Long-term visas for Ecuador

Student, work, and resident visas

Long-term visas for Ecuador

There are two main categories for long-term visas in Ecuador: non-resident and resident. They are given the numbers 12 and 9 respectively, and you’re likely to want to go for the former as it’s easier to obtain and covers most expats’ needs.

Non-resident visas

Non-resident visas are divided into several sub-types, one of which should apply to your situation. In each of the following cases, the visa code is given in brackets. Types I-IV are not elaborated on here, as they are designed specifically for diplomats and asylum seekers.

All visas require the following documentation as a minimum:

  • A completed visa application form (available to download and print here ).
  • A passport with at least 6 months validity remaining.
  • Two photocopies of the ID page of your passport, plus another two of the page showing the stamp of your last entry into Ecuador (if applicable).

Student Visa (12-V) - This applies to students of any level coming to study in Ecuador, as well as extending to their family members (married partner and any children). To obtain one, you’ll need proof of entry into your educational institution and that you have at least 1000 US dollars in existing funds (plus an additional 500 dollars per dependent, if you have any). It’s valid for a minimum of 6 months and needs to be renewed after a year. At the time of writing it costs $130 plus an extra $50 per dependent.

Work Visa (12-VI) - This visa is for professionals and trained specialised workers in Ecuador as well as their families. You’ll need to present your CV, and a number of other documents relating to your firm’s registration in Ecuador (a full list is available here ). Your company should help you with this. It costs $230 plus $50 per dependent and expires after 2 years.

Religious Missionaries and Volunteers Visa (12-VII) - If you’re volunteering in Ecuador for an extended period, this is the visa for you. You’ll need to provide a CV that shows your suitability to the task and, similarly to the work visa, the immigration department requires paperwork relating to your voluntary activities in Ecuador. If you’re working for a voluntary organisation, they should help you organise this. A full list of the necessary paperwork can be found here . It costs $180 plus $50 per dependent, if you have any. It expires after 2 years.

If you don’t fit into any of the above categories, there are a number of other, more specific visas (including cultural exchange and extended tourism visas). More information is available on this website. 

Resident visas

As with non-resident visas, resident visas are subdivided into categories. For these you’ll need the same documentation as above with the addition of a Certificate of Migratory Movement (Certificado de Movimiento Migratorio) issued by the Ecuadorian immigration authorities. The process of obtaining a resident visa can take up to eight weeks. The application form can be downloaded here .

  • Pensioners Visa (9-I) - For retirees who want to continue receiving their pension or annuity from their home country. The Ecuadorian government demands you get at least $800 per month from this source. The visa costs $350 and is valid indefinitely.
  • Investors Visa (9-II and 9-III) - For those wishing to invest over $25,000 in real estate or securities. The second type is for those investing in industry or export of agricultural products and/or minerals and requires a minimum investment of $30,000. Ecuador charges $350 for both these visas and you won’t need to get them renewed.
  • Work, Legal and Religious Visa (9-IV) - Most relevant to those with indefinite work contracts, in which case you will need to present a work contract authorised by the Labour Ministry. The overall cost is $350 and it’s valid indefinitely.

Also available are resident visas for professionals (9-V) and family members of Ecuadorian citizens (9-VI). More details of the specific documents necessary for application are available here .

Further reading

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