Filming in Amsterdam
A practical guide for foreign production crews: permits, canals and drones
Planning a shoot in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam is one of the most filmed cities in Europe: canals, gabled houses, bridges and bikes everywhere. But it is also a busy, densely populated city with strict rules for productions in public space. For foreign production companies, agencies and photographers, it helps to know in advance what is required. This guide explains how filming permits work in Amsterdam, what applies to shooting on and around the canals, and what you need to know if you want aerial shots with a drone. Drone Chiefs is a certified Dutch drone operator based in Utrecht. We regularly join foreign crews as their local drone unit and take care of the aerial part of the production, including the permissions. Note: this guide is general information based on the official sources linked below. Always check the latest rules with the City of Amsterdam before your shoot.
Notify the city before you shoot
Anyone who wants to film or take photos in public space in Amsterdam must notify the city in advance. The online form tells you whether a notification is enough or whether you also need a permit, exemption or appointment. The Amsterdam Film Commission handles notifications and coordinates with other city departments.
According to the Amsterdam Filming Protocol, productions are divided into categories by impact, each with its own lead time:
• Category A (low impact): notify at least 3 working days before the shoot
• Category B: at least 7 working days, or 10 in the city centre (postal codes 1011 to 1018)
• Category C: at least 20 working days
• Category D (very high impact): at least 30 working days
Costs depend on what you need, for example an object permit, temporary traffic measures or an exemption from traffic rules.
Canals, residents and parking
Shooting on or around the water? Then the notification is also forwarded to the city's nautical management team. Their approval is required: without it, filming on or along the canals is not allowed. Productions in, on or next to a waterway fall under category B, or category C for large-scale shoots.
• Inform local residents and businesses with a residents' letter: at least 3 days before shooting for category B, and at least 14 days (plus a second letter 5 days before) for categories C and D
• Reserving parking? Provide free alternative parking for residents with a municipal parking permit, and submit a parking plan
• In the city centre only essential parking spaces are allowed; a basecamp just outside the busiest areas is recommended
• Keep access to homes and businesses free at all times
Drones over Amsterdam: what is required?
Aerial shots of Amsterdam are possible, but not with just any drone or any pilot. A large part of the city lies within the CTR, the controlled airspace around Schiphol. On top of that, filming above a busy city almost always means flying close to people and buildings, which in practice requires the Specific category with an operational authorisation from the Dutch aviation authority (ILT).
• Drone use must be listed explicitly in your notification to the city, including the safety measures
• Without the required authorisation, the city will not process a notification that includes drone filming
• Within the CTR, permission from Dutch air traffic control (LVNL) may be required, depending on the zone
• From 26 November 2026 the Schiphol CTR is divided into zones, which makes some locations easier to film
Combined with temporary street closures, drone filming falls under category B; with longer closures, under category C.
Your local drone unit in Amsterdam
Drone Chiefs holds its own Operational Authorisation from the ILT and flies in both the Open and the Specific category. When you shoot in Amsterdam, we take the entire aerial part of the production off your hands.
• We check the location and flight zone before you plan your shoot days
• We prepare the risk assessment, register the flight in GoDrone and coordinate with air traffic control
• We supply the drone information for your notification to the Amsterdam Film Commission
• We fly the DJI Inspire 3 (8K full frame), Mavic 4 Pro and FPV drones
• Pilot and separate camera operator available, with a client monitor so your director can watch live
• Insured worldwide up to €1.3 million per occurrence
Productions start from €750.
Frequently asked questions about filming in Amsterdam
Do I always need a permit to film in Amsterdam?
You always need to notify the city when filming or photographing in public space. Whether a notification is enough or you also need a permit depends on the impact of your shoot. The online form on amsterdam.nl tells you what applies.
How far in advance should I apply?
At least 3 working days for small, low-impact shoots, and up to 30 working days for large productions. In the city centre and for shoots on the water, allow extra time.
Can I fly my own drone over Amsterdam?
In most of the city only an operator with the right authorisation may fly, and the CTR around Schiphol adds extra rules. Working with a local certified operator is usually the fastest route.
Can you arrange the drone part of our production?
Yes. We handle the flight preparation, the drone permissions and air traffic control, and provide the drone details for your notification.
Plan your Amsterdam shoot with us
Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation quote for drone filming, FPV footage or a complete video production in Amsterdam or elsewhere in the Netherlands.
Include the locations and shoot dates with your request. That way we can check right away which flight zones apply and whether additional permits or flight preparations are needed. Based on that, we can give you a clear quote. Productions start from €750.
It also helps if you briefly describe the production and whether you only need aerial footage or also camera crew and editing.
