VISAS

If you’re an expat aiming to extend your stay in Ecuador, whether as a tourist or seeking to establish temporary or permanent residency, our expert legal assistance is here to guide you. We specialize in navigating the complexities of Ecuadorian immigration law to secure your visa efficiently and affordably. Our team is adept at handling various visa types, including tourist visas, temporary visas, and permanent visas, ensuring a smooth, hassle-free process tailored to your specific needs. Let us make your transition to Ecuadorian residency a seamless experience.

EXTEND YOUR TOURIST VISA

Tourists from most countries are allowed to stay in Ecuador for a period of 90 days per year (365 days within the first day you enter the country) without the need to obtain a visa prior to entering Ecuador. If you wish to stay in the country for more than 90 days (within a 365-day period), you must apply for an extension.

The process is relatively simple in theory, but in order to avoid multiple trips to the correct government office and unnecessary expenditures, it is important to know which documents are necessary, where to obtain them, and what time tables must be followed.

If you are from a member country of the MERCOSUR agreement, it is not necessary to carry out this process as you automatically qualify for 180 days as a tourist in Ecuador.

Request an appointment today, and we will make sure this process is seamless and hassle-free.

TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA

The temporary resident visa is necessary if your plan is to stay and live in Ecuador for at least a few years, after obtaining the 90 day extension (a requisite for obtaining this visa). This type of visa will allow you to live in Ecuador for 2 years.

There are several avenues that allows one to qualify for the temporary residence visa, such as:

  • Employee/worker

  • Independent income

  • Retired/pension

  • Investor

  • Scientist, researcher or academic

  • Athlete, artist, cultural manager

  • Religious reasons or volunteer of a religious organization with legal status recognized by Ecuador

  • Volunteer

  • Student

  • Professional, technician, technology or artisan

  • Resident by international agreement of which Ecuador is a party

  • People protected by the holder of the migratory category

  • People in international protection/refugee

  • Exceptional temporary residence.

Since February 2021, your temporary residence visa allows for one to reside outside the country for as much time as you please. Prior to this the law only permitted one to hold this visa if they stayed outside of Ecuador no more than to 90 days within this two year period.

These types of visas are subject to multiple renewals.

Request your appointment today and let us find the best option for you.

PERMANENT VISA

Transitioning from temporary to permanent residency in Ecuador? If you've been a temporary resident for at least 21 months or have ties to an Ecuadorian citizen, you may qualify for a permanent residence visa.

This visa permits stays of up to 6 months annually for the first two years, followed by consecutive 2-year stays thereafter.

At ExpatExpertEc, we streamline the entire permanent residence visa process, managing every aspect and guiding you step by step towards Ecuadorian residency. Schedule your appointment today.