Are you looking for a perfect place to retire or make your home? Then, getting an Ecuadorian permanent residency can help you achieve that. Ecuador is a beautiful country situated on the equator of South America’s west coast. This country is welcoming to foreign nationals seeking employment and retirees alike. We’ll explain everything you need to know about getting a permanent residency in Ecuador.
Why Ecuador Permanent Residency?
So you might be asking the question, “Why Ecuador permanent residency?” Well, Ecuador has so much to offer even as a regular temporary resident. Now, imagine all the freedom you can get from being a permanent resident. Here are some of the perks of an Ecuadorian resident.
Cost of Living
Ecuador has one of the most affordable costs of living in South America, which has made it popular among expatriates and retirees. With a permanent residency, you can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while taking full advantage of the cheap local markets, affordable accommodation, and great healthcare system. To show how affordable this country is, you can live comfortably for less than $2,000 per month with rent and utilities covered. With this, you can save up and invest your money in other things.
Friendly Immigration Policies
Ecuador’s government has put welcoming and easy immigration policies in place to make it easier for foreign nationals to obtain and maintain permanent residency. There are different options open for retirees, professionals, and investors. With a friendly immigration policy in place, foreign nationals can enjoy inclusiveness and diverse communities in Ecuador, providing peace of mind and security to foreigners.
Unlimited Time to Live and Work in Ecuador
Once you become a permanent resident in Ecuador, you have the freedom to work and stay in Ecuador indefinitely. The thing about getting a permanent residency in Ecuador is you don’t have to go through a work permit or visa renewal. With this in place, you can fully blend into the Ecuadorian culture while you build long-term relationships both professionally and personally. Another thing is that you can start a business in Ecuador as a permanent resident without any hurdles.
Pathway to Ecuadorian Citizenship
If you’re looking forward to being part of Ecuador permanently, then having a permanent residency might be your golden ticket to becoming an Ecuadorian citizen. You just have to maintain your permanent residency for three (3) years, after which you can apply for Ecuadorian citizenship. With this citizenship, you can get an Ecuadorian passport, visa-free or visa-on-arrival travels to more than 90 countries. This is a great opportunity, especially for people from developing countries.
Freedom to Travel In And Out of Ecuador
One of the things being a permanent resident in Ecuador affords you is travel flexibility without worrying about losing your status. Even if you have an extended stay outside of Ecuador, your status as a permanent resident remains. This is unlike some countries that are super strict with their residency programs and time-in-country requirements. All of this is perfect for a foreigner who wants to explore other countries but keep Ecuador as their home base.
Ecuador Residency Visa to Fast Track Your Permanent Residency
Ecuador provides several temporary residency visas that can lead you to permanent residency. The following are some of the temporary residency options:
1. Retirement Visa
This visa is also known as the 9-I visa and is for foreigners who want to retire in Ecuador. Sometimes called the ‘pensioner visa,’ this visa allows for a retirement option for retirees. However, to apply for this visa, you must have proof of being a retiree. You can do that with your proof of pension or retirement income. Having a reliable income of at least $1,275, whether from retirement funds, pension, or annuity, is important. If you’re a retiree in Ecuador and you want a dependent to join you, you need $250 extra to add up to your original financial requirements. Since it’s a retirement visa, a foreigner holding this visa is not allowed to work, so it’s just perfect for those who want a stress-free and comfortable post-career life. With this visa, retirees can enjoy Ecuador’s low cost of living and excellent healthcare and can settle in welcoming communities in cities like Cuenca and Vilcabamba.
2. Professional Visa
Another route to secure a work visa overseas and earn a permanent residency in Ecuador is via a professional visa. It is specifically designed fo individuals with a university and who love to work in Ecuador. This visa is a perfect fit for doctors, engineers, teachers, and any other professional who wants employment in Ecuador. With the professional visa, you can enjoy flexibility allowing the holder to either work in their field, freelance, or engage in business. To do this, you must ensure that your degree is recognized in Ecuador. This is done through apostille authentication or legalization. Once you’ve completed that process, you can register with Ecuador’s Ministry of Education or the National Secretariat for Higher Education (SENESCYT). Aside from this, you need to have a clean criminal background from your home country and also be able to prove your financial stability.
3. Investor Visa
If you’re a foreigner up for business in Ecuador, then here’s your entry ticket as well as your ticket to permanent residency. If you’re going for an investor visa, you need to meet some financial requirements. You can either invest in real estate with at least $45,000 or deposit the same amount or more into an Ecuador bank or an investment fund in Ecuador. This particular visa allows foreign investors to stay in the country indefinitely, which is a great option for business-oriented foreign nationals. For the investor visa application, you need proof of investment, such as a bank certificate or property deed, depending on what you invested in. You need zero criminal record on your police certificate as well as a valid passport and your completed application form.
4. Dependent Visa
Even as a dependent, you can get a shot at being a permanent resident. The whole idea behind the dependent visa is to foster family unity and prevent the possibility of separation. However, eligible dependents include spouses, children under the age of 18, or disabled children of any age. To show that a dependent is related to the primary visa holder, they must tender proof of their relationship; this includes providing marriage certificates or birth certificates. The dependent visa is quite restrictive as a dependent visa holder can’t work in Ecuador unless they apply for an employment-based visa. However, they can study and engage in unpaid volunteer activities. Except for the dependent files for their independent visa, their visa will remain tied to that of the primary visa holder. This means once the primary holder leaves, the dependent must leave as well.
Eligibility Criteria and Documents Required For an Ecuador Permanent Residency
To obtain Ecuador permanent residency, you must meet the laid down eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation. Below is an overview:
1. Eligibility Criteria
The following are the eligibility criteria for an Ecuador permanent residency application:
Meet the Temporary Residency Requirements
To apply for a permanent residency, you must be a temporary resident of Ecuador for a minimum of 21 months. You must be a holder of a retirement, investor, dependent, or professional visa for that timeframe. The reason for that duration is to ensure that you, as an applicant, have spent sufficient time learning and integrating yourself into the Ecuadorian system while you comply with immigration rules. All you have to do is to track your temporary visa duration and start preparing for your application.
Compliance with Residency Rules
You should know that your pathway to permanent residency does not start with your permanent residency application but starts at the moment to step foot into Ecuador under any visa. This is because reference will always be made to all of your activities in Ecuador, so you need to comply with the country’s rules while you avoid immigration violations.
One of the major rules is adhering to the maximum time outside Ecuador rule during your permanent residency. The rule states that as a foreign National with a temporary residency in Ecuador, you can’t be outside the country for more than 90 days per year during your first 21 months of residency. Ensure that your visa remains valid and update your details with immigration authorities where there’s a change or a need for that.
Clean Criminal Record
You can’t be an Ecuadorian permanent resident if you don’t have a clean criminal record. You must provide a recent criminal background check from your home country or any country you have visited in the last five years. Likewise, you must have a clean record in Ecuador, as you will be requested to provide a local background check from the Ecuadorian authorities to confirm that you were on your best behavior during your stay in Ecuador.
Financial Stability
Proof of financial stability is an important eligibility criterion you must meet. This is to ensure that you can financially support yourself during your stay in Ecuador. You need to provide your bank statement, investment deed, employment contract, or pension payments, depending on the visa category you’re applying with. For those who want to bring dependents with them, an additional $250 per dependent is needed per month.
2. Documents Required
As a permanent residency applicant, you must provide original and notarized copies of the following documents:
- Valid Passport: With at least six months’ validity and copies of all stamped pages.
- Temporary Residency Visa: Proof of your current visa status.
- Proof of Income: Bank statements, pension statements, or proof of investment.
- Criminal Record Check: This must be issued by your home country and from Ecuador (translated into Spanish and apostilled).
- Medical Certificate: Demonstrating good health, if requested.
- Proof of Residency Address: Utility bills or a lease agreement in Ecuador.
- Also, note that additional documents can be requested.
Application Process for an Ecuador Permanent Residency
The application process is an important part of your permanent residency journey. This process involves some key steps that you should follow duly, and they include the following:
1. Ensure You’re Eligible
Verifying that you’re eligible to be a permanent resident is the first step of your application. You can do that by confirming that you’ve met the time requirement of at least 21 months. Ensure your criminal record is clean and that you’ve followed the country’s regulations duly. Also check for the specific visa type you’re applying with, as the requirements vary with each.
2. Prepare Documents
Once you’re sure of your eligibility status, you can proceed to get all the required documents. Ensure that all documents are authenticated, notarized, and translated into Spanish, Ecuador’s official language. You need a valid passport with a minimum of 6-month validity, your current residency visa, criminal record check, proof of financial stability, and proof of residency in Ecuador. For people being dependent, you need proof of family relationship with them, either north or a marriage certificate.
3. Schedule an Appointment
Now that your documents are in order, you can visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility website to book an appointment at the nearest immigration office in Ecuador. You can proceed to select a convenient date, and while you’re at it, you might have to upload some information and documents online.
4. Submit Application
When your appointment is due, go early and bring all the necessary documents with you. Submit your complete application alongside the fee of about $550. Immigration officials will review your application to verify your eligibility.
5. Wait for Approval
Once your application is submitted and your documents are rightly submitted, the waiting period begins. Wasting time differs for individuals; while it might take a few weeks for some, it might take months for some. It all depends on whether you have zero errors in your application and the workload of the immigration officials. However, during the processing time, do a follow-up and stay in touch with the immigration office. Likewise, maintain your temporary status until your permanent residency is granted officially. Renew if there’s a need to; this is to avoid breaking immigration laws.
6. Receive Your Permanent Residency Card
Once your application is approved, your permanent residency card, also known as the Cedula de Identidad, will be issued right away. Having this card makes you a permanent resident of Ecuador. With this card, you enjoy benefits a temporary residency won’t offer you.
How to Maintain Your Permanent Residency
You should not think having a permanent residency in Ecuador is the end of the process. There are responsibilities to shoulder and laws to follow. Here are some tips on how to maintain your permanent residency.
1. Meet Minimum Stay Requirements
You should know that during the first two years of permanent residency in Ecuador, you cannot be outside Ecuador for more than 180 days per year. Once the two years are over, the restriction is relaxed. Still, if you’re going to have an extended stay outside of Ecuador, you must notify the necessary authorities to avoid risking your residency status.
2. Renew Residency Card
You don’t have to renew your permanent residency. However, after 10 years, you need to renew your permanent residency card. This is to ensure its validity and avoid penalties.
3. Abide by Ecuadorian Laws
Now that you have permanent residency, you have to continue maintaining a clean legal record. Legal issues can significantly impact your permanent residency, so you must adhere to the laws and regulations of Ecuador. Legal issues may jeopardize your residency status if you change information such as address, marital status or bring a dependent.
Conclusion
Having permanent residency in Ecuador as a foreign national can set you up for a great life. With a welcoming culture, friendly policies, and a great environment, you sure won’t regret settling there. If you’re ready to take the next step and start your journey in Ecuador, do well to speak with an immigration adviser for personalized guidance. Good luck!
