Filming in Brazil | Video Production Services & Permits

An Introduction to Filming in Brazil

Filming in another country comes with its challenges. That’s why we prioritize transparency and clear communication from the start. Below, you’ll find key information to help with your initial planning.

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Starting with the Basics: Do I Need a Special Visa to Film in Brazil?

To enter Brazil and participate in filming for a period of less than 3 months, you will generally need either a business visa or a tourist visa. Citizens of countries with visa exemption agreements may only need a valid passport.

Regardless of your visa type or how you enter Brazil, all foreign productions filming in the country are required to register with the Brazilian Film Agency (Ancine) – the government department that regulates all audiovisual activity. The only exceptions are for journalistic works.

The Ancine registration is not directly tied to the visa process or entry into Brazil. However, it may serve as supporting documentation to demonstrate the purpose of your visit if requested by authorities, such as Customs when bringing film equipment or during a visa application at a Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country.

Ancine Registration: How to Get It?

The Ancine registration must be completed by a local production company registered with Ancine. This means you’ll need to partner with a Brazilian production company, like Brazil Base Productions, to handle the registration process on your behalf.

Once the partnership is established, the process can be initiated on the Ancine website. While straightforward, it requires specific documentation and information about your production.

Typically, the following details will be needed:

A synopsis of the project (initial idea).
A basic shooting schedule, including planned filming dates.
A production agreement signed by you and the local production company.
A foreign crew list, including names, roles, and passport identification pages.

Once all required documents are submitted, the registration process usually takes 5 to 6 business days to complete. Lear more here.

Hiring Local Crew in Brazil

Brazil has a well-established audiovisual industry, with experienced professionals available for all types of productions, from documentaries and commercials to feature films and social media content. Whether you need bilingual crew members or local experts, we help you assemble the right team tailored to your project’s needs.

Labor Laws and Cultural Practices

Understanding Brazilian labor laws and cultural practices is key to creating a productive and harmonious work environment. For instance, while the standard workday is 8 hours for employees with a formal contract, on film sets, this workday can sometimes extend to 10 or 12 hours in advertising and film productions for freelance professionals, as long as there is prior agreement with them. Meal breaks, such as a one-hour lunch, are not only a legal requirement but also a cultural norm, helping to maintain a positive atmosphere and strong working relationships.

Building a Well-Balanced Crew

We focus on meeting the client’s needs by combining their trusted foreign professionals with qualified bilingual local crew members. These bilingual professionals bridge the communication gap between department heads, directors, and local teams, ensuring that the creative vision is clearly understood and executed.

By blending foreign and local expertise, this approach creates a well-balanced production team, reducing costs while maintaining efficient and smooth operations throughout the production.

Crew preparationg for shooting a film commercial in Brazil

Director's assistant preparing for filming take.

Equipment: Bringing Your Own, Renting Locally, or a Mix of Both

When planning your production in Brazil, you have flexibility when it comes to equipment. Many productions choose to bring specific gear from abroad while renting additional items locally, such as grip, electric, and motion equipment. This possibility allows you to balance cost, convenience, and technical requirements.

Bringing Your Own Equipment

If you decide to bring your own equipment, it’s essential to understand the customs process. Since January 2022, Brazil no longer accepts the ATA Carnet. The only document accepted at Brazilian Customs is the EDBV (Electronic Declaration of Goods for Travelers). To avoid complications, register all equipment in advance through the EDBV on the Receita Federal do Brasil website.

Renting Equipment Locally

On the other hand, renting equipment locally can simplify logistics and reduce costs. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the main hubs for high-quality gear, with rental houses offering extensive catalogs of cameras, lenses, lighting, and more.

We have established relationships with the best rental houses in the country and can handle all the necessary paperwork, including contracts and insurance.

Filming Permits and Locations

Whether you’re shooting in bustling cities, remote jungles, or iconic natural landscapes, Brazil offers a wide variety of locations. Each location comes with its own permit requirements, so it’s essential to plan ahead.

For public spaces, the need for permits depends on the city and local legislation. In some cities, small crews (such as journalistic or documentary teams) filming in streets, squares, or beaches may not require prior authorization. However, medium and large productions—such as advertisements, feature films, or music videos—will need formal approval, especially when the filming impacts public areas, traffic, or local communities. In some cases, applications must be submitted to city hall departments at least 7 business days in advance. For more complex productions or specific locations, the process may require up to 15 business days or more, depending on the city and the scope of the project.

For controlled areas, such as subways, airports, museums, and national parks, specific permits are required. Fees and approval times vary depending on the location and type of production.

Of course, for private locations, such as stores, restaurants, and bars, permission depends entirely on the owners. Your production team will be responsible for ensuring a smooth agreement, and you can count on our expertise to assist you throughout the process.

In specific places, such as favelas or other communities, we work closely with local contacts to clarify the purpose of the filming and ensure a safe, respectful, and smooth process. This approach helps avoid misunderstandings and fosters a positive relationship with the community.

Drone Filming in Brazil

To regularly fly in Brazil with your drone brought from abroad, you must first register it with DECEA (Brazilian air traffic control department). For this, you will need some documents and information, and a person responsible in Brazil for registering the aircraft. The pilot can even be a foreign person, but all operations involved with this drone will be the responsibility of a person with CPF (Brazilian social number) who registered the aircraft in Brazil. It will also be necessary to take out mandatory insurance. Learn more here.

How is the security issue in Brazil?

As in many large metropolitan areas worldwide, filming on the streets of big cities in Brazil requires some precautions. While Brazil is a vibrant and welcoming nation, planning ahead is key to ensuring a safe and smooth production. We rely on local knowledge to assess each location and plan accordingly. For example, if filming in a favela or other sensitive area, we work with trusted local contacts to ensure a respectful and secure process.

Our presence is always coordinated with the community in advance, minimizing risks and fostering collaboration. When additional security is needed, we use unarmed professionals and smart, field-tested strategies to maintain safety without drawing unnecessary attention.

To answer common concerns, you can rest assured - Brazil is a welcoming nation, and we are committed to making your experience as safe and enjoyable as possible.

Why Brazil?

Brazil is often chosen by global brands, companies, and productions for its unique combination of cultural diversity, stunning locations, and a well-established audiovisual industry. Whether it’s part of a global campaign or a specific project requirement, the country offers vibrant cities like São Paulo, Rio, and Salvador; diverse settings such as the Amazon rainforest, the Pantanal, and the beaches of the Northeast. Beyond its scenery, Brazil is home to rich cultural traditions, including Indigenous communities, Quilombola settlements, and the influences of migrants from Africa, Europe, Japan, and beyond—all adding depth and authenticity to this vibrant nation.

With experienced local crews, flexible labor practices, and our deep understanding of international production standards, Brazil is not just a filming location for you—it’s the ideal backdrop to bring your vision to life. And with our support, you can ensure a streamlined production, merging creativity, cost-effectiveness, and cultural authenticity to achieve outstanding results for your project.