Takeover Films

18:00Wrap

Saudi Film Commission cash rebate: up to 60% back

Feature films, documentaries and animation that shoot in Saudi Arabia can claim back up to 60% of their eligible spend in the Kingdom. International productions apply through a licensed Saudi partner, and that is where we come in.

Talk to us about your project See the rules
Netflix Saudi Pro League documentary, Jeddah: a cinema camera in the foreground as the crew films a scene by the water
Netflix Saudi Pro League documentary, Jeddah

05:30Call sheet

Who can claim, and how much.

The programme rules as published by Film Saudi, the Saudi Film Commission’s production office.

Film Commission rebate The rules
Rate
Up to 60%
Formats
Features, docs, animation
Main unit in KSA
5 days or more
Applicant
Licensed Saudi company
RuleWhat it says
RebateUp to 60% of eligible spend in the Kingdom, raised from 40% in May 2026. The final rate depends on the Film Commission’s evaluation of the project.
FormatsFeature films, feature documentaries and feature animation.
Minimum spendSAR 750,000 (about USD 200,000) of eligible spend for feature films; SAR 187,000 (about USD 50,000) for feature documentaries and animation.
Shooting daysAt least five days with the main unit filming in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi partnerA registered and licensed production company in the Kingdom, or an official co-production agreement with one.
TimingThe incentive agreement is signed before filming starts, with the filming permit and approvals in place.
Not eligibleGovernment and semi-government entities, and spend outside the Kingdom or with suppliers outside it, unless the terms say otherwise.

Source: Film Saudi incentive programme, and the Film Commission’s May 2026 announcement of the 60% rate. Checked October 2026; the Film Commission’s terms always have the final word.

BudgetEligible spend

What counts towards the rebate.

Production and post-production costs spent in the Kingdom with Saudi suppliers. The programme lists:

  • Producer, director and key crew fees
  • Crew, cast and extras wages
  • Set and costume design
  • Make-up, hair and special effects crews
  • Location and equipment rental
  • Production and professional services
  • Construction, including sets
  • Accommodation and travel to Saudi cities
  • Post-production

SumsAt the maximum rate

What up to 60% looks like.

The most a project could get back at the full 60% rate. The real figure depends on how much of the spend qualifies and on the Film Commission’s evaluation.

ProjectEligible spend in KSAUp to 60% back
Feature documentary at the minimumSAR 187,000SAR 112,200
Feature film at the minimumSAR 750,000SAR 450,000
Feature filmSAR 5,000,000SAR 3,000,000

Try your own figure in the rebate calculator on our home page.

ScheduleFrom prep to claim

How we run it with you.

As your licensed Saudi partner, we prepare the application with you from the first day of prep.

  1. Prep

    Check the project against the rules

    Format, budget, shooting days and which costs will be spent with Saudi suppliers.

  2. Apply

    Application and agreement

    We prepare the application with you, with proof of financing, and the incentive agreement is signed before the first shooting day.

  3. Shoot

    Permits, crew and spend tracking

    Filming permit and approvals in place, and eligible spend recorded as it happens.

  4. Wrap

    Audit and claim

    Once production and post are complete, the spend is audited under the Film Commission’s disbursement guide and the rebate is claimed.

NotesProduction office

Questions about the rebate.

Is the 60% rebate guaranteed?

No. The programme offers up to 60% of eligible spend in the Kingdom, and the rate a project receives depends on the Film Commission’s evaluation. We check it with you before you lock the budget.

Which productions can claim it?

The published programme covers feature films, feature documentaries and feature animation that meet the minimum spend and film at least five days with the main unit in Saudi Arabia.

Can an international production apply on its own?

The applicant has to be a registered and licensed production company in the Kingdom, or have an official co-production agreement with one. International productions work through a licensed Saudi partner such as Takeover Films.

When should we apply?

Early in prep. The incentive agreement has to be signed before filming starts, so the application, financing proof and filming approvals need to be ready before your shoot.

What spend does not count?

Spend outside the Kingdom, or with suppliers based outside it, is not eligible unless the programme terms say otherwise. Booking crew, kit and services locally keeps more of the budget eligible.

Who are Takeover Films?

A production services company in Riyadh, founded in 2023 by producer Mustafa Abdelaziz, who has worked on productions in Saudi Arabia since 2018. Credits include Netflix, DAZN, MBC and VICE.

21:00Next call

Plan the rebate before you plan the shoot.

Send us your format, budget and dates, and we will check the project against the rules with you.

Message us on WhatsApp pr@takeoverfilms.com