Barcelona & Spain
Filming permits for the street in Barcelona and the Baix Llobregat
Updated October 5, 2026
Yes, almost always. In Barcelona, the Barcelona Film Commission handles permits: there is a basic authorisation for small shoots without vehicles or blocking the way, and a licence for everything else, which needs more notice. In the Baix Llobregat area, each town hall sets its own rules, so you apply to the municipality where you shoot.
When you need a permit
Filming on the street is not like taking a photo with your phone. As soon as a crew occupies public space (camera on a tripod, people working, lights, vehicles) for a professional video, the city wants to know and, depending on size, to authorise it. Parks, beaches, markets, municipal buildings and public transport usually need a separate permit with their own procedure. And if recognisable people or a private venue appear, you also need releases from those people or owners. Filming without a permit can end with the shoot stopped mid-morning, which is the most expensive thing that can happen to a production.
In Barcelona: basic authorisation or licence
In the city of Barcelona, permits to film in public space are handled by the Barcelona Film Commission, part of the City Council. There are two routes. For small shoots there is a basic authorisation: a small crew, handheld camera or a single tripod, daytime hours, no vehicles, no blocking pedestrians or traffic, and it is requested at short notice. Everything else (larger crews, vehicles, bigger occupations, closures or night shoots) needs a licence, with several working days' notice and the company registered in the city's register of filming companies. The exact conditions change from time to time: check them on the Film Commission's website before each shoot.
In the Baix Llobregat: each town hall
Outside Barcelona there is no single window. Each municipality in the Baix Llobregat sets its own rules for using public roads and municipal spaces, and you apply to the town hall where you film: Viladecans, Castelldefels, Gavà, Sant Boi, El Prat and the rest. The Catalunya Film Commission can advise and help contact municipalities, but it does not grant permits. The beaches of Castelldefels, Gavà and Viladecans, natural areas such as the Llobregat Delta or the Garraf hills, and protected spaces may have their own rules, sometimes from other authorities, so ask well in advance.
What to plan for besides the permit
The permit is only one part. You need liability insurance that covers the shoot, signed image releases from anyone recognisable, written permission from the owners of venues or homes where you film and, if you use a drone, compliance with aviation rules and local restrictions, which are especially strict near El Prat airport. It also helps to warn neighbours and shops if the shoot will be disruptive, and to have a plan B for rain. All of this is handled in pre-production, alongside the shot list.
How we handle it at Bostak
For most brands and companies, the practical option is for the production company to handle permits, since it knows the procedures and timelines of each place. At Bostak Films, based in Viladecans, we film in Barcelona and the Baix Llobregat, and we take care of scouting, permit applications and coordination with town halls and owners. If you have a street shoot in the area, tell us where and we will tell you what it needs; more on how we work on our production company in Barcelona and Baix Llobregat pages.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to film on the street in Barcelona or the Baix Llobregat area?
Yes, for almost any professional shoot. In Barcelona the Barcelona Film Commission handles it, with a basic authorisation for small shoots and a licence for everything else. In the Baix Llobregat you apply to the town hall where you film.
How far in advance must a filming permit be requested in Barcelona?
The basic authorisation is requested at short notice; the licence needs several working days and the company registered in the city's register of filming companies. Check exact timelines on the Barcelona Film Commission's website.
Can you film on the beaches of Castelldefels or Viladecans?
Yes, with a permit from the relevant town hall. Beaches and natural areas may have their own rules, and other authorities may be involved in some zones, so ask well ahead.
Who handles filming permits in Barcelona and the Baix Llobregat?
Local production companies usually do. Bostak Films, based in Viladecans, scouts, applies for permits and coordinates with town halls and owners for shoots in Barcelona and across the Baix Llobregat.
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