Uruguay

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Uruguay, 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 Uruguay

Capital

Montevideo

Main Cities

Montevideo, Salto, Ciudad de la Costa, Paysandú, Las Piedras, Rivera, Maldonado, Tacuarembó

Local Languages

Spanish (official); also minority speakers of Italian, Portuguese, and Portuñol

Currency

Uruguayan Peso (UYU)

Climate

Temperate

General Visa Requirements:

Film crews must apply online through the Uruguayan government’s official immigration website.

Required Documents:

Valid passport
Visa or ID card

Visa Application Process:

Apply here

Processing Time:

20–30 days

Cost:

$150–$200

Accreditation Requirements:

International crews must register with:

Uruguayan immigration authorities (Registro de Extranjeros) within 90 days of arrival
Uruguayan tax authority (AFIP) to obtain a tax ID number

Required Documents:

Letter of introduction
Passport
ID
Proof of health insurance

Processing Time:

10–20 days

Cost:

Varies depending on production type, crew size, and services required

Issuing Organization:

Ministerio de Educación y Cultura (MEC) – Ministry of Education and Culture
Instituto Nacional del Cine y el Audiovisual (INCA) – National Film and Audiovisual Institute
Municipio de Montevideo – Municipality of Montevideo

Required Documents:

Production information
Script and storyboard
Location information
Crew and cast information
Equipment and transportation information
Insurance and liability information
Permits and licenses
Payment details

Processing Time:

15–30 days

Cost:

Most filming is free, but some locations require a location fee (cost provided after production brief).

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Fixers facilitate scouting, arrange access, and negotiate with property owners.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Not provided until a production synopsis is available.

Drone Regulations:

Regulated by Dirección Nacional de Aviación Civil (DINACIA). Commercial use requires permit, insurance, and registration.

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drones over 25 kg must be registered with DINACIA
Categories: Menores (up to 25 kg), Medianos (25–260 kg), Mayores (over 260 kg)
Customs duties/taxes may apply

Permit Issuance:

Dirección Nacional de Aviación Civil e Infraestructura Aeronáutica (DINACIA).

Timing:

5–10 days

Cost:

$500–$1,250

Carnet Status:

Uruguay is a Carnet country.

Required Documents:

ATA Carnet
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Certificate of origin
Customs declaration form
Film permit
Insurance certificate
Equipment list

Issuing Organization:

Dirección Nacional de Aduanas (DNA), National Customs Directorate.

Timing:

4–8 hours

Cost:

$250–$1,250

General Overview:

Uruguay is safe, film-friendly, and offers favorable business conditions with unique landscapes and mild climate.

Security Requirements:

General security measures
Personal and equipment security
Location-specific security
Recommended providers include Grupo Security (Uruguay) and Prosegur (Uruguay).