Foreign Investment & Legal Structuring

At JGA ABOGADOS, we provide specialized legal services for foreign investors, producers, and audiovisual companies seeking to operate in Colombia. Our firm supports international clients in navigating the legal, tax, and regulatory frameworks applicable to audiovisual production, ensuring compliance and maximizing the benefits offered by Colombia’s incentive systems.

We assist foreign production companies and service providers in accessing the benefits of Colombia’s Film Law (Ley 1556 de 2012) through two key instruments:

• CINA (Certificado de Inversión Audiovisual): a tax credit certificate granted to foreign companies that contract Colombian production services for projects carried out in Colombia.
   
• FFC (Foreign Film Certificate): the official approval required for foreign productions to access the incentives and be classified under the law.
   

Our legal services include:

• Structuring the project to meet CINA/FFC eligibility requirements
   
• Drafting and negotiating service agreements, production contracts, and mandates
   
• Liaising with Proimágenes Colombia and other regulatory entities
   
• Verifying and documenting investment flows and eligible expenditures
   
• Ensuring tax compliance and alignment with Colombia’s DIAN (tax authority) requirements
   
• Coordinating with accountants, production auditors, and fiduciary entities
   
• Providing legal opinions to support audit and financial closing processes
   

We guide international clients through the formation of legal entities in Colombia tailored to audiovisual production, IP management, service provision, or long-term business operations. Our services include:

• Incorporation of simplified stock companies (S.A.S.), production subsidiaries, or branch offices
   
• Drafting of bylaws, shareholder agreements, and management structures
   
• Assistance with foreign exchange registration before the Banco de la República
   
• Tax registration and setup with DIAN and local authorities
   
• Drafting of intercompany agreements and production mandates
   
• Legal support in opening bank accounts, hiring, and ongoing compliance

• Structuring of international Joint Venture contracts and other instruments.
   

Whether your objective is to produce a single project or to establish a long-term operational base in Colombia, JGA ABOGADOS provides comprehensive legal support for foreign direct investment in the cultural and creative economy. Our bilingual team and international partner network ensure that foreign producers and financiers can work confidently and efficiently within the Colombian legal system.