Visa - Sabah - Malaysian Borneo

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SARAWAK - Malaysia

Do I need filming permits and a visa for filming in Sarawak - Malaysian Borneo?
Unless you are taking photographs and video for purely personal “home” use, you will most likely need a filming permit and a work visa. Even if you are an independent filmmaker and your project is non-commercial, as long it will be shown in public or maybe is considered to be submitted to a festival, you are required to apply for filming permits and visa.

Can I apply for filming permits and crew visa by myself through the Malaysian embassy?
Unfortunately you can’t apply by yourself. By law you are required to appoint a “local sponsor” to act on your behalf. Only companies with a production licence registered by the Malaysian National Film Board (FINAS) can be appointed as “local sponsor”. Your “local sponsor” (fixer) is also required by law to join and advice you during the whole time of your shoot. This is the government’s way to ensure that you follow the official guidelines and local customs.
Download the Official Guidelines of the Malaysian Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by foreign Artistes

How long will it take to get my filming permits for Sarawak - Malaysian Borneo?

The minimum time needed for the application process, from the moment we have received and reviewed all the needed documents, is usually 6-8 weeks. Additional time has to be considered if your shoot is very complex or if there are important public holidays during the application period. For peace of mind, we recommend to start the application process as early as possible.

Is there a way to speed up the filming permit application process for Sarawak - Malaysian Borneo?
No, but you might get lucky and receive your permits 1-2 weeks earlier. However, we can’t guarantee this.

What are the documents to get ready for the permit application process in Sarawak - Malaysian Borneo?
  1. Script / Storyboard / Synopsis in English on the production company’s letterhead
  2. Profile of the production company; company name, company’s full address, contact person, telephone number, fax numbers, e-mail and website URL. Also include a bit of the history of the production company, including examples of past productions.
  3. Support letter by the commissioning broadcaster / company (if possible)
  4. A complete crew list with birthdate, nationality and passport details
  5. Digital passport-size photographs of each crew member with light coloured, neutral background. This pictures must be of high quality. No hats, sunglasses or sleeveless shirts allowed.
  6. Digital scan of each crew members passport; front page, main page including all personal details, 3 empty pages
  7. Production equipment list with serial number and value of each item. If you are not sure yet what gear you will bring, take your best guess. Add rather more on the list than too little.
  8. Filming schedule with exact date and filming locations. We will help you to plan an optimised filming schedule.
  9. Tentative arrival and departure schedule of crew, including airport and airline flight details. Since we recommend you not to book your flights until your permits are approved, this tentative schedule will be your best guess and will be adjusted afterwards if needed.
  10. Signed production agreements between you and us. There are some agreements we will provide you to sign and send back to us.

Where and how fast can I get work visa for foreign film crew in Sarawak - Malaysian Borneo?
Sarawak is autonomous when it comes to immigration and visa policies. The visa application process for film crew is connected to the filming permit application and usually will be taken care of by your “local sponsor”. Different nationalities of crew require a different procedure. Some will be able to collect their visa upon arrival in Sarawak, others will need to collect it at the Malaysian Embassy overseas before traveling to Sarawak. We will advice you accordingly.

How do I clear customs for my film and photo equipment into Sarawak - Malaysian Borneo?
Malaysia is an Carnet ATA consignee country. Malaysian customs department is strict when it comes to importing professional camera gear, make sure you get your ATA Carnet in your country before departure.

Is there anyone from the Sarawak government joining the shoot?
Occasionally yes, but usually thats what the government licensed fixer is here for.

Flowchart Filming Permits & Crew Visa - Sarawak - Malaysian Borneo

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PENINSULAR - Malaysia

Do I need filming permits and a visa for filming in Peninsular Malaysia?
Unless you are taking photographs and video for purely personal “home” use, you will most likely need a filming permit and a work visa. Even if you are an independent filmmaker and your project is non-commercial, as long it will be shown in public or maybe is considered to be submitted to a festival, you are required to apply for filming permits and visa.

Can I apply for filming permits and crew visa by myself through the Malaysian embassy?
Unfortunately you can’t apply by yourself. By law you are required to appoint a “local sponsor” to act on your behalf. Only companies with a production licence registered by the Malaysian National Film Board (FINAS) can be appointed as “local sponsor”. Your “local sponsor” (fixer) is also required by law to join and advice you during the whole time of your shoot. This is the government’s way to ensure that you follow the official guidelines and local customs.
Download the Official Guidelines of the Malaysian Central Agency for Application for Filming and Performance by foreign Artistes

How long will it take to get my filming permits for Peninsular Malaysia?

The minimum time needed for the application process, from the moment we have received and reviewed all the needed documents, is usually 2-3 weeks. Additional time has to be considered if your shoot is very complex or if there are important public holidays during the application period. For peace of mind, we recommend to start the application process as early as possible.

What are the documents to get ready for the permit application process in Peninsular Malaysia?
  1. Script / Storyboard / Synopsis in English on the production company’s letterhead
  2. Profile of the production company; company name, company’s full address, contact person, telephone number, fax numbers, e-mail and website URL. Also include a bit of the history of the production company, including examples of past productions.
  3. Support letter by the commissioning broadcaster / company (if possible)
  4. A complete crew list with birthdate, nationality and passport details
  5. Digital passport-size photographs of each crew member with light coloured, neutral background. This pictures must be of high quality. No hats, sunglasses or sleeveless shirts allowed.
  6. Digital scan of each crew members passport; front page, main page including all personal details, 3 empty pages
  7. Production equipment list with serial number and value of each item. If you are not sure yet what gear you will bring, take your best guess. Add rather more on the list than too little.
  8. Filming schedule with exact date and filming locations. We will help you to plan an optimised filming schedule.
  9. Tentative arrival and departure schedule of crew, including airport and airline flight details. Since we recommend you not to book your flights until your permits are approved, this tentative schedule will be your best guess and will be adjusted afterwards if needed.
  10. Signed production agreements between you and us. There are some agreements we will provide you to sign and send back to us.

Where and how fast can I get work visa for foreign film crew in Peninsular Malaysia?
The visa application process for film crew is connected to the filming permit application and usually will be taken care of by your “local sponsor”. Different nationalities of crew require a different procedure. Some will be able to collect their visa upon arrival in Peninsular Malaysia, others will need to collect it at the Malaysian Embassy overseas before traveling to Peninsular Malaysia. We will advice you accordingly.

How do I clear customs for my film and photo equipment into Peninsular Malaysia?
Malaysia is an Carnet ATA consignee country. Malaysian customs department is strict when it comes to importing professional camera gear, make sure you get your ATA Carnet in your country before departure.

Is there anyone from the Malaysia government joining the shoot?
No, thats what the government licensed fixer is here for.

Flowchart Filming Permits & Crew Visa - Peninsular Malaysia

Stacks Image 27904

BRUNEI

Do I need filming permits and a visa for filming in Brunei?
Unless you are taking photographs and video for purely personal “home” use, you will most likely need a filming permit and a work visa. Even if you are an independent filmmaker and your project is non-commercial, as long it will be shown in public or maybe is considered to be submitted to a festival, you are required to apply for filming permits and visa.

Can I apply for filming permits and crew visa by myself through the Brunei embassy?
Yes, you have the option to apply for filming permits and crew visa directly with any Brunei embassy or consulate. Please keep in mind that embassy personal are usually not production experts. Their help will be limited to simply submitting the documents to Brunei. If you don’t want risking that your application is returned to you after weeks of waiting, just because of some missing information, we recommend you engage a fixer to process the permits for you.

What is the advantage of having my fixer process the filming permits for Brunei?
When applying the permits on behalf of you, we act as “coordinating agency” (term used by Brunei Government). Our Brunei based resources will follow up on the progress of the application on location, which is the best way to prevent any delays in the process. We also plan ahead for any further local permits that will be necessary and follow directly up with the respective departments in Brunei.
If you decide to engage our services for the permit application, you will automatically agree to use our fixers for the whole duration of the shoot. We also will provide you recommendations for “approved” third party service providers (transports, accommodation, catering, etc).

How long will it take to get my filming permits for Brunei?

The minimum time needed for the application process, from the moment we have received and reviewed all the needed documents, is usually 4-5 weeks. Additional time has to be considered if your shoot is very complex or if there are important public holidays during the application period. For peace of mind, we recommend to start the application process as early as possible.

Where and when do I get my crew work visa for filming in Brunei?
Once the filming permit process is approved, an “invitation letter” from the government will be sent to you. Bring this invitation letter together with your crew passports and signed visa application forms for each crew member to your embassy and you will get the visa within days.

Where do I get my crew work visa for filming in Brunei, if there is no Brunei embassy in my country?
After we completed the filming permit process for you, you could fly to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, which is only a 40min flight from Brunei. Here we will assist your to get your crew work visa within a few working days.

If you want us to apply the filming permits for Brunei, please provide the following documentation:
  1. A covering letter of Introduction from the production company stating where and when the production will be broadcasted.
  2. Script / Storyboard / Synopsis in English on the production company’s letterhead
  3. Profile of the production company; company name, company’s full address, contact person, telephone number, fax numbers, e-mail and website URL. Also include a bit of the history of the production company, including examples of past productions.
  4. Support letter by the commissioning broadcaster / company (if possible)
  5. Complete crew list with name, surname, position, birthdate, nationality, passport number / place and date of issue
  6. CV (Curriculum Vitae) for each crew member with birth date and place, position, educational background, career background
  7. Digital passport-size photographs of each crew member with light coloured, neutral background. This pictures must be of high quality. No hats, sunglasses or sleeveless shirts allowed.
  8. Digital scan of each crew members passport; main page including all personal details, 2 empty pages
  9. Production equipment list with serial number and value of each item. If you are not sure yet what gear you will bring, take your best guess. Add rather more on the list than too little.
  10. Filming schedule with exact date, filming locations and subject/activities. We will help you to plan an optimised filming schedule.
  11. Tentative arrival and departure schedule of crew, including airport and airline flight details. Since we recommend you not to book your flights until your permits are approved, this tentative schedule will be your best guess and will be adjusted afterwards if needed.
  12. Signed production agreements between you and us. There are some agreements we will provide you to sign and send back to us.
We will review the documents and let you know if anything is missing or needs to be changed. We also advice on the best way to prepare the documents for a smooth and successful application process.

How do I clear customs for my film and photo equipment into Brunei?
Brunei is not yet a Carnet ATA consignee country. The filming equipment has to be declared when applying for the filming permit.

Is there anyone from the Brunei government joining the shoot?
In general there isn’t any government official joining the shoot, unless filming is conducted near important buildings such as the palaces and mosques. Sometimes there are also spot checks by government officials on other locations.

Flowchart Filming Permits & Crew Visa - Brunei

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INDONESIA

Do I need filming permits and a visa for filming in Indonesia?
Unless you are taking photographs and video for purely personal “home” use, you will most likely need a filming permit and a work visa. Even if you are an independent filmmaker and your project is non-commercial, as long it will be shown in public or maybe is considered to be submitted to a festival, you are required to apply for filming permits and visa.

Can I apply for filming permits and crew visa by myself through the Indonesian embassy?
Yes, you have the option to apply for filming permits and crew visa directly with any Indonesian embassy or consulate. Please keep in mind that embassy personal are usually not production experts. Their help will be most likely limited to simply submitting the documents to Jakarta. If there is any information missing or some clarification are needed, the application will be returned to your embassy after weeks of delay.
If you prefer to focus your resources towards the actual shoot and don’t want to bother about permit processing, we can offer a solution to apply for the permits on behalf of you.

What is the advantage of having my fixer process the filming permits for Indonesia?
When applying the permits on behalf of you, we act as “proxy production company” and the permits will be issued on our name. Our locally based resources will follow up on the progress of the application, which helps in avoiding any delays. At the same time we plan ahead for any further local permits that might be needed and follow directly up with the respective departments in Indonesia.
If you decide to engage our services for the filming permit application, you will automatically agree to use our fixers for the whole duration of the shoot. We also will provide you recommendations for “approved” third party service providers (transports, accommodation, catering, etc).

Where and when do I get my crew work visa for filming in Indonesia?
Once the filming permit process is approved, an “invitation letter” from the government will be sent to you. Bring this invitation letter together with your crew passports and signed visa application forms for each crew member to your embassy and you will get the visa within days.
Important if crew members arrive from different countries: You need to make sure the visa collection location for each crew member is mentioned on the initial filming permit application.

How long will it take to get my filming permits for Indonesia?
The minimum time needed for the application process, from the moment we have received and reviewed all the needed documents, is usually 4-5 weeks. Additional time has to be considered if your shoot is very complex or if there are important public holidays during the application period. For peace of mind, we recommend to start the application process as early as possible.

What are the documents to get ready for the filming permit and visa application process for Indonesia?
  1. A covering letter of Introduction from the production company stating where and when the production will be broadcasted.
  2. Script / Storyboard / Synopsis in English on the production company’s letterhead
  3. Profile of the production company; company name, company’s full address, contact person, telephone number, fax numbers, e-mail and website URL. Also include a bit of the history of the production company, including examples of past productions.
  4. Support letter by the commissioning broadcaster / company (if possible)
  5. Complete crew list with name, surname, position, birthdate, nationality, passport number / place and date of issue
  6. CV (Curriculum Vitae) for each crew member with birth date and place, position, educational background, career background
  7. Digital passport-size photographs of each crew member with light coloured, neutral background. This pictures must be of high quality. No hats, sunglasses or sleeveless shirts allowed.
  8. Digital scan of each crew members passport; main page including all personal details, 2 empty pages
  9. Production equipment list with serial number and value of each item. If you are not sure yet what gear you will bring, take your best guess. Add rather more on the list than too little.
  10. Signed statement declaring to abide by the Laws of Indonesia and the Regulations & Requirements for filming in Indonesia
  11. Filming schedule with exact date, filming locations and subject/activities. We will help you to plan an optimised filming schedule.
  12. Tentative arrival and departure schedule of crew, including airport and airline flight details. Since we recommend you not to book your flights until your permits are approved, this tentative schedule will be your best guess and will be adjusted afterwards if needed.
  13. Signed production agreements between you and us. There are some agreements we will provide you to sign and send back to us.

Where and how fast can I get work visa for foreign film crew for filming in Indonesia?
The visa application is done together with the filming permit application, either by yourself through the embassy, or by us in behalf of you. Once the visa application has been approved you will be able to collect your visa at the Indonesian embassy initially indicated on the application. You can have crew members collecting their visa in different countries, as long it has been indicated in the visa application.

How do I clear customs for my film and photo equipment into Indonesia?
Indonesia is now a Carnet ATA consignee country. However, Indonesian customs are still new to the procedure, make sure that you leave plenty of time before your domestic connecting flight. Make sure you get your ATA Carnet in your country before departure.

Is there anyone from the Indonesian government joining the shoot?
A government official (escort) could be assigned to every production. The escort (or minder) will accompany the crew at all times and the production company will need to bear daily fees, travel & accommodation and other related expenses.

Flowchart Filming Permits & Crew Visa - Indonesia

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