Brazil

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Brazil, 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 Brazil

Capital

Brasília

Main Cities

São Paulo (largest), Rio de Janeiro, Brasília

Local Languages

Portuguese

Currency

Brazilian real (BRL)

Climate

Vast range

General Visa Requirements:

Citizens travelling on passports from Australia, Canada, and the United States visiting Brazil for tourism or business are subject to visa requirements from 10 April 2025. Brazil also offers visa exemptions for regular passport holders from several countries, including many European countries, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Morocco, several Central American and Caribbean countries, all South American countries, and Fiji.

Required Documents:

  • Passport for each international crew member
  • Full shooting schedule
  • Production description
  • Filming locations
  • Budget
  • Letter from the Brazilian production company
  • Detailed equipment list with serial numbers
  • Letter from the partnering Brazilian company/person
  • ANCINE submission for embassy visa support
  • E-DBV online declaration for temporary importation of goods when travelling with equipment

Visa Application Process:

Visa application link: https://brazil.vfsevisa.com

Processing Time:

Visa processing generally takes 1–2 weeks, depending on the consulate. ANCINE permit processing takes around 10 days, partly due to the amount of required production and partnership documentation.

Cost:

Visa costs vary between e-visas and regular visas, generally ranging from USD 80 to USD 200 depending on where the application is submitted.

Accreditation Requirements:

Crew accreditation must be included in the ANCINE film permit. Foreign producers must have a contract with a Brazilian producer, and the Brazilian producer submits the required documents to ANCINE.

Required Documents:

  • Contract with a Brazilian producer
  • Passport numbers
  • Citizenship details
  • Crew duties
  • Place of departure
  • Equipment list
  • Expected duration of work
  • Day-by-day schedule
  • Detailed project synopsis
  • Capture format
  • Broadcast / distribution details

Processing Time:

Processing takes at least 5 business days.

Cost:

Costs depend on the project and any extra charges. Filming permit costs start from USD 600.

Issuing Organization:

ANCINE issues the general film permit / registration for foreign productions filming in Brazil.

Required Documents:

  • Contract with Brazilian producer
  • Crew passport details
  • Crew citizenship details
  • Crew duties
  • Place of departure
  • Equipment list
  • Expected duration of work
  • Day-by-day schedule
  • Detailed project synopsis
  • Capture format
  • Broadcast / distribution details

Processing Time:

ANCINE permits generally take 1–4 weeks.

Cost:

Costs depend on the project and any extra charges. Filming permits start from USD 600.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Private location arrangements vary depending on whether the property is in a common area, linked to a park, or negotiated directly with the owner. Public locations that affect traffic or pedestrian flow require city hall approval and may involve fees. Public parks, subway, train, and bus terminals, and beaches may require approval from relevant managing bodies or environmental agencies.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Costs vary significantly depending on the location, including differences between Rio, the Amazon region, and the Nordeste region.

Drone Regulations:

Drone pilots must be registered in the SARPAS system, and drones must be homologated for use in Brazil.

  • Drone pilots must register through SARPAS
  • Drones must be homologated in Brazil
  • Foreign pilots can be legalised through a DECEA registration process
  • DECEA is responsible for drone flight approval and safety rules

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone authorisation must be obtained from ANAC and ANATEL before entering Brazil.

  • ANATEL seal required for compliance with Brazilian radio standards
  • ANATEL seal costs around USD 70 and may take around 45 days if not already held
  • Drones over 250 g must be registered through the SISANT portal
  • CPF or CNPJ tax number required for SISANT registration
  • Import licence may be required depending on drone type
  • Commercial invoice, bill of lading, and certificate of origin may be required

Permit Issuance:

DECEA, ANAC, and ANATEL regulate drone permissions, homologation, and importation.

Timing:

Drone approval can take 2–3 business days for the drone and around 2 weeks for the pilot.

Cost:

Costs vary from USD 200 to USD 1,000 depending on the drone make and model.

Carnet Status:

Brazil no longer accepts ATA Carnets. International crews must complete the Brazilian form for bringing filming and sound recording equipment into the country.

Required Documents:

  • Model
  • Brand
  • Type
  • Serial number
  • Value of each item entering under temporary import
  • E-DBV online declaration where applicable

Issuing Organization:

Receita Federal

Timing:

Equipment travelling as luggage is processed on arrival. Cargo can take 2–5 days to process.

Cost:

Costs vary depending on the quantity of goods. A simple process starts at USD 300 per event.

General Overview:

Safety conditions in Brazil vary by location. Productions should account for petty theft, street crime, traffic risks, health considerations, weather, and location-specific risks in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, the Amazon region, and coastal areas.

Security Requirements:

  • Local fixers or guides familiar with area and culture
  • Security escorts for high-risk areas
  • Secure storage for equipment
  • Equipment insurance
  • GPS tracking for high-value equipment
  • Armoured vehicles for high-risk areas where needed
  • Secure transportation with reputable drivers
  • Vehicle tracking
  • Site assessments before filming
  • Permits and authorisation checks
  • On-site guards, police, or private security where required

Rebates/Incentives:

No confirmed rebate or tax incentive information was provided. The source notes state that the fixer is not familiar with this and only offers production services.

Available Support

Not applicable.

Who Can Apply

Not applicable.

How It Fits With Permits & Visas

Brazil productions should align ANCINE registration, crew accreditation, visa support, local producer contracts, equipment declarations, and drone permissions early. The process is documentation-heavy, especially where foreign crews, temporary equipment imports, and drone operations are involved.

Best Practices for Productions

  • Secure a Brazilian production partner before submitting to ANCINE.
  • Prepare full crew, schedule, equipment, and broadcast information early.
  • Confirm visa status by nationality, especially for Australia, Canada, and United States passport holders.
  • Complete E-DBV declarations for equipment travelling with crew.
  • Start drone homologation and ANATEL checks well ahead of travel.
  • Budget extra time for public spaces, parks, beaches, and transport terminals.
  • Plan location-specific security, especially in high-risk urban or remote areas.

Meet our Local Team

Brazil

Douglas

Brazil - Douglas

Douglas

Brazil

Octavio

Brazil - Octavia

Octavio

Client Brief

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Services We Provide in Brazil

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits

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Introduction

Brazil Hoodlum Film Fixers provides world-class film fixer services across Brazil, offering international production teams comprehensive support. Our expertise spans from location scouting, securing permits, and managing logistics to sourcing skilled local crews. Brazil, with its rich diversity—from the bustling streets of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro to the natural wonders of the Amazon Rainforest and stunning beaches—offers a breathtaking backdrop for filmmakers. Whether producing a feature film, TV series, commercial, or documentary, our dedicated team ensures your production runs smoothly from pre-production to wrap.

Planning to film in this region? Contact Hoodlum Film Fixers today to handle the logistics so you can focus on your creative vision. Reach out to us today to discuss how we can make your Brazilian production a success.

Country Overview

Brazil is a filmmaker’s dream, offering a wide range of dramatic locations, from the vast Amazon Rainforest to the cosmopolitan streets of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The country’s landscapes are incredibly diverse, including tropical rainforests, dry interiors, vibrant urban centers, and scenic coastlines. Brazil’s culture, rich in indigenous, African, and Portuguese influences, adds unique authenticity to any project filmed here.

Brazil’s major cities—São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, and Belo Horizonte—are hubs of culture and modern infrastructure, offering excellent production facilities and skilled local crews. Its dynamic mix of urban life, historical sites, and natural beauty make Brazil an ideal setting for projects of all kinds.

With strong support from local agencies, like ANCINE (Brazilian Film Agency), Brazil is fast becoming a leading destination for international film production. Brazil Film Fixers is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring seamless production in this incredible country.

Bordering Countries

This region shares its borders with Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana.

Main Cities

São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Belo Horizonte

Local Languages

Portuguese, English

Local Currency

Brazilian Real (BRL)

Weather and Seasons

Climate varies widely due to its vast size:

  • North (Amazon Region): Hot and humid year-round, ideal for rainforest scenes.
  • Interior (Central Brazil): Hot and dry, perfect for desert-like landscapes.
  • South: Temperate climate with cooler winters, excellent for forest and mountain scenes.

Visa Requirements

Visa Exemptions

As of April 2024, citizens from many countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, enjoy visa-free entry. For Australia, Canada, and the U.S., visa requirements have been reinstated.

Visa Application Process

For international film crews, a business visa is required. Passport details of the crew must be submitted to ANCINE, which coordinates with local embassies. The process typically takes 1–2 weeks and costs between $80–$200, depending on where you apply.

Visa Application Link

International Crew Accreditation

Crew accreditation is included in the ANCINE Film Permit, which requires passports and crew designations. Changes to the crew after initial submission incur a fee of $200 per change. The process takes about one week.

General Film Permit

Issuing Organization

This region mandates that foreign productions partner with a local production company, which is responsible for applying to ANCINE for the necessary permits.

Required Documentation

A contract between the foreign and Brazilian production companies must be submitted, along with crew details, equipment lists, and a detailed production schedule. The cost of permits starts from $600, and the processing time is about one week.

Private Locations

Securing private locations depends on ownership, whether it is part of a public park or privately owned. Costs vary significantly based on location, from high-end venues in Rio to more remote areas in the Amazon or Nordeste regions.

Drone Permit

Drone Regulations

Drone pilots must be registered with the SARPAS system, and the drones must be homologated in Brazil. Foreign drones and pilots require special authorization from ANAC and ANATEL.

Timings:

Drone registration takes 2–3 business days, while pilot authorization may take up to two weeks.

Costs:

$200–$1,000 USD depending on the drone type.

Equipment Customs Clearance

Carnet Country

Brazil no longer accepts ATA Carnet. Instead, international crews must complete a Brazilian customs form for temporary equipment import.

Clearance Process

A customs agent can process the form within 2 business days online. Required documentation includes model, serial number, and value of the equipment. The process costs start at $300 per event.

Safety and Security

While this region is generally safe country for filming, certain city areas may require additional security measures. Hiring bodyguards for specific locations is recommended.