Consular affairs
The Consulates of Ecuador are offices of the Government of Ecuador established abroad to assist and perform official duties
required by Ecuadorian citizens overseas and foreigners, who wish to visit, do business or study in Ecuador.
Consular competence includes Notarial acts (Notary Public) and judicial procedures, civil registry (register births, deaths,
marriages, divorces of Ecuadorian citizens), issuance of travel documents for Ecuadorian nationals (Passports and others),
and other matters.
The Consul acts as Notary Public of Ecuador, with competence to authenticate documents and legalize
translations of documents into Spanish. Documentation to be used in Ecuador must bear the consular stamp.
The Consul also issues "Certificates of Legal Existence of Companies" for foreign companies, which require such a document in order to
legally establish themselves or appoint a representative in Ecuador. The Consulates issue visas to enter Ecuador, as well
as Ecuadorian passports. They also keep official records of births, deaths, marriages, powers of attorney, and testaments
(last will), of Ecuadorian citizens.
Please contact a Consulate of Ecuador for information on requirements, authorizations or any other paperwork.
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Ecuador for up to 90 days; however, you are advised to consult the section
of VISIT VISAS.
Visas up to 90 days (TRANSEUNTE / VISITOR, Visa 12-X)
Ecuador welcomes tourists and travelers from every country. United States citizens traveling to Ecuador for tourism,
business, studies do not require a visa unless they expect to stay in Ecuador for more than 90 days in one calendar year
(that is, 90 days adding every entry in one year). The only travel requirements are:
- Valid passport for more than 6 months
- Return ticket (for air, land or sea travel)
- Proof of economic means to support yourself during your stay in Ecuador (may be asked by Immigration authorities)
Nationals of the following countries require a visa and should approach the Consulate of Ecuador of their residence
(list may change without notice): Algeria, Bangladesh, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Guatemala, India, Iran, Iraq,
Jordan, Lebanon, Lybia, Nicaragua, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine Authority, Panama, People's Republic
of China, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia and Vietnam.
If applying in the U.S., nationals of these countries will have to produce their valid U.S. visa or residence permit
and fill out an application form (requirements listed above, plus 2 photographs).
Foreigners traveling in these conditions may not take employment in Ecuador. VISA 12-X status cannot be changed in Ecuador.
Visas for more than 90 days stay
Foreign nationals planning to stay in Ecuador for more than 90 days need to apply for a visa and must present
the following documents:
- Valid passport for more than 6 months
- Police certificate with criminal record of the State where s/he resides
- Medical certificate
- Return ticket (for air, land or sea travel)
- Two photograph
- Application form
- Nationals of other countries applying for this type of visa in the United States must also present a valid US
visa/green card.
Additionally, depending on the type of visa needed, the following requirements apply:
Student visas:
- Certificate of course registration in an educational institution in Ecuador
- Certificate of financial solvency (either a bank deposit of a reasonable amount to cover expenses
- please inquire at the Consulate of your jurisdiction - with a letter stating the intention of the bank of
forwarding to the student 10% of that amount per month OR a document signed by a relative stating that the student
is supported by his/her family; OR a legal and duly notarized document indicating the student receives some other
type of pension).
Validity: Up to one year, renewable.
Professional,technician, consultant, legal representative, or
government official visas:
- Documents showing s/he
is required to stay in Ecuador for work related
purposes and that her/his stay will be supported
by the company/agency.
- Labor contract
legalized by an Ecuadorian Labor Court.
- Technical or
specialized professionals or industrial training
personnel need a working permit from the Ministry
of Labor.
- Managers, legal
representatives, or executive officers, with also
require a certificate from the Superintendency of
Companies.
Validity: According to the
appointment.
Clergy, volunteer workers, and other members of religious organizations:
- Certificate of the
religious organization where the applicant will
work in Ecuador, explaining why a foreign person
is required, and a brief description of the tasks
s/he will be assigned in Ecuador.
- A copy of the Decree
in which the Government of Ecuador authorizes the
organization to work in the country.
- A copy of the rules
of the organization.
- A copy of the
document stating the appointment of the legal
representative of the organization in Ecuador.
Validity: Two years.
Cultural exchange visas:
Teachers appointed to, or
students participating in, exchange programs require:
- Application from the
Ecuadorian authority sponsoring the student/teachers
visit.
- A copy of the
Agreement under which the program is carried out.
- Teachers must sign a
document stating that s/he will not receive any
Ecuadorian funds for his/her work.
Validity: One year.
Tourism, business, and
other activities, for more than 90 days and up to 180
days:
Foreigners who need to
stay in Ecuador for over 90 days, for activities such as
tourism, sports, studies, science and research, art, or
business, will require:
- Certificate of
financial solvency to the satisfaction of the
Consular Officer (either a bank letter stating
the applicant’s monthly balance OR a
personal guaranty of an Ecuadorian citizen or a
foreigner residing in Ecuador in a duly notarized
document OR a certificate stating the applicant’s
income OR any other document that proves the
applicant has enough funds for his stay in
Ecuador).
Validity: 90 up to 180
days.
Resident Visas (IMMIGRANT)
Foreign nationals may
apply to settle in Ecuador and obtain the residence.
Resident visas need to be approved by the Immigration
Board in Ecuador, so upon correct presentation of all the
documentation the process may take 4-8 weeks.
There are different
categories, please inquire at the Consulate.
10I Retired
persons who receive pensions from their native
countries (pension from a stable source, at least
US$ 8,000 a year).
10II Real
estate and securities investors who are willing
to invest in Ecuador the equivalent of at least
350 minimum monthly general salaries (S.M.V.G.),
plus 100 SMVG per dependant, or amount specified
by Consular Officer (in the U.S. at least US$ 15,000).
10III Investors
in industry who wish to export agricultural
products, livestock, or minerals, provided they
bring capital the equivalent of at least 600
minimum monthly general salaries to Ecuador, or
amount specified by Consular Officer (in the U.S.
at least US$ 25,000).
10IV Companies
with foreign local agents who possess unlimited
power of attorney to represent the company in
Ecuador, provided that 80% of the company's local
personnel are Ecuadorian.
10IV
Technicians or technical experts under contract
with a company established in Ecuador.
10V
Professionals with university degrees recognized
by a national university, who wish to practice
their profession in Ecuador. Should the applicant's
profession not exist in Ecuador, the degree must
be locally certified. The applicant must also
fulfill the requirements for such practice (e.g.
bar).
10VI
Individuals economically dependent on spouses or
on a bloodrelated family member (family).
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