Ecuador Visa And Residency Information

You may not be absent from Ecuador for more than 180 days per year, for each of the first two years. They will forgive one violation of this rule, provided you pay a fine set at four times the Ecuadorian minimum wage. For 2024—at a minimum wage of US$460 per month—the fine would be US$1,840.

After the first two years, you may be absent for up to five years without losing your residency.

Again, all documents which are issued outside of Ecuador must be authenticated by the country of origin.

Depending on the country of origin, you’ll use either the apostille process or consular legalization. Any document that is not in Spanish must be translated into Spanish. The translator must certify the translation as correct, and their signature must be verified by a notary.

Permanent residents must have private health insurance. If not, they must opt in to Ecuador’s social security system (ISSS) within 30 days after granting of their visa.

You will not receive your cédula (national ID card) until you’ve presented evidence of health insurance.

As with the temporary visas, you’ll pay a non-refundable, US$50 application fee for each applicant. In addition, a visa fee is US$400 for holders of temporary visas.

Those who qualified based on marriage, civil union, or parentage will pay US$200. Special deals also exist for citizens of Venezuela and Mercosur countries.

Anyone who has resided in Ecuador for more than five years will have the right to vote, and they may also hold public office.