FINAS Filming License Malaysia: 2025 Application Guide

🎬 How to Apply for a FINAS Filming License in Malaysia (2025 Guide)

“If you’re planning to produce films, TV shows, or digital content in Malaysia, securing the appropriate license from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the application process, requirements, and recent updates for 2025.

📌 Who Needs a FINAS License?

A FINAS license is mandatory for: 

• Film and video production companies

• Distributors of films and videos

• Exhibitors of films and videos

However, individual content creators on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram are exempt from this requirement, as per the government’s clarification in July 2020.

📝 Types of FINAS Licenses

FINAS offers several types of licenses:

• PF: Film Production License

• PV: Video Production License

• DF: Film Distribution License

• DV: Video Distribution License

• EF: Film Exhibition License

• EV: Video Exhibition License

Each license has specific requirements and is tailored to different aspects of the film and video industry.

✅ Eligibility Criteria (2025)

To apply for a FINAS license, applicants must:

• Be registered as a private limited company (Sdn Bhd) in Malaysia.

• Have a minimum paid-up capital of RM50,000.

• Submit a three-year production plan detailing projects like dramas, telemovies, or advertisements.

• Ensure that at least one shareholder is a member of a recognized industry association, such as:

  • Persatuan Seniman Malaysia (SENIMAN)

  • Persatuan Sutradara Malaysia (FDAM)

  • Persatuan Pekerja Profesional Filem Malaysia (PROFIMA)

  • Persatuan Karyawan Malaysia (KARYAWAN)

  • Persatuan Penulis Skrin Malaysia (SWAM)

  • Persatuan Penerbit Televisyen Malaysia (PTVM)

📄 Required Documents

When applying, prepare the following documents:

• Completed Application Form (BPL-1)

• Company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association

• Forms 24, 32A (if applicable), and 49 from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)

• Certified true copies of all documents by the Company Secretary or SSM

• Latest three months’ company bank statements

• Proof of membership in a recognized industry association

• Letter of approval from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) for PV license applicants

💰 License Fees and Deposits

License fees and refundable deposits vary depending on the license type:

• PF: Annual fee of RM100; refundable deposit of RM1,000

• PV: Annual fee of RM100; refundable deposit of RM5,000

• DF, DV, EF, EV: Annual fee of RM100; refundable deposit of RM1,000

🎥 Filming Authentication Certificate (SPP)

Before commencing any filming activities, producers must obtain the Filming Authentication Certificate (SPP) from FINAS. Applications should be submitted at least seven days prior to the start of filming. 

🎁 Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI)

Malaysia offers a 30% cash rebate through the Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) for qualifying productions. An additional 5% rebate is available for productions that pass a Cultural Test, making it a total of 35%.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Minimum Qualifying Malaysian Production Expenditure (QMPE):

  • Feature films: RM5 million

  • TV series: RM385,000 per hour

  • Post-production: RM1 million

• At least 30% of the production crew must be Malaysian citizens or permanent residents.

• Applications must be submitted to FINAS at least 2-3 months before production commencement.

📬 How to Apply

1. Download the BPL-1 application form from the FINAS website.

2. Prepare all required documents and ensure they are certified.

3. Submit the application and documents to the Licensing & Enforcement Department at FINAS headquarters or any regional office.

4. Await approval and issuance of the license.

📞 Contact FINAS

National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS)
Kompleks Studio Merdeka
Jalan Hulu Kelang
68000 Ampang, Selangor
Phone: +603-4104 1300
Email: info@finas.my
Website: www.finas.gov.my

By adhering to these guidelines and ensuring all requirements are met, you can successfully obtain a FINAS filming license and contribute to Malaysia’s vibrant film industry.