| This information is accurate as of 08/07/09. Before arriving in Ecuador, you should verify with us that requirements for residency have not changed. The requirements for residency are known to change frequently.
The general requirements for residency include:
- A police report on police letterhead for anyone age 18 or older. You can obtain the police report from either your state or local police department where you live. No fingerprints are required. Note: although the police report is currently not being required for most nationalities, this requirement can change at any time and you should obtain your police report to be safe.
- If married, a copy of your marriage certificate.
- If divorced, a copy of your divorce decree.
- A color copy of your Ecuador Censo.
- If filing for residency with any children under the age of 18, you must get a letter of good conduct from the child's school. A birth certificate must also be provided for any child under the age of 18. If both parents are not present in Ecuador, you must obtain a letter of permission from the other parent stating that the child may apply for residency.
- All documents must be original copies from the proper agencies (such as the Social Security Administration, Police Department, etc.). No faxed copies will be accepted. You must bring all documents to your closest Ecuadorian Consulate in order to get the documents legalized (a legalization stamp will be applied to the back of the original document). You must also get all documents Apostilized by the Secretary of State where you live. The Apostille stamp is obtained before you get the legalization at the Consulate.
- All documents in English must be translated into Spanish. Any bi-lingual notary can perform this task. The notary will apply their notary seal. NOTE: Translations do not get legalized at the Consulate or Apostilized by the Secretary of State. Our staff can do translations for you for a fee.
- You must arrive in Ecuador on a 12-IX visa. This visa comes in 3 and 6 month versions. You obtain this visa from your closest Ecuadorian Consulate. The current cost is $230. Many of the requirements for the 12-IX are the same for residency. Once the Consulate issues you the 12-IX, they will return your original documents back to you so you can then use them for residency. Some Consulates have been known to issue the 12-IX while the client waits. If you cannot personally go to the Consulate, it may be possible to exchange documents with them through courier or the mail. You should call your closest Consulate to verify their requirements for the 12-IX and ask how they can best help you. The 12-IX visa is good for up to one year after being issued. The first date you enter Ecuador will begin your 3 or 6 months. You may come and go as much as you want (the visa should be stamped "multiples").
- For the first two years after receiving residency, you must live in Ecuador 9 months out of the year. After two years, you must be in Ecuador every 18 months.
Note: As of 05/08/09, Ecuador Foreigner Services has been informed by immigration that those filing 9-VI (dependency) applications for a spouse must now complete a sworn affidavit that the couple is in fact still married.
Note: A medical certificate is on the list of requirements by Ecuador, however, this requirement is not currently being enforced. If found to be necessary, you may get a medical certificate here in Ecuador at any number of hospitals or clinics.
Also Read: Residency Common Problems & Solutions Residency Documents Checklist |