Do I Have to Get a New Cedula Once I Have My Permanent Residency Visa?

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.

Of course you do! Imagine having a permanent residency visa but a cedula that says temporary resident-that will definitely confuse authorities. Both of your documents must match. A cedula becomes invalid if your visa status changes or that visa expires. We do not want people to think you might not be legal in this country.

The process to obtain a permanent resident cedula is pretty much the same as the temporary one. Price will increase as the $5 fare is for first time applicants only, the renewal costs is $15. Luckily, all the information you had to present when you obtained your original cedula is saved in the system. However, additionally you must present a copy of your new permanent visa, a copy of your old cedula, and your cedula order.. If you had any changes in your education, you would also provide that updated information.

Remember, you just became a permanent resident, a visa without an expiration date. Your cedula must show your current status. The new cedula will be valid for 10 years, just like it is for all Ecuadorians. This document distinguishes you from temporary residents.

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.