What are the visa & residency requirements in Ecuador?

"In Ecuador, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to entering the country for any purpose. US citizens are eligible for a tourist visa that is valid for 90 days. This visa can be extended at the Migración y Naturalización service office. To obtain a tourist visa, applicants must complete an online form and provide a valid passport, return flight ticket and proof of financial support. Those wishing to obtain residency must first obtain an authorization of residence from the Foreign Ministry. This must be done through an Ecuadorian consulate abroad before entering the country. To request an authorization, applicants need to provide a valid passport and birth certificate as well as documents detailing their purpose in the country and economic resources. After entering Ecuador with the authorization of residence, the applicant must then register with the Migration and Naturalization Service office and present additional required documents. The applicant must also undergo a background check by the authenticity of documents committee and sign declarations of nationality, residence, and other required documents. Once the residency application is approved, a residency card will be issued," remarked another expat who made the move to Ecuador.

"The latest residency visas are a two year temporary deal that can then be exchanged for a permanent one. Rules for qualifying stayed the same as when I came 3 years ago, but the temporary visa was a new idea instituted in 2017. The requirements of background checks and proof of ability to support yourself are pretty straightforward. Canadians have had good luck at getting visas before they arrive but most expats I know have used an expediting service or lawyer since the actual rules can change," explained one expat living in Rio Chico, Ecuador.

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BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
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