Visas

Remember that if you had to flee your country due to violence or threats, you can apply for refugee status in Ecuador; this is the only process that protects you from being returned to your country.

By contrast, visas granted by the Ecuadorian State are permits to stay in the country, but they do not protect you from being returned, as refugee status does.

Ecuador has several types of visas for foreign nationals who wish to regularize their status in the country. To learn about the visas available in Ecuador and which options may be best for your situation, seek free legal advice from the Public Defender’s Office (Defensoría Pública).

Below you will find general information about some visas available in Ecuador:

VIRTE

The processes to apply for a VIRTE visa have ended.

If you obtained a VIRTE visa, remember that you may renew it only once for an additional 2 years. To renew it, start the procedure at least 30 days before your visa expires. Do not miss the deadline! If you do not apply within this period, you will not be able to renew your visa.

Complete your procedure by entering the following link, or seek legal advice from the Public Defender’s Office.

Mercosur

If you are a citizen of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Peru, or Colombia, you may apply for a MERCOSUR visa, which is a residence permit in Ecuador. This visa is granted based on a Residence Agreement among these countries.

To apply for the MERCOSUR visa, you need (at minimum) a valid passport and a criminal background certificate from your country of origin or from the country where you resided during the last 5 years, apostilled.

The application form costs USD 50, and the visa costs USD 200.

For more information about requirements, costs, and the procedure, click the following link:
Granting of MERCOSUR Temporary Residence Visa | Ecuador – Official Guide to Procedures and Services

Family Sponsorship Visa -Visa de Amparo

If you are a close family member of an Ecuadorian citizen or of a foreign national with residence in Ecuador, you may apply to be sponsored and receive a residence permit in Ecuador. This visa is granted based on the family relationship.

To apply, you must be a parent, child, spouse, or legally recognized domestic partner of an Ecuadorian citizen or a foreign resident in Ecuador. You will need (at minimum) a valid passport, a criminal background certificate from your country of origin or from the country where you resided during the last 5 years, apostilled, and proof of lawful means of subsistence in the country.

The application form costs USD 50, and the visa costs USD 200.

For more information about requirements, costs, and the procedure, click the following link:
Granting of Temporary Residence Family Sponsorship Visa (all categories) | Ecuador – Official Guide to Procedures and Services

Work visa

If you wish to establish yourself in Ecuador to carry out lawful work activities, you may apply for a work visa.

To apply, you must be either:

  • A self-employed worker (independent), consultant, or professional service provider, with supporting documents; or

  • A worker under an employment relationship with an employer, under a contract.

You will need (at minimum) a valid passport, a criminal background certificate from your country of origin or from the country where you resided during the last 5 years, apostilled, and documents supporting the type of work you perform.

The application form costs USD 50, and the visa costs USD 400.

For more information about requirements, costs, and the procedure, click the relevant link according to your case:

  • Granting of Temporary Residence Work Visa for Employment under a Relationship of Dependence | Ecuador – Official Guide to Procedures and Services

  • Granting of Temporary Residence Work Visa for Self-Employment, Professional Services, Civil Services, Consulting, or Sponsorship Letter | Ecuador – Official Guide to Procedures and Services