Colombia has become one of the most attractive destinations for international productions in Latin America, thanks to its tax incentives and favorable policies. This guide explains what they are, who qualifies, and how to access them step by step, incorporating all the essential details for successful planning.
1. Main incentives available
Cash Rebate (FFC – Filming in Colombia Fund)
Benefit: Cash reimbursement of 40% on production services and 20% on logistical expenses (hotels, transportation, catering, etc.).
Application: Available exclusively for foreign film and audiovisual productions shot in Colombian territory.
Managing entity: Proimágenes Colombia.
CINA Certificate (Colombian Audiovisual Investment Certificate)
Benefit: Transferable tax discount of up to 35% of the investment made in the country. This certificate is a security that can be used by the producer to pay taxes or sold to third-party investors.
Application: Useful to attract investors or negotiate the certificate to obtain capital for the project.
Minimum Investment Requirements (2025)
To apply for the Cash Rebate, your production must meet the following minimum investment thresholds in Colombia:
- $600,000 USD for feature films (fiction and documentary) and TV series (episodic).
- $200,000 USD for reality shows, music videos, and international advertising productions.
2. Eligible types of productions
The incentives are available for a wide range of projects that invest in Colombia, including:
- Feature films (fiction and documentary).
- TV and streaming series.
- Reality shows and music videos.
- International advertising productions.
3. Basic requirements to apply
The key to accessing these benefits is careful planning and meeting the following requirements:
- Local production partner: You must have a Colombian co-producer or partner, legally registered and able to manage funds in the country. This company will be the legal representative of the production and handle resources before Proimágenes Colombia.
- Detailed project plan: You must submit a shooting plan, detailed budget, and financing sources. Applications are evaluated based on the economic impact the production will generate in the local industry.
- Compliance with regulations: The production must adhere to Colombian labor, environmental, and social security laws.
- Timely application: To ensure approval, the application must be filed with Proimágenes Colombia at least 60 days before the start of shooting.
4. Recent success stories
Here are some examples of productions that have benefited from Colombia’s incentives:
- “Memoria” by Apichatpong Weerasethakul (Palme d’Or), filmed in Bogotá and Pijao.
- “Distrito Salvaje” (Netflix), the first Colombian series produced for a global audience.
- “Mile 22” (Peter Berg, starring Mark Wahlberg), an international production filmed in Bogotá.
5. Step-by-step guide to applying for incentives
Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful application process:
- Contact a local production company: Choose a partner registered as a beneficiary of Law 1556 to guide you through the process.
- Define the incentive: Decide whether to apply for the Cash Rebate, the CINA Certificate, or both, depending on your project’s needs.
- Prepare documentation: Gather the synopsis, shooting plan, budget, schedule, and all required legal documents.
- Submit the application: File the formal application with Proimágenes Colombia through your Colombian partner, respecting the required timelines.
- Sign the contract: Once approved, sign the benefits agreement that grants you access to the incentives.
- Film in Colombia and certify expenses: During production, document and certify all eligible expenses with invoices and legal records.
- Receive the benefit: After completion and verification of expenses, you will receive the economic benefit (reimbursement or certificate).
Bring your vision to life in Colombia. Now is the time to take your project to the next level with the support of the best incentives. Contact Film in Colombia and start rolling.
