There is NO such thing as obtaining Ecuador Citizenship by Investment without first becoming a Permanent Resident of Ecuador within 5 years of living in Ecuador, first as a Temporary Resident for one’s initial 2 years in Ecuador, followed thereafter by an additional 3 years in Ecuador as a Permanent Resident, to be able to finally qualify for Ecuadorian Citizenship at that then time.
Under new regulations that took effect on March 10, 2022, Ecuador‘s residency program qualifies as one of the best in the world and one of the easiest paths to citizenship. Ecuador offers a temporary resident visa to start, from which you can move on to a permanent resident visa.
After 21 months of being a temporary resident and continuously living in Ecuador, you can apply for a Permanent Residency Visa (PRV). Under the Permanent Residency Visa, you are allowed to stay out of the country for up to 180 days during the first two years, each year. After the second year, you can be out of the country for up to 2 years to keep your Permanent Residency Visa status. In a case of non-compliance with this law, a fine of up to 50% of the basic unified salary must be paid. Following the second year, permanent residence holders may remain outside the country for up to two years. If the holder does not return to the country within the two-year time frame, the visa will be canceled.
There are a variety of programs to apply for temporary residence in Ecuador which 3 are listed below. For all the programs listed below the applicant should be aware that they can leave only 90 days per year for the first 2 years to maintain the residency status.
Types of resident visas are as follows:
1. Pensioner Visa
For individuals who receive a stable pension or another form of consistent income of at least 3 minimum Ecuadorian minimum wages [$1275 per month]. You do not have to be 65 years of age or older to qualify for a Pensioner’s Visa. As long as you have an income of $1275/mo (and $200/mo for each adult children dependent) coming to you in perpetuity, and you can prove it, you qualify for the Pensioner’s Visa.
2. Inversionista (Investor) Visa
Here are the most common types of investments used by ex-pats to qualify for an investor visa:
3. Professional VISA
Main requirements:
To Be Eligible For Permanent Residency, You Must Be:
Ecuador has one of the world’s quickest citizenship programs. You can be naturalized after just three years of residency… or after just two years if you marry an Ecuadorian citizen.
Citizenship requirements:
– Continuous and legal residence of at least three years in Ecuador.
– Be an adult/consent of the minor’s parents or legal guardians.
– Birth certificate or supplementary test duly legalized and translated into Spanish.
– Copy of the identity document or copy of the valid passport, duly legalized.
– Knowledge of the patriotic symbols of Ecuador
– Attend an interview, explaining the reasons for the will to acquire Ecuadorian nationality.
– Proof of sufficient economic means for subsist in the country.
Temporary Residency Requirements:
– Valid passport, travel document, or identity recognized through International Instruments.
– Certificate of criminal record of the country of origin or in which he/she has resided during the last five years, before his / her arrival in Ecuadorian territory.
– Proof of sufficient means of subsistence in Ecuador.
– Join the public social security system or purchase private health insurance.
– Payment of the Fee set by the Migration Authorities.
– Certificate of Migration
Step 1: Fingerprints
The first step in the process of getting your Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa is getting your fingerprints taken.
Step 2: Background Check
Step 3: Gather Visa-Specific Requirements/Documents
Step 4: Request an Appointment with the Ministry
You can go to any of the ministry offices in Ecuador to submit your application, but some have longer waits than others. Your visa agent will know which office is best at the time.
Step 5: Fill Out and Notarize the Visa Application Form
The visa application form is in Spanish and must be filled out in Spanish. Once it’s filled out, you’ll need to go to a notary to have it notarized. You need to sign the application in front of the notary after showing him or her your identification.
Step 6: Submit Your Application
Once you have your completed visa application form and all the other required documentation with apostilles as needed, go to the ministry office on the date of your appointment to submit your application. You’ll need your passport as identification.
This process is different if your visa will be issued in your home country. Your visa agent will help with that process.
Step 7: Get Your Visa from the Ministry
Once your visa is approved, the government issues an electronic visa that is digitally attached to your passport number. They no longer attach a physical visa sticker to your passport. Again, if your passport is about to expire, we recommend renewing it first before applying for your Ecuador temporary resident visas.
Step 8: Get a Cédula
After receiving your temporary resident visas, took them to the government office in Cuenca to get your cédula, as your official government-issued identification card.
It took about an hour to get the cédula and the cost was $5. You are not required to get a cédula; however, your ex-pat life in Ecuador will be much easier and you’ll have more banking options available to you if you have one. You will need a cédula to apply for the public IESS health insurance.
There are lots of steps involved with getting your Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa, and it usually takes 3 to 6 months.
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Privacy World can also help you with incorporating your company in Ecuador, assisting in getting you settled in the country and coordinating with you so that this experience will be less of a hassle.
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