Guide to Residency in Ecuador

Obtaining a residency visa in Ecuador is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Ecuador gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

• Research the types of residency visas
  • Visit the official website of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility to understand the different types of visas available: Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Choose the appropriate visa category that suits your situation (e.g., retirement, professional, investor, dependent).
• Gather the required documents
  • Prepare your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Ecuador.
  • Obtain a police clearance certificate from your country of residence.
  • Acquire any additional documents that may be required for your specific visa type, such as proof of income for a retirement visa or investment documents for an investor visa.
  • Get all documents officially translated into Spanish if they are not already in Spanish.
  • Ensure that all documents are apostilled or legalized, depending on your country's agreement with Ecuador.
• Apply for a Tax Identification Number (RUC)
  • Visit the Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) website for information on obtaining a RUC: Servicio de Rentas Internas.
  • Complete the application form for a RUC.
  • Provide a copy of your identification and any other required documents.
  • Submit the application at a local SRI office in Ecuador.
• Apply for the residency visa
  • Complete the visa application form, which can be found on the Ecuadorian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
  • Submit the application form along with all the required documents to the nearest Ecuadorian consulate or embassy, or through the online platform if available.
  • Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa.
• Attend the visa interview
  • Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the Ecuadorian consulate or embassy if required.
  • Attend the interview with all the original documents and any additional information that may be requested.
• Wait for visa approval
  • After submitting your application, wait for the processing to be completed. The time frame can vary depending on the type of visa and the workload of the consulate or embassy.
  • Check the status of your application periodically, either online or by contacting the consulate or embassy directly.
• Register your visa in Ecuador
  • Once in Ecuador, register your visa at the nearest immigration office within 30 days of your arrival.
  • Provide the required documents, including your passport and visa, for registration.
• Apply for a cedula (Ecuadorian ID card)
  • After registering your visa, apply for a cedula at the Civil Registry office.
  • Fill out the application form and submit it along with your passport, visa, and any other required documents.
  • Pay the cedula application fee.
• Maintain your residency status
  • Be aware of the requirements to maintain your residency, such as the amount of time you are allowed to spend outside of Ecuador.
  • Renew your visa and cedula as required, following the same or similar procedures as the initial application.

Please note that the above steps are a general guide and the specific requirements and procedures may change. It is important to consult the latest information from the official sources or seek assistance from a legal professional specializing in Ecuadorian immigration law.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Ecuador?

"As can be expected, this is a whole new experience in itself. My wife is Ecuadorian so the process should have been easy. It was not. I visited numerous offices in several cities and finally got my visa after four months. All I can say is bring your patience and be prepared to deal with zero logic," commented one expat living in San Clemente, Ecuador.

"The latest residency visas are a two year temporary deal that can then be exchanged for a permanent one. Rules for qualifying stayed the same as when I came 3 years ago, but the temporary visa was a new idea instituted in 2017. The requirements of background checks and proof of ability to support yourself are pretty straightforward. Canadians have had good luck at getting visas before they arrive but most expats I know have used an expediting service or lawyer since the actual rules can change," mentioned one expat living in Ecuador.

"Also, they may tell you to submit documents electronically but you WILL need them in paper versions. Visas are now electronic but Immigration requested a paper copy of my visa (and their ministry issued it!) which was NOT listed as one of the documents needed. You actually rarely use your visa once you obtain a cedula (ID card) based on the visa, not even for reentry to Ecuador once you have a resident visa. USA passport and cedula are all needed, except for at times, covid vaccine card. I took a photo of my cedula side by side with covid vaccine card and use the photo when needed. Bring extra original documents like birth certificates and marriage licenses and background checks, at least 3 originals of each and apostilled. Your background checks will be good until you return to USA, obviously you are not committing crimes there while you are living here. Expensive and difficult to get more documents while you are here sent from USA," said an expat in Ecuador.

"In Ecuador, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to entering the country for any purpose. US citizens are eligible for a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. This visa can be extended at the Migración y Naturalización service office. To obtain a tourist visa, applicants must complete an online form and provide a valid passport, return flight ticket and proof of financial support. Those wishing to obtain residency must first obtain an authorization of residence from the Foreign Ministry. This must be done through an Ecuadorian consulate abroad before entering the country. To request an authorization, applicants need to provide a valid passport and birth certificate as well as documents detailing their purpose in the country and economic resources. After entering Ecuador with the authorization of residence, the applicant must then register with the Migration and Naturalization Service office and present additional required documents. The applicant must also undergo a background check by the authenticity of documents committee and sign declarations of nationality, residence, and other required documents. Once the residency application is approved, a residency card will be issued," remarked one member living in Ecuador.

"You can stay for 90 days with a valid passport (minimum 6 month validity from the expiration date). I refer everyone to attorney Floridalva Zambrano, Portoviejo office, for Visa/Residency information and assistance. The immigration laws change frequently," said one expat living in Ecuador.

"That is a tough one! We made some mistakes, but the best way if one would choose to live in the area where we are to go to Cuenca. We know an ex-pat that told us after we had some serious problems, that we should have been able to get everything done there instead of traveling to Machala or Quito.," commented one expat who moved to Ecuador.

"There are several types of permanent visa: Pensioner's -based on $900 income for a couple or $800 for a single, Investment - CD in a bank or property for min. $40,000 value, Professional - need a college or university degree. With proper documents the process for residency is not that difficult," said one expat.