Chile

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Chile, 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 Chile

Capital

Santiago

Main Cities

Santiago (largest), Valparaíso, Concepción, La Serena–Coquimbo, Antofagasta, Temuco

Local Languages

Spanish

Currency

Chilean peso (CLP)

Climate

Extremely diverse

General Visa Requirements:

Chile is one of South America’s most developed and visually diverse filming destinations — offering Atacama Desert, Andes mountains, Patagonia, and modern urban environments. Citizens of the U.S., U.K., Canada, EU, Australia, and most Latin American countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. For longer stays or paid employment, a temporary work visa (Visa Sujeta a Contrato) or special work permit is required. All foreign productions must coordinate with a local Chilean production services company registered with the Chile Film Commission (Chile Film), under the Ministry of Cultures, Arts and Heritage (Ministerio de las Culturas, las Artes y el Patrimonio).

Required Documents:

Foreign crews must provide the following documentation to local partners and film authorities:

Valid passport (6+ months validity)
Invitation letter or production agreement with a Chilean production company
Proof of accommodation and return flight
Travel and health insurance valid in Chile
Filming schedule and detailed itinerary
Crew list with full names, roles, and passport copies
Proof of insurance (liability and equipment)
Script synopsis or treatment (for location approval)
Customs documentation for imported film equipment
Hoodlum Film Fixers Chile must submit the permit application to Chile Film or relevant municipal authorities.

Visa Application Process:

Visit the Chilean National Migration Service
Create an account with a valid email.
Complete the online application form.
Upload required documents.
Pay the visa fee online.
Submit application.
Wait for processing (15–30 days)

Visa and residence details via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Chile):
👉 https://serviciosconsulares.cl/

Processing Time:

Visa-free entry: on arrival (valid 90 days). Work visa: 2–6 weeks, depending on consulate processing. Film permits: typically 5–15 working days. Start coordination 6–8 weeks prior to shooting to ensure customs and municipal approvals are synchronized.

Cost:

Short-term work visa: approx. US$150–US$200 per person. Film permits: US$50–US$500 depending on the municipality or site. National parks or heritage sites: US$100–US$1,000 depending on environmental review.

Accreditation Requirements:

Chile has no centralized crew accreditation system. However, foreign productions must be registered through a local Chilean partner with the Chile Film Commission to access film permits and customs exemptions.

Required Documents:

Once registered, the Chile Film Commission coordinates with municipal and federal authorities for location access, customs, and logistics.

Passport and visa.
ID (national ID/driver’s license).
International crew accreditation (IATSE, AFCI, etc.).
Proof of professional experience.
Letter of introduction from production company.
Film permit (from CHILEFilm/local authorities).
Script, storyboard, shooting schedule, location list.
Equipment list.
Insurance documents.
Temporary Import/Export Permit (PED).
Commercial/pro-forma invoice.
Certificate of origin.
Customs declaration form.

Processing Time:

Registration: 3–5 working days. Municipal permit coordination: 5–10 days.

Cost:

Crew registration is free; local administrative or location fees may apply.

Issuing Organization:

Film permits are managed by the Chile Film Commission in coordination with local governments, depending on where filming occurs:

Santiago Film Commission (Metropolitan Region)
Valparaíso Film Commission (Coastal region)
Atacama Regional Film Office (Desert region)
Patagonia Film Commission (Southern Chile)

For national parks, archaeological sites, or cultural landmarks, additional approvals may be required from:

Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF) – National Parks & Forests
Consejo de Monumentos Nacionales (CMN) – Heritage sites
Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC) – Airspace & drone use

Required Documents:

Application form (from CNCA).
Project synopsis.
Script/treatment.
Shooting schedule.
Location list.
Crew list.
Equipment list.
Insurance certificate.
Environmental impact plan (if required).
Location owner permissions.
Foreigner’s affidavit.
Customs declaration.
Special permits (monuments, airports, restricted areas).
Security plan (if filming in high-risk areas).

Processing Time:

Urban/municipal permits: 5–10 business days. National parks or protected areas: 2–4 weeks due to environmental review. Large-scale productions: allow up to 6 weeks for multi-agency coordination.

Cost:

City filming: US$100–US$300/day. National parks: US$200–US$600/day. Private sites: negotiated individually.

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Find locations (via scouts, managers, platforms).
Contact owners or representatives.
Visit locations for feasibility/logistics.

Hoodlum Film Fixers Chile assist with:

Scouting and securing private estates, hotels, industrial zones, and rural sites
Contract negotiation with property owners
Logistics and location support (catering, transport, lodging)
Coordination with authorities for access and security

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

Costs depend on location type, exclusivity, and shoot duration.

Drone Regulations:

Registration and licensing required for drones (except recreational drones under 750g in uninhabited areas).
Must declare drone at customs when entering Chile.
Drone operations are regulated by the Dirección General de Aeronáutica Civil (DGAC).

Commercial filming requires:

Drone registration and operator certification (DGAC or recognized equivalent)
Flight plan submission for urban or restricted areas
Liability insurance
Authorization for aerial filming in populated or sensitive zones
Special permission from CONAF or CMN for flights in protected natural or heritage areas

Special Permissions & Restrictions

Restricted Airspace

Filming within 5 km of airports, military bases, or heliports requires additional clearance from the Chilean Air Force (FACh).
DGAC will coordinate this approval directly.

National Parks & Protected Areas

Flying over national parks, reserves, or conservation areas requires permission from CONAF (Corporación Nacional Forestal).
Drones are restricted in sensitive zones to protect wildlife and heritage sites.
Filming requests must include an environmental impact statement and a commitment to low-noise operations.

Urban & Public Areas

Drones cannot be flown directly over crowded areas, government buildings, schools, or hospitals without municipal approval.
Urban flights must maintain a minimum distance of 30 meters from buildings and 20 meters from people.

Night Operations

Night flights are only authorized for certified pilots using drones equipped with anti-collision lighting and under a specific DGAC permit.

Insurance & Liability

All commercial drone operators must hold:

Third-party liability insurance covering potential property damage or injury.
Minimum coverage: approximately US$50,000–US$100,000.
Proof of insurance is mandatory during the DGAC registration and SARPAS application.

Drone Importation Regulations:

All aerial filming operations — including those using drones — must request flight authorization via DGAC’s SARPAS (Sistema de Solicitud de Aprobación de Planes de Vuelo de RPAS).

Applications must include:

Drone and pilot registration documents
Detailed flight plan with GPS coordinates
Altitude, duration, and area of operation
Risk mitigation plan and emergency procedure
Proof of insurance
Environmental or municipal authorization (if filming over public areas or nature reserves)

Best Practice for International Film Crews

Partner with a local drone service company certified by DGAC.
File import documents and flight applications 2–3 weeks before arrival.
Maintain insurance and keep copies of DGAC/SARPAS permits on set.
Conduct test flights in approved areas only.
Avoid spontaneous or unregistered drone flights — local police and air traffic authorities monitor airspace actively.

Permit Issuance:

DGAC approval is issued as an electronic flight permit, valid for specific dates and times only.

Timing:

Standard areas: 3–5 working days
Restricted areas or night flights: up to 10–15 working days
More info: https://www.dgac.gob.cl/

Cost:

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Operating an unregistered or unauthorized drone for commercial filming can result in:

Fines up to US$15,000 (as per DGAC regulations)
Confiscation of drone equipment by customs or law enforcement
Permanent ban from filming activities under Chilean aviation law

All foreign productions are therefore advised to coordinate drone use through a licensed local UAV operator or production service provider familiar with Chilean aviation procedures.

Carnet Status:

Yes, Chile accepts ATA Carnet. Chile allows temporary duty-free import of professional film/TV production equipment via the ATA Carnet system (via the Santiago Chamber of Commerce).

Required Documents:

Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD).
Commercial invoice.
Equipment list (with serials).
Insurance certificate.
Passport & visa.
Letter of introduction.
Location permit.
Customs declaration.
Packing list.
Serial verification.
Certificate of origin.
ATA Carnet certificate.
Freight docs (if applicable).

Issuing Organization:

Servicio Nacional de Aduanas (SNA)

Timing:

While Chile is film-friendly and organised, we did not find an official guarantee of a 1–2 business-day clearance time at Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL). You should plan for potential delays and coordinate arrival logistics with your fixer/clearing agent.

Cost:

6% of total equipment value.

General Overview:

Chile is relatively safe compared to South America overall.
Risks include petty theft (pickpocketing, scams), robbery (at night), and burglaries.

Security Requirements:

Hire local fixers or production companies.
Conduct risk assessments for each location.
Secure permits and authorizations.
Ensure crew and equipment insurance.
Assign a security coordinator.
Secure equipment in crowded areas.
Remain vigilant against theft.

Rebates/Incentives:

Chile offers a 30% cash rebate on eligible local production expenses, launched to attract international film and television projects.

Key Features:

Administered by the Chile Film Commission and the Ministry of Economy.
30% rebate on qualified expenditures incurred in Chile.
Minimum spend: US$2 million for feature films or scripted series.
Eligible expenses include local crew wages, accommodations, rentals, transport, and post-production services.
Rebate capped at US$3 million per project.
Application must be filed before production begins with a registered Chilean partner.
Funds disbursed within 6–12 months following audit and approval.
Productions that meet sustainability and diversity criteria can qualify for an additional 5% bonus rebate.

Co-Production Support

Chile also provides grants and incentives through:

CORFO (Corporación de Fomento de la Producción) – financial aid for audiovisual production and international co-productions.
CNTV (National Television Council) – funding for TV and documentary productions.
Ibermedia Program – for Latin American and European co-productions.
Reference: Film Rebate in Chile