Are you ready for a work and study visa at one of the genuine and adventurous South American countries of the world? most students work with good benefits as a scholar and a worker in Ecuador during their study program or scholarship program, therefore if you are looking for one of the good countries with good research facilities to study and of course moderate tuition fees for studies then you should consider a work permit visa in Ecuador.
A core Background knowledge on Ecuador
Ecuador is a country with vast natural and cultural wealth having four diverse regions which have a hundred of thousands of species of flora and fauna.
There are many natural creations around the regions of Ecuador, wildlife lovers will definitely be attracted by the famous Galapagos Islands with its volcanic landscapes.
Ecuador is a strong economic performer in Latin America, demonstrating consistent economic growth along with its US dollar currency, which facilitates a welcome environment for foreign investors.
The government’s pro-business attitude and investment into commercial and public infrastructure in recent years have boosted business and investor confidence.
Also, articulative attention has been paid to projects strengthening the country’s airport and port infrastructure, road networks coverage.
The World Economic Forum ranks Ecuador as one of the fastest developing Latin American countries in recent years, according to its global competitiveness studies.
Where Can I Apply for Ecuador Visa?
Yes, Ecuador has embassies all over the world depending on where you are. If there is no diplomatic representation of Ecuador in your country, check out the one that’s closest and see if they can process your visa application.
Once you are in Ecuador, you can extend or convert your existing visa as well as apply for a new visa in a zonal coordination office.
Can I Stay in Ecuador for More Than 90 Days?
Yes, you can. But to stay in Ecuador for longer than 90 days, you either have to:
- Apply for a special tourist visa which allows you to stay in Ecuador for up to 180 days. You can do this from your country of residence before you travel. OR
- Extend your 90-day visa once you are in Ecuador. You can apply for a visa extension at one of the Coordinaciones Zonales in Ecuador.
The Various Ecuador Visa Types (Work Permit Visa in Ecuador)
There are three types of visas for Ecuador:
- Ecuador Tourist Visa
- The Ecuador Temporary Resident Visas
- Ecuador Permanent Resident Visas
1. Ecuador Tourist Visa
Citizens of most countries do not need to apply for a tourist visa for Ecuador they can simply enter with their passports.
Most preferably, citizens from countries where visa requirements are enforced do have to apply for an Ecuador tourist visa. The tourist visa for Ecuador allows the holder to stay in the country for up to 90 days for tourism and leisure activities.
Special Tourist Visa for Ecuador (Work Permit Visa in Ecuador)
Their type of Ecuador tourist visa has a longer duration of 180 days. Even the nationals who are exempted from a normal tourist visa can apply for the 180-day Ecuador tourist visa from an Embassy if they want to more than 90 days.
2. Ecuador Temporary Resident Visa
The temporary resident visa for Ecuador is a type of long-stay visa that can be issued to foreigners who want to live, study, work, or retire in Ecuador. The visa can be given for up to two years at a time and can be renewed before they expire.
Below are types of Ecuador temporary residents:
- Ecuador Work Visa: for foreigners who have found a job with a company in Ecuador.
- The Ecuador Student Visa: foreigners who have been accepted in a university or other academic program in Ecuador.
- Ecuador Retirement visa: for foreigners who want to retire in Ecuador and have the necessary financial means to do so.
3. Ecuador Permanent Resident Visas (Work Permit Visa in Ecuador)
This type of visa (permanent) can be given to you if you have already lived there for at least 21 months under a temporary resident visa.
According to the information on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, the fee for Ecuador visas is:
- USD 50 for visa processing
- USD 400 for the Ecuador visa (if the application is successful)
Do US Citizens Need a Visa for Ecuador?
No, as a US citizen, you are permitted to stay in Ecuador for up to 90 days, you do not need a visa. However, If you want to stay for longer than 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence visa or extended tourist visa from one of the Embassies of Ecuador in the US.
How Long Can You Stay in Ecuador as a Tourist
Note: As per Ecuador visa requirements, the longest you can stay in Ecuador is 180 days in a Calendar year. This rule applies the same for people entering on a tourist visa and for people who are visa-exempt.
It can be a continuous stay or various visits during the period of one calendar year. You can make multiple entries, as long as you are only in the country for 90 days total.
However, you must know that you will only get 90 days visa-free in a Calendar year. Then, You will get 90 more days visa-free after 9 months of the day your first 90 days are consumed.
Ecuador Tourist Visa Extension (Work Permit Visa in Ecuador)
If you want to stay in Ecuador for longer than 90 days, you can extend your stay in a Migraciones office of Ecuador, in a city that has a regional city center. You can extend your visa for 90 days more.
For those that still want to stay as a tourist after these two 90-day periods and not yet apply for a resident visa, you may apply and pay for the ‘Visa Especial de Turismo’ which will allow you to stay in Ecuador for another 180 days.
Ecuador Visa Fees
check out the visa fee ranges:
| Tourist Visa | $60 |
| Volunteer Visa | $80 |
| Student visa | $130 |
| Investor visa | $450 |
| Mercosur visa | $250 |
| Unasur visa | $250 |
| Religious visa | $250 |
| Episcopal Conference visa | Free |
| Retirement visa | $450 |
| Scientist/ Investigator/ Academic visa | $450 |
| Professional visa | $450 |
| Commercial Activity visa | $450 |
| Amparo Visa | $250 |
Quality Ecuador Visa Requirements (Work Permit Visa in Ecuador)
Note:
The documents have to be genuine and filled up before submission or legalized by the Ecuadorian Embassy or Consulate. Different Embassies will have different requirements.
They may also have to be translated into Spanish; make sure to ask the Embassy/Consulate staff where you will apply.
When you apply for a visa for Ecuador, you have to submit several documents, take a look at the following:
- Your passport: The passport has to be valid for at least another six months from the day you intend to enter Ecuador.
- Ecuador Visa Application Form: It has to be completed and signed. You can download it and complete It online, as mentioned above.
- Passport-size pictures, with the following picks:
- Dimensions: 2 inch x 2 inch.
- White background.
- You must be staring straight ahead at the camera with a neutral facial expression.
- Your entire face must be visible.
- Headgear is not allowed, except for religious purposes. Even in this case, it cannot cover the face
- Glasses should be removed – although some may also accept a picture if you are wearing prescription glasses, as long as they do not obstruct the view of your face.
- Proof you have the necessary financial means to fund your stay in Ecuador (for yourself and your dependents, if you have any).
- Certificate of criminal records, obtained from police authorities in your country. Not necessary for minors.
- Proof of health insurance: You must get health insurance (private or public) to cover the duration of your stay in Ecuador. This applies to tourist visas as well as temporary and permanent resident visas.
More below
- For minors:
- Birth certificate.
- If traveling unaccompanied: Letter of consent from the parent/s or legal guardian/s.
- For Ecuador Student Visa: Proof of enrollment in the educational institution in Ecuador.
- For Ecuador Retirement or Pensioner Visa:
- Proof of retirement, from the relevant government body in your country as well as proof of the pension you will receive from abroad.
- Proof of any other income you will receive from abroad or in Ecuador, such as from investments, savings, etc.
- For Ecuador Business Visa: Letter of invitation from the inviting company in Ecuador.
- For Ecuador Work Visa:
- Work contract with a public or private company.
- For a public company: Proof the company has no outstanding obligations with SRI ( Servicio de Rentas Internas del Ecuador) and IESS (Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social).
- For a private company:
- Proof the company has no outstanding obligations with SRI ( Servicio de Rentas Internas del Ecuador) and IESS (Instituto Ecuatoriano de Seguridad Social) and the Superintendence of Companies.
- Registration Certificate. It must be issued by the adequate Ministry.