Foreign Filming in Brazil with Crew Visas

Have you ever wondered how foreign filming works in Brazil? In fact, to film in the country, the crew involved needs a specific visa.

Learn more about the requirements, the role of the National Cinema Agency, and how to apply for a visa!

If you’d like legal assistance from our team, send us a WhatsApp message.

What are the rules for producing an audiovisual production in Brazil?

The rules for producing an audiovisual production in Brazil require that the production be carried out by a Brazilian production company registered with ANCINE (National Cinema Agency). This company will be responsible for communicating with the agency, following the guidelines established by ANCINE Normative Instruction No. 79 of October. 15, 2008.

The only exception concerns journalistic footage, which includes newscasts, debates, interviews, reports, or other programs that serve to report or comment on events. In other words, they are different from cinematographic works.

Why do I need a Brazilian production company?

You need a Brazilian production company to produce foreign audiovisual productions in Brazil for several legal and practical reasons, such as:

• Legal representation: The Brazilian production company acts as the legal representative of the production in the country. This means it will be responsible for complying with all legal obligations, regulations, and requirements established by Brazilian authorities, such as ANCINE (National Institute of Statistics). The presence of a Brazilian company ensures that the production complies with local laws and can obtain the necessary permits;
• Communication with authorities: The Brazilian production company is responsible for prior communication with ANCINE and other competent authorities. It will handle obtaining permits, licenses, and other documents necessary for the production. Having a Brazilian company in charge of this communication streamlines the bureaucratic process and ensures that the company meets all requirements;
• Tax incentives and financing: In Brazil, there are tax incentive laws for the audiovisual industry. The Brazilian producer may be more familiar with these mechanisms and have the necessary expertise to access potential tax benefits and seek local financing for the project.

What works are considered journalistic?

Journalistic works are those that fall under the category of journalistic content, aimed at disseminating information of public interest, news, reports, and analyses on current events, social, political, economic, cultural, and other relevant topics. These works’ primary purpose is to inform the public impartially and objectively.

Therefore, ANCINE (National Cinema Agency) does not consider them to be cinematographic productions or serialized entertainment works, for example, and therefore, they are not subject to its regulations.

What are the steps to submit prior notification to ANCINE?

To submit prior notification to ANCINE in Brazil, you must follow a few steps through the official Brazilian Government website. Below, I present a summary of the main procedures involved:

• Hiring the Brazilian production company: As mentioned previously, you must sign a contract with a Brazilian production company registered with ANCINE. This company will be responsible for submitting prior notification on behalf of the audiovisual production;
• Preparing the documentation: The Brazilian production company must gather the necessary documentation for prior notification. This includes information about the production, such as title, synopsis, format, duration, technical and artistic team, among other relevant data;
• Completing the form: ANCINE provides a specific form for prior notification. The Brazilian production company must complete the form with all the required information, following the instructions provided by the agency;
• Submitting the documentation: The Brazilian production company must submit the complete documentation, including the completed form, to ANCINE. Submissions can be made electronically, according to the agency’s guidelines;
• ANCINE’s analysis and response: After receiving the prior communication, ANCINE will conduct an analysis of the audiovisual project. The agency will assess whether the project complies with the established regulations and requirements. If there are any pending issues or additional documentation is needed, ANCINE may request additional information from the production company;
• Authorization for production: Once ANCINE deems the prior communication complete and compliant, it will issue an authorization for the audiovisual production in Brazil. This authorization is required for project execution and other benefits, such as access to financial resources and tax incentives.

What else does a Brazilian production company need to submit for a foreign production company to be authorized to film in Brazil?

Before beginning the Provisional Recognition of International Co-Production process, the production company must be registered with ANCINE (National Council for the Advancement of International Co-Production).

In addition, since many documents for an international co-production are naturally issued in a foreign language, these documents must be translated by a sworn translator, in accordance with ANCINE’s Normative Instruction No. 106.

To have the translation done by a sworn professional, you must contact a translator. In fact, there are associations or regulatory bodies for sworn translators that can provide a list of qualified professionals.

The sworn translator will translate the document and certify the translation, ensuring its accuracy to the original document. The certified translation will include the sworn translator’s signature, stamp, and/or seal, attesting to its authenticity and legal validity.

What documents should a Brazilian production company submit to ANCINE?

The Brazilian production company must submit the following documents digitally, without the need for authentication:

• A copy of the contract signed between the foreign production company, or the legal representative of the project, and the Brazilian production company, indicating the reciprocal responsibilities, the agreed-upon form of compensation, and the validity period of the contract;
• A copy of the translation of the contract indicated in the item above, if in a foreign language;
  Provisional filming/recording plan, indicating the dates and locations (municipality/state) within Brazil where the work will be performed;
• A copy of the passport identification sheets of each foreign professional.

What is ANCINE’s deadline for reviewing prior notification?

ANCINE’s estimated deadline for reviewing prior notification of foreign filming in Brazil is 5 business days.

What should I do if I need to change the filming conditions already communicated to ANCINE?

The contracted Brazilian production company must notify ANCINE through the official Brazilian Government website (mentioned above), stating:

• Change in the Brazilian diplomatic representation to which the appropriate visa application is addressed;
• Inclusion or exclusion of technicians and artists;
• Extension and/or modification of the period of temporary stay in the country of technicians and artists;
• Change in the recording or filming locations;
• Cancellation of the authorized activity.

What is a film commission, and how can I contact one?

A Film Commission is an entity or department responsible for facilitating and authorizing the filming of audiovisual productions in a given region, city, or country.

Its role is to provide information, logistical support, and guidance to film, television, and media producers regarding the filming process in their location.

In addition, authorization to film in the city must go through the Film Commission, which may charge fees to release the filming space.

To contact a Film Commission, you can follow these steps:

• Research: Identify the Film Commission responsible for the region or city where you want to film. You can search online or obtain information from government agencies, audiovisual industry associations, or other production companies that have previously filmed in the region;
• Visit the website or contact them: Visit the Film Commission’s official website or contact them directly. The website will usually provide contact information, including email, phone number, or an online contact form;
• Provide details about your production: When contacting the Film Commission, explain the purpose of your production, including information such as the expected filming date, duration, scope of the project, and any specific requirements you may have. The more details you provide, the better the Film Commission can assist you;
• Request guidance and support: Request information about the services the Film Commission offers, such as assistance with filming locations, necessary permits, tax incentives, and other available resources. They will be able to provide specific guidance and direct you to the appropriate resources.

Each Film Commission may have its own policies, so you’ll need to check with the appropriate department at your local city hall. Additionally, you’ll need to obtain prior permission to film and pay the city’s usage fee.

What is ANCINE’s contact information for processing foreign filming in Brazil?

By email: filmagem.estrangeira@ancine.gov.br or by phone: +55 (21) 3037-6209.

What visa options are available for foreign audiovisual crews to film?

In fact, visas for foreign filming in Brazil are issued by Brazilian Consulates or Embassies abroad.

ANCINE then informs the appropriate diplomatic representation about the production of a specific foreign audiovisual production in Brazil, in order to grant entry and temporary residence visas for the foreign professionals who will participate in the filming in Brazil.

How long can the crew stay in the country with a visa for foreign filming in Brazil?

The competent Brazilian diplomatic mission will determine the duration of the visa for foreign filming in Brazil, aligning it with the filming/recording schedule of the project in question.

Can the crew renew their visa for foreign filming in Brazil?

Yes, the crew can renew their visa for foreign filming in Brazil, provided they meet the requirements established by the Brazilian immigration authorities.

What documents are required for a crew visa?

The documents required for a visa for foreign filming in Brazil and for the respective crew involved in an audiovisual production in the country are as follows:

• Valid Passport: Each crew member must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months from the date of their intended entry into Brazil;
• Visa Application Form: The crew must complete the Brazilian visa application form. This form can usually be obtained from the website of the Brazilian embassy or consulate in their home country;
• Recent Photo: You must provide a recent photo of the crew member, in accordance with the specifications of the Brazilian immigration authority;
• Invitation Letter or Employment Contract: The crew must have an invitation letter or employment contract issued by the Brazilian production company responsible for the audiovisual production in Brazil. This document should specify the purpose of the visit, the dates of work, the position, and other relevant information;
• Proof of Financial Means: You may be required to provide proof of sufficient financial means to cover expenses during your stay in Brazil. This may include bank statements, credit cards, or other documents demonstrating financial capacity;
• Proof of residency: Some countries may require employees to provide proof of residency in their home country or the country where they are currently residing.

Do I need any vaccinations to enter Brazil with this visa?

Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for those who have traveled in the 90 days prior to their trip to Brazil to: Angola, Bolivia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, French Guiana, Gabon, Ghana, Gambia, Republic of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Peru, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Venezuela.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for those planning to travel to certain Brazilian cities and is required for others (those currently under some type of alert).

What are the requirements to obtain this visa?

The requirements to obtain a visa to conduct an audiovisual production in Brazil are:

• Complete documentation: Present all necessary documents, such as a valid passport, completed visa application form, recent photo, invitation letter or employment contract from the Brazilian production company, proof of financial resources, and other documents requested by immigration authorities;
• Purpose of visit: Demonstrate the specific purpose of the visit, which in this case would be to conduct an audiovisual production. This may include presenting employment contracts, production details, filming schedules, and other relevant information;
• Proof of ties: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient ties to your country of origin or current residence, such as employment, property, family, among others. This helps demonstrate that you intend to return to your country after the production in Brazil is completed;
• Financial conditions: You must provide evidence that you have adequate financial resources to cover expenses during your stay in Brazil, including lodging, meals, and other costs related to the audiovisual production;
• Compliance with laws and regulations: You must comply with Brazilian laws and regulations and have no criminal record that could prevent you from obtaining a visa.

How much does a visa cost?

The visa fee for foreign filming in Brazil is R$100.00 (Gold). However, since visas are based on local currencies and the gold exchange rate, be aware of the cost in advance.

How to apply for a visa for foreign filming in Brazil?

To apply for a visa for foreign professionals who will participate in filming in Brazil, you will need to follow these steps:

• Valid passport: Ensure that the foreign professional’s passport is valid for at least six months from the date of their intended entry into Brazil;
• Visa application form: Complete the visa application form, which can be obtained from the website of the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country. Provide all requested information accurately;
• Recent photo: Provide a recent photo of the foreign professional according to the specifications of the Brazilian embassy or consulate;
• Invitation letter or employment contract: The Brazilian production company must provide an invitation letter or employment contract detailing the purpose of the trip, the dates of work, the duties to be performed, and other relevant information;
• Additional documents: Depending on the specific situation, other documents may be requested, such as a resume, portfolio, proof of academic qualifications, among others.

How long does it take for my visa application to be processed after I apply?

The processing time for a visa for foreign filming in Brazil is generally 20 business days. However, there is no specific deadline. Therefore, apply for your visa as soon as possible to avoid problems close to your travel date.

Upon arrival in Brazil, what should I do?

Upon arrival in Brazil, as a foreign professional who has obtained a visa to participate in filming, you must present your identification documents and equipment to Brazilian immigration and the Federal Police.

Foreign Filming in Brazil: How Does It Work?

In short, upon arriving in Brazil, as a foreign professional who has obtained a visa to film abroad in Brazil, you must follow a few steps to ensure a smooth and legal stay in the country.

First, upon landing in Brazil, go to immigration control, where you will be asked to present the necessary documents for entry into the country. Make sure you have a valid passport and a work visa issued by the Brazilian diplomatic mission.

Second, upon admission to the country, be prepared to present the audiovisual production documents to the Federal Police or ANCINE, if requested. Have copies of employment contracts, prior communication with ANCINE, the provisional filming/recording plan, and other production-related documents on hand.

Third, maintain contact with the Brazilian production company responsible for the production. They will be your primary contact with local authorities and can provide additional guidance on specific procedures and requirements during filming.

If you’d like legal assistance from our team, send us a WhatsApp message.