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:

Brazil is Latin America’s largest audiovisual production hub — offering world-class infrastructure, tropical diversity, urban sophistication, and strong government-backed incentive programs. Citizens of the U.S., U.K., Canada, the EU, Australia, Japan, and most South American countries may enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. For longer projects or paid work, a temporary work visa (VITEM-V) is required through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty). All international productions must register with the National Film Agency (ANCINE – Agência Nacional do Cinema) and work with a local Brazilian production company authorized by ANCINE.

Required Documents:

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Completed visa or entry form (if applicable)
Invitation letter or contract with a registered Brazilian production company
Proof of accommodation and return flight
Proof of sufficient financial means
Health and travel insurance
Detailed filming schedule and project synopsis
Crew list with full details and roles
Equipment list (for customs clearance)
Production company registration (Brazilian partner)
Foreign film crews must prepare the following documents for entry and permit approvals:
All paperwork must be translated into Portuguese for submission to local authorities or ANCINE.
Crews with equipment must complete E-DBV: https://www.edbv.receita.fazenda.gov.br/edbv-viajante/pages/selecionarAcao/selecionarAcao.jsf

Visa Application Process:

Visa and entry requirements are available through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty):
👉 https://www.gov.br/mre/en

Processing Time:

Tourist entry (visa-free): immediate. Work visa (VITEM-V): approximately 4–6 weeks via the nearest Brazilian consulate. Film permit processing: 10–20 business days, depending on location and complexity. Begin coordination 8–10 weeks in advance to accommodate translation and legal certification requirements.

Cost:

Visa fees: US$100–US$250 (depending on nationality and reciprocity agreements). Filming permits: US$100–US$1,000, depending on location and municipality. Environmental or cultural site permits: US$200–US$500.

Accreditation Requirements:

All foreign productions must be registered with ANCINE under a local Brazilian production partner. The local producer assumes legal and administrative responsibility for the project in Brazil.

Required Documents:

ANCINE registration form (in Portuguese)
Crew list with identification details
Filming schedule and locations
Proof of insurance
Local company CNPJ (tax ID)
Synopsis or script summary
Equipment import documentation
Once registered, the production is eligible to apply for filming permits, import equipment duty-free, and access tax incentives.

Processing Time:

ANCINE registration: 5–10 business days. Municipal filming permits: 1–3 weeks, depending on city and scope.

Cost:

Accreditation itself is free, though administrative costs may apply for translation, notarization, and documentation, generally up to $600

Issuing Organization:

Film permits are typically issued by municipal film commissions or local authorities, coordinated through the national body Brazilian Film Commission Network (REBRACINE).

Key authorities include:

Rio Film Commission (Rio de Janeiro)
São Paulo Film Commission (SPCine)
Bahia Film Commission
Pernambuco Film Commission
Amazonas Film Commission

Special areas like national parks, beaches, or federal landmarks require clearance from relevant agencies such as:

IBAMA (Environmental Protection Institute)
IPHAN (National Historical Heritage Institute)
ICMBio (Biodiversity Institute)

Required Documents:

Shooting schedule and call sheets
Filming maps and diagrams
Proof of ANCINE registration and local production partnership
Insurance certificates
Health and safety plan
Environmental clearance (if applicable)

Processing Time:

Small-scale or private locations: 5–10 business days. Large or complex public shoots: 2–4 weeks. Heritage or environmental locations: up to 6 weeks.

Cost:

$600

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Approval required for public spaces impacting traffic/pedestrian flow (city hall)
Public parks often managed by private companies → require separate approvals/fees
Subway, train, and bus terminals require transit company approval
Beaches require environmental agency authorization (depending on city)
Private properties negotiated case by case

Hoodlum Film Fixers Brazil provide:

Location scouting (urban, coastal, Amazonian, mountain, or desert regions)
Negotiation with private owners
Coordination with local authorities
Management of logistics, transport, and crew accommodation

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Varies significantly by location (e.g., Rio vs. Amazon or Nordeste)
Costs depend on region, exclusivity, and time of year (high season: Dec–Mar).

Drone Regulations:

Drone use for filming is regulated by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) and Department of Airspace Control (DECEA).

Drone Importation Regulations:

Drone and operator registration with ANAC
Operator certificate (RPA or pilot’s license for commercial use)
Flight authorization via SARPAS (Sistema de Solicitação de Acesso ao Espaço Aéreo)
Liability insurance
Special authorization for filming in urban, night, or restricted areas

Permit Issuance:

DECEA / ANAC / ANATEL

Timing:

Processing time: 1–2 weeks.
More info: https://www.gov.br/anac/en

Cost:

$200–$1,000

Carnet Status:

Brazil no longer accepts ATA Carnets as of January 1, 2022. Brazil permits temporary importation of equipment under the regime called Admissão Temporária (“Temporary Admission”) through the customs authority for goods brought in for a fixed period and to be re-exported. Foreign productions in Brazil typically must obtain a permit via the national film agency ANCINE. For example, when bringing in filming equipment, that permit is a factor in the process. A detailed packing list with serial numbers is recommended/required for custom-clearance of equipment.

Required Documents:

Detailed packing list with serial numbers
Production permit via ANCINE for foreign shoot (or proof of ANCINE registration)
E-DBV (Electronic Traveller’s Goods Declaration) for equipment entering via airline/luggage (if applicable)
Local fixer or customs broker handling the customs process and documentation
Important note: Brazil does not currently accept ATA Carnets (as of Jan 1 2022) for temporary importation. Clearance time can vary—no guaranteed 1-2 business days has been universally documented.

Procedure tips:

Initiate customs registration of equipment via E-DBV ahead of arrival.
Ensure the local production entity obtains the ANCINE permit and declares the equipment in that permit if required.
At arrival at airport, present E-DBV + gear list + ANCINE permit to customs “Goods to Declare” line.
On departure, ensure re-export of equipment and presentation of exit declaration to avoid liabilities.

Issuing Organization:

Receita Federal

Timing:

2–5 days

Cost:

$300

General Overview:

Petty theft and street crime: secure equipment and documents
Violent crime: avoid high-risk areas, especially at night
Transport: use reputable drivers/vehicles
Health: vaccinations and travel health prep recommended
Natural disasters: check local weather protocols

Security Requirements:

Rio de Janeiro: avoid favelas without permission, pickpocketing at beaches
São Paulo: avoid crowded areas, protests/demonstrations
Amazon: plan for remote medical evacuation, wildlife/environmental hazards
Northeast: coastal hazards (strong currents/rip tides)

Rebates/Incentives:

National Incentive – ANCINE Audiovisual Sector Fund (FSA)

Brazil provides generous tax-based and cash rebate incentives through ANCINE and the Audiovisual Sector Fund (FSA).

Key Features:

Cash rebate of up to 30% of eligible Brazilian expenditures.
Administered by ANCINE under the Cash Rebate for International Productions Program (Rebate Brasil).
Open to feature films, scripted TV, documentaries, and post-production.
Minimum local spend: R$2 million (~US$400,000).
Eligible costs: local crew, services, equipment rental, accommodation, transportation, post-production, VFX.
Requires partnership with a local Brazilian producer registered with ANCINE.
Rebate disbursed within 6–12 months following audit and approval.

Regional Incentives

Brazil’s states and cities offer additional incentives that can stack with the federal rebate:

Rio de Janeiro (RioFilme): up to 35% of local spend; capped at R$3 million (~US$600,000).
São Paulo (SPCine): up to 30% of qualifying spend for international co-productions.
Pernambuco & Bahia: cash grants, VAT exemptions, and logistical support.
Amazonas & Ceará: location subsidies and low-cost public permits.

Combining ANCINE’s national rebate with regional support can yield an effective incentive rate of 40–50%.