RESIDENT/IMMIGRANT VISAS
Foreign nationals may apply to settle in Ecuador and obtain resident status. Resident visas are approved by Nelson Ayala, Director de Extranjería, at Calle San Ignacio 207, Quito, Ecuador. The documentation process takes at least 4 to 8 weeks. There are a number of different resident visa categories, including:
10 I Retired persons who receive pensions from their native countries (required minimum monthly income from a foreign account USD 800 for the main visa holder, plus USD 100 monthly for each family dependent).
10 II Real estate and securities investors who are willing to invest in Ecuador a minimum of USD 25,000, plus USD 500 for each family dependent.
10 III Investors in industry who wish to export agricultural products, livestock, or minerals, (minimum investment of USD 30,000).
10 IV Companies with foreign local agents who possess unlimited power of attorney to represent the company in Ecuador, provided that 80% of the company's local personnel are Ecuadorian.
10 IV Technicians or technical experts under contract with a company established in Ecuador.
10 V Professionals with university degrees recognized by a national university, who wish to practice their profession in Ecuador . Should the applicant's profession not exist in Ecuador , the degree must be locally certified. The applicant must also fulfill the requirements for such practice (e.g. bar).
10 VI Individuals economically dependent on spouses or on a blood related family member (family).
DIPLOMATIC VISAS
Visas 12-I, 12-II, and 12-III are for diplomatic visits to Ecuador. For more information, contact your nearest Ecuadorian consulate or embassy.
REFUGEE VISAS
Visa 12-IV is for refugees. The office that handles these visas is located at Jeronimo Carrión 10-40 and Av. 10 de Agosto in Quito.
