Immigration and Visas to Ecuador

Obtaining an Ecuador visa is fast and simple.

Whether you’re traveling fresh out of college, a retiree looking for a serene place to live, or an investor seeking opportunities, Ecuador makes it very easy for you.

The basics

Ecuador has a number of visa options that come with their own benefits and limitations. Generally,there are only two types of visas in Ecuador. These are:

• The resident (or immigrant) visa
• The non-resident visa

Figure out how long you’ll want to stay in Ecuador to determine which visa to obtain.

Non-resident visa

Visas are not required for those who intend to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days only. This courtesy is known as the “12-X.’

For those who wish to stay for more than 90 days, you will need one of the following visas, depending on your situation:

• Student Visa
• Professional, Technical, Consultant, or Official Government Visas
• Religious and Volunteer Visas
• Cultural Exchange Visa

Each comes with a set of requirements.

Resident or Immigrant visa

For foreign nationals who want to become a permanent resident of Ecuador, a Resident or Immigrant Visa is necessary.

Applications are approved by the Immigration Board in Ecuador.

Resident visas are issued to:

• Retirees who receive pensions from their native country
• Real estate and securities investors
• Industry investors with export plans for agricultural products, livestock, and minerals
• Companies with foreign local agents
• Technicians and experts contracted for a local company
• Professionals and university degree holders who want to practice in Ecuador
• Individuals economically dependent on spouses or blood relatives

For queries related to resident or immigrant visas, consult with a lawyer versed in Ecuador’s immigration laws.

Check out our Services page to learn more about relocating to Ecuador.

If you’re in the US and you want more information on the opportunities available in Ecuador, call 239-848-5876. For all other countries, check out the other numbers you find on this page.

Filed under: Ecuador Real Estate Blog, Expat Tips by LiveTheLifeinEcuador
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