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.