How do I Become a Permanent Resident of Ecuador?

Here at EcuaAssist, we get a lot of questions! And we want to make sure you have those answers in an easy to access place. We will be starting a FAQ series. The purpose of this series is to simplify and present the most important information of immigration law for those who do not speak Spanish or those that find the immigration system difficult to navigate.

Despite many attempts by the government to make the immigration system efficient and user friendly, it has not quite met that goal. By providing our readers with clear and concise information, we hope that all foreigners are able to understand the most up to date immigration rules. Bureaucracy can turn the dream of living in Ecuador into a nightmare the moment people apply for a visa. At EcuaAssist, we strongly believe that the bureaucracy of immigration should not impede or deter anyone from the dream that is living in this beautiful country. Although public policies across countries are becoming more restrictive daily, we believe that every person is a universal citizen and should be able to choose where they would like to live.

This series begins with a favorite topic here at EcuaAssist: Getting your permanent residency!

Have you been a temporary resident in Ecuador for at least 21 months? Have you respected the very important rule of not being out of the country for more than 90 days per year? Great news! You are ready to become a permanent resident. You will not regret it. A permanent residency visa gives you a sense of tranquility because you no longer have to see that expiration date on your visa stamp. No more visa process after you complete this final step.

The Article 63 of the Human Mobility Law explains the permanent residency eligibility. If a person has been under a temporary residency visa for at least 21 months, they are eligible for the permanent residency visa. There are some exceptions to the 21 month rule that allows foreigners to skip this step and apply directly for permanent residency. They are as follows:

Those who are married or have a domestic partnership with an Ecuadorian citizen.
Being an underage foreigner or a disabled person who depends on an Ecuadorian citizen or a permanent resident.
Second degree kinship with an Ecuadorian citizen or with a permanent resident.

So if you have met the above exceptions or you have completed that 21 months of temporary residency, it’s time to apply for permanent residency! Good news, the process is easier than the temporary visa. The requirements are as follows:

You have not left the country for more than 90 days per year during your temporary residency.
You have proof that you have sufficient funds to ensure the livelihood of you and your dependents. This is completed by submitting the last 12 bank statements showing an income of at least $400 or higher.
You have a valid passport with the respective visa to justify your current status
You have completed an Ecuadorian background check. (Done online)
You have a certificate showing your health insurance and it is under your own name

Again, it is very important to note that as a temporary resident you cannot leave the country for more than 90 days at a time. This does change when you become a permanent resident, but there are still restrictions. You are only allowed to leave the country for a maximum of 180 days per year, for the first two years. After that time, you will be able to leave Ecuador for a maximum of 5 years. This may seem like a commitment, but don’t think about it too much. Ecuador welcomes you, you will be happy here!

The EcuaAssist Team

email us at info@ecuaassist.com

DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is factual and up to date for the date in which it was published. In the case that it is read following the date of publication, we recommend that readers contact us for an updated version of immigration policy in ecuador.

Furthermore, this article does not constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. We hope to provide foreigners with clear and concise information regarding the migratory process so that they may live in this paradise known as Ecuador.