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العربية

Incentive Program

The Incentive Program is one of the strategic initiatives launched by the Saudi Film Commission to develop the film industry in Saudi Arabia. The program aims to position the Kingdom as a global destination for film production by offering financial and promotional incentives to both local and international filmmakers.

What Does the Incentive Program Offer?

  • Financial Support: A rebate program offering up to 60% of production expenses.
  • Non-Financial (Logistical) Support: Assistance with obtaining licenses and approvals.

Who is Eligible for the Incentive Program?

The Incentive Program is available to local and international production companies (with a local entity or Saudi partner).

Note: All government and semi-government companies, as well as state-owned entities and institutions, are not eligible for incentives.

What Are the Basic Requirements to Qualify for the Financial Rebate Incentive?

To qualify for the financial rebate incentive, companies must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a registered and licensed production company in the Kingdom or have an official co-production agreement with a registered and licensed company in the Kingdom.
  • Obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) for filming.
  • Complete the application form for the Incentive Program and obtain the necessary approvals.
  • Meet the minimum eligible expenditure requirements (detailed below).
  • Provide proof of financial support for the project.

*Pre-approval must be obtained by signing the incentive agreement before starting the project’s filming.

Production in Saudi Arabia

Does the Incentive Cover Pre-Production, Production, and Post-Production Expenses?

The financial rebate incentive covers production and post-production processes for projects accepted into the program, provided the entire production process is completed.


What is the minimum qualifying expenditure?

What Is the Minimum Eligible Expenditure?

  • Feature Films: SAR 750,000 in eligible expenses (approximately $200,000 per project).
  • Feature Documentaries: SAR 187,000 in eligible expenses (approximately $50,000 per project).
  • Feature Animation Films: SAR 187,000 in eligible expenses (approximately $50,000 per project).

Is There a Minimum Number of Filming Days?

Yes, the minimum number of filming days required to qualify for the financial rebate incentive is 5 days with the main production unit.

What Expenses Are Eligible for Incentives?

The following expenditures are qualified for the cash rebate:

  • Above-the-Line (ATL) Team:
    • Producer fees (including script rights costs).
    • Director fees (including screenplay rights).
    • Fees for key crew members (lead actors, lead screenwriter, etc.).
  • Below-the-Line (BTL) Team:
    • Production crew, actor, and extra wages.
    • Set design and costume design crew wages.
    • Makeup, hairstyling, and special effects (SFX) crew wages.
  • Other Eligible Expenses:
    • Fees and expenses for renting filming locations and equipment.
    • Production-related and professional services.
    • Construction, including building filming sets.
    • Accommodation and travel expenses (domestic and international to Saudi cities).
    • Post-production expenses.

What Expenses Are Not Eligible for Incentives?

All expenses not mentioned above, including all expenses incurred outside the Kingdom or with suppliers outside the Kingdom, unless specified otherwise in the terms.