Navigating Drone Operations & Permitting Hong Kong for Professional Filmmaking


Mastering Drone Filming in Hong Kong: Regulations and Best Practices

Hong Kong’s dynamic skyline and diverse landscapes make it a prime location for aerial filming. However, navigating drone operations and permitting requires in-depth knowledge of local regulations. At Shoot in China, we simplify this process with our turnkey production services, ensuring seamless compliance while capturing breathtaking footage.

Hong Kong’s Drone Regulations: What Production Teams Need to Know

The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) classifies drones by weight and usage type. Key requirements include:

  • Permits for commercial flights (mandatory for drones over 7kg)
  • No-fly zones around airports and government facilities
  • Maximum altitude of 300 feet (90m)
  • Visual line-of-sight operation at all times

Our bilingual team handles permit applications, location risk assessments, and coordinates with local authorities—saving clients weeks of paperwork.

Advanced Aerial Production Capabilities

We deploy cutting-edge equipment to meet cinematic standards:

  • DJI Matrice 300 RTK with Zenmuse H20T payloads
  • Freefly Alta X for heavy-lift scenarios
  • Cinema-grade gyro-stabilized gimbals

Recent projects include:

  • A 3-day shoot documenting Victoria Harbour’s skyline for an international hotel brand
  • High-speed chase sequences through Kowloon’s urban canyons for an automotive client

Why Partner With Our Hong Kong Production Team?

Beyond permits, we provide:

  • Local fixers with CAD-approved operator certifications
  • Custom insurance solutions covering equipment and liability
  • Real-time weather monitoring and contingency planning
  • Post-production color grading optimized for aerial footage

Our Shanghai headquarters allows efficient equipment mobilization across China, with additional support in Beijing and Shenzhen for multi-city productions.

Streamlined Workflow for International Clients

From initial location surveys to final delivery, our process includes:

  1. Pre-production risk assessment and storyboard alignment
  2. CAD permit submission (typically 14 business days)
  3. On-site safety briefings with bilingual crew
  4. Live monitoring of flight logs for compliance

For productions requiring mainland China coordination, we leverage our cross-border experience with CAAC regulations.

Ready to Elevate Your Hong Kong Production?

Contact us today for expert Drone Operations & Permitting Hong Kong services. Our team delivers:

  • Guaranteed regulatory compliance
  • Cinematic-quality aerial footage
  • End-to-end production support

Email [email protected] or visit our Shanghai office to discuss your project’s specific requirements.