VISAS - Gringo Visas

VISA OPTIONS

TOURIST

If you visit Ecuador on a Tourist Visa, you are allowed to stay for up to 90 days. If you wish to extend your stay, you can obtain a Prórroga extension for an additional 90 days. Make sure your Passport is valid for six months or longer.

RESIDENT

Temporary Resident Visa

If you wish to reside in Ecuador, there are 16 resident visa categories altogether, most of which require you first apply for a 2-year Temporary Visa. After 21 months of being a Temporary Resident, you can begin applying for Permanent Residency. Note not all Temporary Visas lead to Permanent Visas.

The law requires proof of Health Insurance, either through the government social security system in Ecuador (IESS) or private health insurance with coverage in Ecuador to obtain a Temporary Visa. Gringo Visas can help you navigate the health insurance options.

During the time of your 2-year Temporary Residency, there are no travel restrictions. You can leave the country as many times as you wish. However, to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, the person holding the Temporary Visa shall not have left Ecuador for longer than 90 days during the 21 months.

Remote Work “Digital Nomad” Visa (Video below)

This new Temporary “Digital Nomad” Visa will be granted to those who carry out professional activities or services remotely, digitally or telecommuting by either owning their own company or working for one or several legal companies or natural persons or businesses abroad.

If you wish to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, the person holding the Temporary Visa shall not have left Ecuador for longer than 90 days during the 21 months.

Permanent Resident Visa

When applying for Permanent Residency, depending on how long you left the country during the first 21 months, you will need to obtain an Ecuadorian police report and provide the last three months’ bank statements as proof of income. These documents must be in Spanish and legalized.

The most popular Resident Visas for Expats are – Pension (Retirement), Professional, Investment and Digital Nomad. To qualify for a Pension Visa, you need proof of a retirement plan or pension fund like Social Security that guarantees your monthly pension covers the minimum requirement.

To find out more, read the latest Visa Regulations as of March 10, 2022

Don’t hesitate to contact us for a FREE consultation if you have any questions.

DIGITAL NOMAD VISA

Remote Work “Digital Nomad” Visa

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Temporary Visa Options

Work

Rentier

Retirement

Investor

Scientist, researcher, academic

Volunteer

Professional, technician, technologist

Amparo (Dependent)

Remote “Digital Nomad”

Permanent Visa Options

Complete 21 months of temporary residence:

Work

Rentier

Retirement

Investor

Scientist, researcher, academic

Professional

Amparo (Dependent)

Family of Ecuadorian citizen or permanent resident

OTHER SERVICES

Legalize documents

Legal documents need to be apostilled. An apostille is a government certification that makes it legal to use certain documents outside of the country where issued. This applies to public records, marriage and birth certificates, as well as diplomas. We can obtain the necessary apostilles for you through our US office.

Marriage registration

If you are married or divorced, you need to have your marriage license, and divorce papers (if applicable) officially registered in Ecuador. Gringo Visas can provide this service and translate your documents from English to Spanish.

Health insurance

Once you receive your Temporary Visa, you’ll need to show you have health insurance. You can join the national social security system (IESS), or show proof of private insurance. We can provide you with an established private insurer, or help you join IESS.

Buying a home

If you’re looking to purchase a home or an investment property our trusted friends at ECUADOR AT YOUR SERVICE can help.

Real Estate Attorney

At Gringo Visas our real estate attorney can handle the complexities of purchasing or selling a home anywhere in Ecuador. Learn more…Real Estate and the Law

Relocation services

We work with professional relocation specialists who have been moving expats to Ecuador for more than a decade. You’ll be in good hands.

Cedula

Once you receive your Permanent Visa, you will have 30 days to get the mandatory cedula, which is the Ecuadorian national ID card. We prepare the required documents and take you to the Civil Registration office.

Passport Visa Renewal

When your passport expires, we can assist you in transferring your visa to your new passport.

Bank account

Once you have your Temporary Visa, you can open a bank account in Ecuador. We can help with the necessary paperwork to open a checking, savings account or investment CD with an ATM card.

Driver's license

Tourists and temporary residents are allowed 60 days upon arrival to drive on a US license. After that, you will need to apply for an Ecuadorian driver’s license. We can assist you to obtain the required paperwork, prepare you for the written test in Spanish, and take you for the exam.

IVA Tax refund

Permanent residents 65 and over qualify for a tax refund on certain items purchased in Ecuador. We can enroll you in this program, which means money back in your pocket.

Ecuadorian Citizenship

Gringo Visas can work with you to obtain the requirements necessary to become an Ecuadorian Citizen. We also help you prepare for the interview and the test, providing you with the study material in both Spanish and English.

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