Expat Community > Ecuador

scottlg
Joined 2012
Posts: 14

Updated Timeline - Investor VISA requires additional week of waiting

11 years ago

Further to my message several months ago, I wanted to share that obtaining my investor visa took an ADDITIONAL TWO WEEKS of processing time after:

(a) applying for my visa;

(b) receiving confirmation that my visa had been approved (30 days after (a)); and

(c) paying for my visa and giving over my passport for a visa stamp (10 days after (b)).

After item (c), TWO MORE WEEKS were required to process the visa.

First, ONE WEEK LATER I was told to return to pick up my passport only to be told that my visa was not ready because I was required to go the CENTRAL BANK OF ECUADOR and present both:

(a) an OFFICIAL LETTER from the Foreigners Office confirming that my visa had been approved (with details of my certificate of deposit) and

(b) an official copy of the Certificate of Deposit I had made in Ecuador (which I had already given the Foreign Office for my visa in the first place).

After I went to the Central Bank and presented these documents, the bureaucrat there gave me an "OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION" that my investment in Ecuador had been REGISTERED with the Central Bank.
(Of course, I found that this whole exercise seemed to be completely useless as the Foreign Office could have told them exactly the same thing - and forwarded them exactly the same documents which I had already given them - but, hey, this is Ecuador... and any chance to add some meaningless steps to the bureaucratic process cannot be foregone!)

In any case, I immediately returned to the Foreigners Office, gave them the "CONFIRMATION SHEET," and was told to come back yet again ONE WEEK later when I was - finally - able to obtain the visa.

Hope this information helps those plan ahead how much time they'll need to process their requisite paperwork!

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador share some of the pros and cons of living in Ecuador. Topics covered include where to live, the bureaucracy, the people and more.

Ecuador Forum
Join our Ecuador forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Ecuador.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Best Places to Live in Ecuador

If you're dreaming about living in Ecuador, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Ecuador in 2023.

Healthcare in Ecuador

Expats in Ecuador share their experiences with healthcare and overseas medical insurance in Ecuador.

Cost of Living in Ecuador

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Ecuador.

Moving to Ecuador Guide

Expats in Ecuador offer advice to newcomers and people considering a move to Ecuador about clothing, sunscreen, renting before buying, gringo pricing, Ecuadorians politeness and much more.

Real Estate in Ecuador

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Ecuador.

Pros & Cons of Living in Ecuador

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Ecuador.

Retiring in Ecuador

Advice for people retiring in Ecuador.

10 Tips for Living in Ecuador

If you've recently arrived in Ecuador, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Ecuador.

Additional Information:

Visit our Ecuador Index for a Full List

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Ecuador by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Ecuador.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Ecuador

Updated Timeline - Investor VISA requires additional week of waiting

Login