Filming in Mexico | Guide & Permits

Why Film in Mexico?

Mexico offers an extraordinary variety of filming locations—from historic haciendas and world-class museums to modern cityscapes, Sierra Madre peaks, Oaxacan valleys, and Caribbean coastlines. Iconic Mexico City locations include Chapultepec Castle and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, among the most sought-after filming sites in the Americas.

A rich mix of geography, culture, and infrastructure makes Mexico one of the industry's most versatile destinations. Strong incentives and advanced facilities support productions of every scale.

Historical Sites

UNESCO sites including Chichen Itza, Teotihuacan, Monte Alban, and colonial-era churches suit prestige productions.

Coastal Paradise

Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, the Riviera Maya, and Baja California provide waterfronts and dramatic seascapes for luxury shoots.

Modern Cities

Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, and Cancun offer contemporary architecture and vibrant street life.

Diverse Landscapes

Sierra Madre mountains, Copper Canyon, and Oaxacan valleys deliver multiple looks within easy reach of modern transport infrastructure.

Incentives and Rebates for Filmmakers

Mexico delivers exceptional value as your filming destination through established locations, experienced crews, and comprehensive financial incentives. A new federal 30% tax credit introduced in February 2026 significantly enhances Mexico's competitiveness alongside the established EFICINE program.

You gain immediate budget relief through structured incentive systems for domestic and international productions, keeping creative vision intact while optimising spend.

Federal 30% Tax Credit (2026 Decree)

The Tax Incentives for Productions in Mexico Mexico's new federal decree (February 2026) provides a tax credit of up to 30% on qualifying expenditure in Mexico, capped at MXN 40 million per project. Eligible productions include features, series, documentaries, animation, and VFX work. At least 70% of suppliers must be Mexican, with minimum spends of MXN 40M for narrative features and series, MXN 20M for documentaries, and MXN 5M for VFX and post-production.

EFICINE (Article 189) Tax Incentive

The long-standing EFICINE programme allows taxpayers to invest in approved film projects and receive a tax credit equal to their contribution, up to MXN 20M per project for production and MXN 2M for distribution. This complements the new federal 30% credit.

Additional State Incentives

We combine federal incentives with targeted state programs, including Jalisco's Filma Jalisco 40% cash rebate on audiovisual services (up to MXN 15M per project). Strategic planning aligns locations with financial objectives for maximum budget impact.

Film Permits in Mexico

Mexico has a clear, well-established permit framework regulated by COMEFILM (the Mexican Film Commission). We handle city, state, and federal permissions so your production stays on track, including approvals from INAH for archaeological sites, parks, and museums.

Standard Permits (1-2 weeks)

Small crews with handheld gear in public spaces.

Location Permits (2-3 weeks)

Exclusive use, tracks, larger lighting setups, and equipment placement.

Complex Permits (3-4 weeks)

Road closures, traffic control, archaeological sites, and government coordination.

Key Permit Requirements

Production liability insurance (minimum $1M coverage)
Detailed shooting schedule and location list
Equipment list and crew size details
Municipal and INAH heritage site approvals
Property owner permissions for private locations
Environmental impact assessment for sensitive areas

Learn More About Permits

Best Time to Film in Mexico

Mexico features tropical, arid, and temperate climates with distinct dry and rainy seasons that offer varied looks year-round. Understanding regional weather patterns keeps schedules realistic.

Dry Season (Nov-Apr)

Perfect temperatures (20-28°C)
Clear skies and consistent light
Fewer weather delays
Ideal for outdoor shoots
Day of the Dead celebrations (November)

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Long daylight hours
Lush green landscapes
Beach and water filming
Peak tourist season in coastal areas
Afternoon rain showers (plan morning shoots)

Autumn (Sep-Nov)

Warm temperatures
Golden light quality
Independence Day celebrations (September)
Less crowded locations
Hurricane season winds down

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Mild temperatures (15-25°C)
Dramatic desert skies
Snow on high-altitude volcanoes
Budget-friendly
Festive atmosphere and traditional celebrations

Visa Requirements for Film Crews

Mexico offers straightforward visa processes for international film crews. Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, UK, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 180 days with an FMM (Forma Migratoria Multiple) tourist permit, which covers most short-term filming activity.

FMM Tourist Permit (up to 180 days)

Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, UK, Japan, and many other countries can enter Mexico without a visa for stays up to 180 days with a valid passport and FMM permit. This covers most short-term production work.

Temporary Resident Visa / Work Permit

For larger productions or longer stays, crew members may need a Temporary Resident Visa with work permission. The Mexican immigration authority (INM) processes these applications, and we coordinate the documentation.

Long-Term Productions (over 180 days)

For extended productions, crew members need a temporary resident visa. Apply at the nearest Mexican consulate with production company authorization and employment documentation.

We Handle Your Paperwork

Official invitation letters for visa applications
INM work permit coordination
Consulate liaison and appointment scheduling
Equipment customs clearance (ATA Carnet or temporary import permits)
Travel insurance and health requirements

Equipment & Technical Support

Mexico offers professional filming equipment and technical support matching international standards, anchored by Estudios Churubusco in Mexico City—currently undergoing a major modernisation programme in partnership with Netflix.

Advanced technology covers high-quality footage and VFX, while ATA Carnet procedures (accepted since 2014, valid for up to six months) and temporary import permits simplify bringing professional gear into Mexico. We guide equipment choices and customs to keep production smooth.

Camera Equipment

ARRI and RED camera systems
Complete lens packages
Steadicam and gimbal systems
Drone equipment with operators
Underwater filming gear

Lighting & Grip

HMI and LED lighting
Generator trucks
Grip trucks fully equipped
Specialized rigging
Cherry pickers and lifts

Post Production

Edit suites with latest software
Color grading facilities
Sound mixing studios
VFX and animation services
DCP creation for cinema

Mexico has accepted ATA Carnets since 2014, allowing temporary equipment import for up to six months without paying duties or VAT. We handle customs procedures for bringing your own gear.

View Equipment Catalog

Mexico Filming Hub - Featured Locations

Explore Mexico's most cinematic destinations with local expertise. Locations adapt to double for other countries or eras, supported by experienced Mexican crews and film commissions.

Mexico City Filming Services

Chapultepec Castle vistas, Palacio de Bellas Artes facades, and Xochimilco canals alongside modern districts like Santa Fe for classic and contemporary looks.

Iconic monuments including Angel of Independence and Palacio de Bellas Artes
Art Deco and colonial architecture across Centro Historico
Modern business districts and glass skyscrapers in Santa Fe and Reforma
Fashion and cultural hotspots in Roma, Condesa, and Polanco
World-class studios like Estudios Churubusco for turnkey productions

Film production in Mexico City

Riviera Maya & Caribbean Coast Production

Cancun resort backdrops, Tulum ruins overlooking turquoise waters, and Playa del Carmen's vibrant streets deliver sun-soaked settings for commercials and travel content.