Filming in Barcelona's public spaces is regulated by the city council, and the process is coordinated by the Barcelona Film Commission. Here's when a permit is required, roughly what it costs, and what to keep in mind if a drone is part of the shoot.
If the crew is larger than ten people and uses at least one camera on a tripod, or if you need to reserve parking for production vehicles, you'll need an official public space occupation license (Licencia de Ocupación). For smaller shoots with a compact crew, a permit usually isn't required, but rules can vary for specific squares and monuments.
The process is handled by the Barcelona Film Commission together with the Ajuntament de Barcelona. Commercial projects are processed through the Oficina de Información y Trámites of the city police (Guardia Urbana); non-commercial projects go through a simplified procedure.
As a rough guide (check current rates directly with the Barcelona Film Commission): commercial filming in public space costs around €594 per day per location; non-commercial filming costs around €38 per application. Filming in parks, on beaches and in other green spaces is billed separately — from €600 per day per site, plus a variable fee based on the area used.
Beyond the municipal permit for public space, landmarks like Park Güell, museums and private buildings have their own rules and separate fees, arranged directly with the owner or managing organization.
Flying a drone within the city additionally requires AESA/Enaire authorization for the flight itself, and if the shoot requires closing a sidewalk or road for a takeoff point, a municipal public space permit is needed as well. Drone paperwork is submitted together with the main application to the Barcelona Film Commission.
The shoot can be stopped on the spot, equipment temporarily confiscated, and the producer or company fined. Beyond losing the shoot day, it's a reputational risk for the brand if the incident ends up on social media.
Handling permits is a standard part of shoot preparation at our studio: we build the approval time into the project schedule in advance and take on the communication with the Barcelona Film Commission ourselves, so the client doesn't have to navigate it alone. Tell us about your project — we'll work out the timeline and cost, permits included.