What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Ecuador for a while?
We asked expats what residency documents or visas they need when settling in Ecuador. They wrote...
"If you plan to stay in Ecuador for a while, you will need to obtain a residency visa, which is generally linked to a work or study visa. This visa can be obtained from the Ecuadorian consulates outside the country, or from the Directorate of Migration inside the country. Generally, you will be required to provide documents such as a copy of your passport, proof of your financial ability to maintain yourself during your stay in the country, proof of your address, and a police report from your native country," said another expat in Ecuador.
"To say the visa and cedula process can be "frustrating" is a mild way of putting it. But, the frustration is in the applicant and is because of expectations. What we in North America are used to sets us up for frustration. A cultural reset is needed...not at all easy. Hire someone who is vetted by a lot of expat experience (please, not by advertising exposure alone) AND by your personal involvement. Most of all have patience. Never give up. Twelve years ago I hired a lawyer in Quito to get the Jubilado visa. She was good. The cedula and visa transfer to a new PP I did myself years later. Great help if you both speak Spanish. Especially if you know the culture. Be friendly with the clerks, they work there, they didn't invent the procedures. If they grease the rails just a little for you it will help. If they put sand on them progress will be delayed. its worth it," wrote a member who made the move to Ecuador.
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What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Ecuador for a while?
If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
