Colombia Film Tax Incentive

Colombia's Dual-Track Incentive System

Colombia operates one of the more layered incentive systems in Latin America because it offers foreign productions two distinct mechanisms under Law 1556 rather than a single universal rebate. Productions can compare a direct cash rebate against a transferable tax credit depending on project structure, timing, and financing strategy.

Colombia Film Fund (FFC) Cash Rebate

The first mechanism is the Colombia Film Fund, commonly referred to as the FFC cash rebate. The official Colombian Film Commission states that this incentive provides a cash rebate equal to 40 percent of expenses on audiovisual services and 20 percent of expenses on logistical services carried out in Colombia.

• 40% cash rebate on audiovisual service expenses in Colombia
• 20% cash rebate on logistical service expenses in Colombia
• Minimum spend: 1,800 SMLMV for feature films; qualifying series must also meet a minimum average spend per episode requirement

CINA Transferable Tax Credit

The second major mechanism is CINA, the transferable tax credit. The official Colombian Film Commission describes CINA as a tax discount on income tax equal to 35 percent of eligible expenditures incurred by foreign productions in Colombia on audiovisual and logistical services. These certificates are transferable to Colombian income taxpayers through the stock market.

CINA was created to support foreign audiovisual projects that are not themselves subject to Colombian income tax, allowing the incentive to function as a tradable financial instrument rather than a direct cash reimbursement.

• 35% tax discount on eligible audiovisual and logistical expenditures
• Certificates transferable to Colombian income taxpayers through the stock market
• Designed for foreign productions not subject to Colombian income tax

Strategic Notes for Producers

What makes Colombia especially notable is that both programs are tied closely to the use of Colombian service providers and locally incurred spend. Official guidance emphasizes that eligible services must be contracted with Colombian companies or Colombian individuals domiciled in the country. Colombia stands out as a sophisticated international-production jurisdiction because it offers both a traditional rebate path and a monetizable certificate path, each rooted in official national policy to attract service work, filming, post-production, and other audiovisual activity into the country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Colombia film rebate?

Colombia offers a 35-40% (CINA + FFC) rebate, structured as a Transferable Tax Credit / Cash Rebate, with an annual program cap of COP 350B (~$90M) annual CINA allocation. The program is designed to attract film and television productions by offsetting a portion of qualifying local expenditures.

How much is the Colombia film rebate?

The Colombia rebate is 35-40% (CINA + FFC), structured as a Transferable Tax Credit / Cash Rebate. The exact rate your production qualifies for may depend on factors such as local hiring, filming location, and production type.

What is the minimum spend to qualify for the Colombia film rebate?

Productions must meet a minimum spend threshold of Varies by program in Colombia to be eligible. Spend typically includes below-the-line costs incurred within the region, though qualifying criteria vary by program — consult the local film office for the full eligibility rules.

Is there a cap on the Colombia film rebate?

Yes. The Colombia program has a program-wide cap of COP 350B (~$90M) annual CINA allocation and a per-project cap of None specified. Productions should apply early, as allocations can be limited.

How do I apply for the Colombia film rebate?

Productions typically apply through the Colombia film office or the relevant government agency. Applications are generally submitted before principal photography begins, with final certification issued after production is complete and qualified spend is audited. Check the official film office website for current application guidelines, deadlines, and required documentation.