How to Apply for a China–Foreign Film Co-Production in Shanghai (2025 Guide)

Planning a China–foreign film co-production in Shanghai requires the appropriate project approval. The Chinese production partner submits the application; the Shanghai stage is an initial review before referral to the national film authority. Prepare the project with the eligible Chinese partner before committing the shoot.

1. Who Can Apply?

Only the Chinese production company can file the application.
The applicant must have produced at least two feature films that were granted a public screening license in China.
Foreign companies cannot be the main applicant, but can participate as co-production partners.

2. What Types of Projects Are Eligible?

The approval applies to:

Joint productions (co-investment, shared creative team).
Assisted productions (support from one side but mainly led by the other).
Commissioned productions (work-for-hire style projects).

Restrictions:

The project must not include politically sensitive, religiously controversial, obscene, or violent content.
Both Chinese and foreign partners must not be under penalties for previous violations of China’s Film Industry Promotion Law or Film Regulations.

3. Key Application Materials

To apply, you will need:

Prepare the Chinese partner’s application, evidence of prior qualifying films, the screenplay, foreign partner credentials, the cooperation agreement and key creative biographies. The agreement should clarify investment, creative participation and festival plans. Use the current official checklist for the required formats and any project-specific materials.

4. Approval Timeline & Process

Distinguish Shanghai’s initial review from national approval. The Shanghai portal lists a statutory 20-working-day period and a committed 10-working-day period for its stage, excluding expert review time. This is not a guaranteed end-to-end project approval time.

Submit the application through the appropriate Shanghai service route. Following the local initial review, the project is referred to the national film authority. Allow time for material corrections and any expert review.

The national procedure distinguishes a co-production permit for joint productions from approval documents for assisted or commissioned productions.

5. Where & How to Apply

The official Shanghai portal lists online, counter and courier channels, with the service hall at 54 Shaoxing Road. Check the portal for current hours, contacts and submission instructions before attending.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Scriptwriter authorization with incorrect names (pen name vs. ID mismatch).
Missing or incomplete financial proof.
Co-production agreement without clear investment ratio or creative role allocation.

Conclusion

Applying for a China–foreign co-production approval in Shanghai requires careful preparation, but with the right documents and local guidance, it can be a straightforward process. International filmmakers are strongly advised to partner with experienced local fixers, production companies, or bilingual crews to ensure compliance and smooth approval.

Source: Shanghai Government service portal: co-production initial review. Information reviewed: 21 October 2026.

Source: China Film Administration: co-production regulations. Information reviewed: 21 October 2026.