Filming in Jordan
Jordan gives international shoots a compact mix of desert, carved heritage, old-town alleys, modern cityscapes, mountains, pine forest, Dead Sea and Red Sea coast, from Amman and Petra to Wadi Rum and Aqaba, with crew, casting, equipment, and studio facilities. The Royal Film Commission supports qualifying productions with permits, infrastructure, and a 25% to 45% cash rebate. Versana Productions coordinates production services in Jordan: permits, crew, casting, equipment, transport, and on-ground support.
About Jordan
Jordan has long been a meeting point between worlds, and that sense of welcome still shapes how the country receives guests and visitors. Its heritage is ancient and lived-in: Nabataean rock cities, Roman layers, Amman's modern rhythm, Wadi Rum's desert scale, northern mountains and valleys, and the Red Sea coast. The range is wide, but the feeling is specific: a culture of hospitality and local support that helps international productions feel understood from the first day.
Jordan has hosted major productions including Dune, The Martian, Star Wars, and Aladdin, alongside luxury, fashion, and automotive campaigns. The local industry around those shoots is used to international standards and pace, with crew, casting, equipment access, and production facilities that help a shoot move with confidence.
Versana Productions provides local production services in Jordan, helping international and regional teams move from first brief to a shoot that is ready on the ground.
Jordan's Royal Film Commission
The Royal Film Commission of Jordan (RFC) is the official film body supporting production in Jordan, with filming procedures, public-location permit facilitation, production services support, customs guidance, and cash rebate guidance. Jordan's cash rebate runs from 25% to 45% on qualifying local spend for feature films, series, commercials, documentaries, TV shows, and music videos. Eligible costs include Jordanian crew and cast, equipment and facility rentals, accommodation, catering, transport, studio rentals, set builds, and approved post-production in Jordan. Projects from USD 250,000 may qualify, with cash back capped at USD 5.25 million per project. Tax and customs exemptions may also apply where approved. Foreign productions apply before filming through a local production services company or fixer. Versana Productions provides local production services on the ground in Jordan, coordinating RFC application preparation, permits, and the production management around the shoot.
FAQ
Do foreign productions need a local production company in Jordan, and what does Versana handle?
Yes. Foreign productions filming in Jordan need to work through a local production services company or fixer. Versana Productions provides that support on the ground, coordinating permits, location scouting, crew, casting, suppliers, transport, accommodation, equipment and drone coordination, logistics, and production management from prep through wrap.
Does Jordan offer a cash rebate for film, TV, commercial, documentary, and music video productions?
Yes. The Royal Film Commission of Jordan offers a cash rebate for qualifying productions, including films, series, commercials, documentaries, TV shows, and music videos. It runs from 25% to 45% on eligible in-country spend. Projects from USD 250,000 may qualify, with cash back capped at USD 5.25 million per project. Final eligibility and tax treatment are confirmed through official RFC guidelines.
What are the best filming locations in Jordan, and when is the best time to shoot?
Jordan's core filming locations include Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra, the Dead Sea, Aqaba, Jerash, Madaba, and the Dana Biosphere Reserve, alongside desert roads, canyons, resorts, farms, mountains, coastline, and controlled locations where approvals allow. Filming runs year-round: spring and autumn are strongest for weather, summer works with the right schedule, and winter suits mood-driven light and desert atmosphere.
How long do filming permits take in Jordan, including drones and location approvals?
Timing depends on location, scale, equipment, drone use, and security sensitivity. As a planning guide, public locations and scouting can take around three working days, historical sites, Petra, and drone filming around five, official or museum sites around ten, and border or security-sensitive areas around fourteen. Imported drones and special approvals should be planned early and confirmed per project.
Can productions bring equipment into Jordan, and are bilingual crews available?
Yes. Specialist camera, lighting, grip, drone, SFX, wardrobe, and technical equipment can enter Jordan with the right customs planning. Jordan typically uses temporary import clearance rather than ATA Carnet. Versana coordinates equipment lists, serial numbers, freight briefing, customs support, storage, and logistics. Experienced bilingual Arabic- and English-speaking crews are available.