Argentina

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Argentina, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Argentina

Capital

Buenos Aires

Main Cities

Mar del Plata, La Plata, Bahía Blanca, Rosario, San Miguel de Tucumán, Córdoba, Neuquén

Local Languages

Spanish, Italian, German, French, English

Currency

Argentine peso (ARS)

Climate

Extremely diverse

General Visa Requirements:

Argentina is one of South America’s most film-friendly destinations, offering diverse landscapes (Patagonia, Buenos Aires, Andes, Pampas) and a strong film industry infrastructure. Citizens of most EU countries, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the U.K. can enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days. For longer stays or paid work, a temporary work visa is required through the Dirección Nacional de Migraciones. All international film productions must register with the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) and coordinate through local production service companies.

Required Documents:

Foreign crews must prepare:

Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Invitation or co-production letter from an Argentine production company
Proof of accommodation and return travel
Filming schedule and location list
Crew list with roles and passport numbers
Proof of health insurance
Customs list for filming equipment (for temporary importation)
Insurance certificate (liability and equipment)

Productions are encouraged to partner with a local registered company such as Hoodlum Film Fixers Argentina, as this simplifies visa processing, equipment import and permitting.

Visa Application Process:

Visa and immigration guidance is available via the Argentine Consular Portal:
👉 https://cancilleria.gob.ar/en/services/visas

Processing Time:

Tourist entry / short-stay: immediate upon arrival for visa-exempt nationals. Temporary work visa: approximately 3–6 weeks. Film permit approvals: typically, 5–15 business days depending on city and complexity. Recommended: begin coordination 8–10 weeks before production.

Cost:

Work visa fees: approx. US$200–US$250 per person (depending on nationality). Filming permits: free or low-cost in many regions, but special locations may incur fees. National Park or heritage site filming: US$200–US$1,000 depending on scope.

Accreditation Requirements:

Argentina does not have a universal crew accreditation system. However, productions must be registered locally through the INCAA or a municipal film office.

Required Documents:

Required documents typically include:

Crew list and contact details
Production company or co-production agreement
Proof of insurance
Filming schedule
Equipment import documentation (if applicable)

Working with a local line producer ensures proper registration with labour authorities and simplifies coordination with local unions and guilds.

Processing Time:

Crew registration through INCAA: 3–5 business days. Local permits: 5–10 business days.

Cost:

Accreditation is free; fees apply for location-specific services, traffic control, or security. $500-$2000

Issuing Organization:

Buenos Aires City permits: Apply here.

Film permits are issued locally depending on location:

Buenos Aires Film Commission (BASet) – handles permits for the capital region.
Municipal and provincial film offices – manage approvals in other cities or regions.
Administración de Parques Nacionales (APN) – oversees national park filming (e.g., Iguazú, Patagonia).
All major productions are also encouraged to register with the National Institute of Cinema and Audiovisual Arts (INCAA) for official support, insurance guidance, and rebate applications.

Required Documents:

Shooting schedule and call sheets
Maps or plans of filming areas
Script excerpt or synopsis
Proof of insurance and safety plan
Local production contact details
Completed permit application form

Processing Time:

Small or private shoots: 3–5 days. Large productions or heritage/nature sites: 1–3 weeks.

Cost:

Public locations (city areas): often free or up to US$200/day. National parks / heritage sites: supervision and conservation fees may apply. Private properties: costs vary by negotiation.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Hoodlum Film Fixers Argentina typically handle:

Location scouting and contracts
Negotiation with private owners
Coordination with local and provincial authorities
Logistics (transportation, crew accommodation, catering)

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Costs depend on accessibility, duration, and exclusivity.

Drone Regulations:

Drone registration is mandatory.
Operators must obtain a Special Aerial Operations Permit.
Liability insurance is required.
Drone use in populated areas or airports requires special authorization.
Night flights and operations near national parks or protected sites need additional permits.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Temporary import allowed with Argentine ID guarantor; no rules for small drones.

Permit Issuance:

Drone usage is regulated by the Administración Nacional de Aviación Civil (ANAC).

Drone Permit Link

Timing:

5–15 working days.

Cost:

$2 - $100

Carnet Status:

Argentina is a Carnet country and accepts the ATA Carnet for temporary importation of professional equipment.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet issued by national chamber in home country
Packing list and serial numbers
Temporary import permit (if not using a carnet)
INCAA or JAMPRO authorization letter for customs (recommended)

Issuing Organization:

AFIP

Timing:

Customs clearance generally takes 1–2 hours at Buenos Aires (Ezeiza) airport or port of entry.

Cost:

Depends on equipment value and volume (includes IMTE customs guarantee and broker fees).

General Overview:

Argentina offers a safe filming environment with strong infrastructure and experienced bilingual crews.

Security coordination recommended for large public shoots in Buenos Aires.
Liability and equipment insurance required.
Patagonia and mountain regions require cold-weather preparation and terrain planning.
Emergency medical and rescue services are available nationwide.

Security Requirements:

Hire local security personnel, particularly for high-profile shoots or high-risk areas.
Engage production security companies familiar with local conditions.

Rebates/Incentives:

National Incentives

Argentina offers cash rebates up to 20% of qualified production expenditure for international productions, administered by the Buenos Aires Film Commission (BASet) and INCAA.

Key Features:

Rebate rate: up to 20% of eligible Argentine spend.
Eligible projects: feature films, scripted TV, documentaries, commercials, animation, and post-production.
Minimum local spend: approx. US$500,000 for feature films or TV series.
Eligible costs: local crew, rentals, transportation, accommodation, post-production, VFX, and service fees.
Incentive paid: within 6–12 months after audit and completion.

Additional benefits:

VAT refunds for foreign productions.
Customs duty exemptions on imported film equipment.
Access to co-production funding through INCAA and the Ibermedia Program.

Regional Incentives

Buenos Aires City Rebate: up to 25% of local spend, capped at US$500,000 per project.
Province of Córdoba and Mendoza: tax credits or cash grants for productions employing local talent and services.
Patagonia Region: offers logistical support and reduced permit fees for productions showcasing the region.