Uruguay

Introduction

Hoodlum provides premier film fixer services in Uruguay, offering full production support for international film and television crews. With extensive local expertise and hands-on experience, we manage every aspect of your shoot—from securing film permits and visa assistance to location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.

Uruguay’s diverse and cinematic landscapes—historic colonial towns, modern cityscapes, rolling countryside, and stunning coastlines—offer the perfect backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.

Planning a shoot in Uruguay? Hoodlum ensures a seamless production process, handling all logistics, including permits, visas, equipment rentals, transportation, and accommodations. Let us take care of the details while you focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today for expert production support in Uruguay.

Country Overview

This region is a small country located in the southeastern region of South America, is a treasure trove of filming locations. Bordering Brazil to the north and northeast, and Argentina to the west and southwest, Uruguay offers a unique blend of cultures, landscapes, and climates. The country’s main cities, including Montevideo, Salto, Paysandú, Las Piedras, Maldonado, and Colonia del Sacramento, provide a diverse range of settings for filmmakers.

Main Cities:

Montevideo (capital), Salto, Paysandú, Las Piedras, Maldonado, Colonia del Sacramento

Bordering Countries:

Brazil (north, northeast), Argentina (west, southwest)

Local Languages:

The official language of Uruguay is Spanish, and the local currency is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU).

Local Currency:

Uruguayan Peso (UYU)

Climate and Best Time to Film

Uruguay boasts a temperate climate, making it an ideal location for filming year-round. However, the best time to film in Uruguay is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May), when the weather is mild and pleasant. Average temperatures during these periods range from 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 72°F), providing perfect conditions for outdoor filming.

Whether you’re looking for urban landscapes, coastal scenery, or rural settings, Uruguay has it all. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and favourable climate, Uruguay is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by filmmakers.

Visa Requirements

This region is a popular destination for international film productions, offering a unique blend of landscapes, mild climate, and favourable business environment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the requirements and regulations for filming in this region.

General Requirement:

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

Required Documents:

Valid Passport/Visa/ID Card

Timings:

20-30 working days

Cost:

USD 150-200

Visa Application Link https://visaguide.world/south-america/uruguay-visa/

International Crew Accreditation

General Accreditation Requirements:

Registration with Uruguayan immigration authorities (Registro de Extranjeros) within 90 days of arrival

Registration with the Uruguayan tax authority (AFIP) to obtain a tax ID number

Required Documents:

• Letter of Introduction
• Passport
• ID
• Proof of Health Insurance

Timings:

10-20 working days (approximately 2-4 weeks)

Cost:

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

General Film Permit

Issuing Organizations:

• 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

Timings:

15-30 working days (approximately 3-6 weeks)

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 and Fees

Cost:

Cannot be determined until a production brief is received; however, filming in most places is free, but some spots require a location fee

Private Locations

General Process:

Hoodlum Film Fixers, a local expert, facilitates film productions in Uruguay, including location scouting and arranging access for scouting.

Cost:

Cannot be provided prior to a production synopsis being made available

Drone Permit

Drone Regulations: Drone operations are regulated by the Dirección Nacional de Aviación Civil (DINACIA).

Drone Importation Regulations:

Registration:

Drones weighing over 25 kg must be registered with DINACIA.

Categories:

Drones are divided into three categories: Menores (up to 25 kg), Medianos (25 kg – 260 kg), and Mayores (over 260 kg).

Commercial Use:

Commercial drone operations require a permit, insurance, and registration.

Issuing Organization:

Dirección Nacional de Aviación Civil e Infraestructura Aeronáutica (DINACIA)

Required Documents for Local Drone:

• Application Form
• Company Registration
• Proof of Insurance
• Drone Specifications
• Pilot License
• Pilot Medical Certificate
• Required Documents for Drone Importation:
• Commercial Invoice
• Bill of Lading
• Certificate of Origin
• Drone Specifications
• Declaration of Conformity
• Safety Certificate

Timings:

5-10 business days

Cost:

USD 500-1,250

Equipment Customs Clearance

Is Uruguay a Carnet Country?

Yes, Uruguay is a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) country.

General Process for Carnet Country:

• Obtain ATA Carnet: Apply for and obtain an ATA Carnet from your local chamber of commerce or logistics company.
• List Goods: List the goods you plan to temporarily import, including their value and description.
• Pay Carnet Fees: Pay the required Carnet fees, which vary depending on the type and value of goods.
• Clear Customs: Present the ATA Carnet to customs authorities upon arrival, who will verify the goods and clear them for temporary importation.
• Re-Export Goods: Re-export the goods within the specified timeframe (usually 12 months) to avoid duties and taxes.

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), the National Customs Directorate

Timings:

4-8 hours

Cost:

USD 250-1,250

Film Rebates and Tax Incentives

Uruguay offers rebates for film and TV productions, including reality TV shows, through its film incentive program. This program provides a cash rebate of up to 25% of eligible expenses incurred in Uruguay.

Safety and Security

General Overview: Uruguay welcomes film productions, offering unique landscapes, a mild climate, and a favorable business environment.

Security Requirements:

• General Security Measures
• Personal Security
• Equipment Security
• Location-Specific Security

Recommended Security Services:

Consider hiring private security companies specializing in film production security, such as Grupo Security (Uruguay) and Prosegur (Uruguay).