Ecuador Immigration Resource Guide

Ecuador Visa Services

Professional Visa (Visa Profesional)

The Ecuador Professional Visa is designed for individuals who can demonstrate a professional skill, degree, or trade. It is one of the most versatile visa categories available and is popular among remote workers, entrepreneurs, and professionals relocating to Ecuador.

$1,200–2,500
4–8 weeks (after submission)
Professional Visa (Visa Profesional)

Who Is This Visa For?

  • Remote workers with a foreign employer
  • Freelancers and self-employed professionals
  • Business owners establishing operations in Ecuador
  • Licensed professionals (doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc.)
  • Entrepreneurs starting a business in Ecuador

Requirements

University degree or professional certification

Must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator

Background check

FBI background check (US citizens) or equivalent from country of residence, apostilled

Proof of income

Bank statements or employment letter showing stable income

Health insurance

Valid health insurance covering Ecuador, minimum 1-year policy

Valid passport

Minimum 6 months validity remaining

Passport-size photos

4x4 cm, white background, recent

Document Checklist

Valid passport

Minimum 6 months validity, color copies of all pages

University degree or professional license

Apostille

Original plus certified Spanish translation

FBI background check

Apostille

Must be less than 6 months old

Birth certificate

Apostille

Original or certified copy

Marriage certificate (if applicable)

Apostille

Required if applying with spouse

Health insurance policy

Must cover Ecuador for minimum 1 year

Proof of income

Bank statements (3-6 months) or employment letter

Passport photos

4x4 cm, white background

Application form

Completed online through Ecuador e-visa system

Step-by-Step Process

1

Gather & Prepare Documents

2–4 weeks

Collect your degree, background check, birth certificate, and other required documents. Get apostilles from the US Department of State.

2

Get Certified Translations

1–2 weeks

Have all apostilled documents translated into Spanish by an Ecuadorian-certified translator.

3

Obtain Health Insurance

1–3 days

Purchase a health insurance policy that covers Ecuador for at least one year. Many Ecuadorian and international providers offer compliant plans.

4

Submit Online Application

1–2 hours

Create an account on Ecuador's e-visa portal and submit your application with all scanned documents.

5

Attend Visa Interview

1 day

If applying from outside Ecuador, attend your appointment at the nearest Ecuadorian consulate. If inside Ecuador, attend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointment.

6

Receive Visa Approval

2–6 weeks

After review, you'll receive notification of approval. Pay the issuance fee and receive your visa stamp.

7

Register & Get Cédula

1–2 weeks

Register with the Civil Registry and obtain your cédula (Ecuadorian ID card). This is mandatory within 30 days of visa issuance.

Cost Breakdown

ItemCost
Visa application fee$50
Visa issuance fee$400
Cédula (Ecuador ID card)$40
Census registration$15
FBI background check$18
Apostille (per document)$20
Certified translation (per document)$30–80
Health insurance (annual)$600–1,500
Total Estimated Cost$1,200–2,500

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. The Professional Visa allows you to live in Ecuador while working remotely for a foreign employer. You do not need separate work authorization for remote employment with a foreign company.
No. The application process does not require a Spanish language test. However, some documents must be translated into Spanish, and basic Spanish is helpful for daily life in Ecuador.
The Professional Visa is typically issued for 2 years and is renewable. After 21 months of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
Yes. Your spouse and dependent children can apply for dependent visas at the same time. Each dependent needs their own set of documents.
Any accredited bachelor's degree or higher qualifies. Vocational certifications, trade licenses, and professional registrations (e.g., nursing, engineering) are also accepted with proper documentation.

Need Help With Your Visa Application?

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