Ecuador - permanent
Ecuador Permanent ResidenceVisa de Residencia Permanente (por tiempo de permanencia mayor a 21 meses)
Permanent residence granted after 21 months of continuous temporary residence in Ecuador. Provides indefinite legal stay subject to absence rules under the Ley Organica de Movilidad Humana.
Who this visa is for
- Temporary residents who have completed 21 months in Ecuador
- Spouses of Ecuadorians and their dependents transitioning to permanent status
- Investors, rentistas, and professionals stabilizing long-term residence
- Applicants seeking a route to Ecuadorian citizenship
- Families consolidating permanent status together
Requirements
- Proof of 21+ months of continuous temporary residence in Ecuador
- Documentation of the original temporary visa basis
- Passport valid at least 6 months
- Criminal background certificate (for applicants 18+)
- Proof of lawful means of subsistence (Ministerial Agreement No. 70)
- Color photo 5x5 cm
- Parental authorization and apostilled birth certificate for minors
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Visa request | USD 50 | |
| Visa grant | USD 225 | VAT exempt; 50% discount for seniors 65+; 100% exemption for 30%+ disability |
Application steps
- Confirm 21 months of continuous temporary residence
Confirm 21 months of continuous temporary residence
- Register on e-VISAS platform
Register on e-VISAS platform
- Apply under 'Permanent Residence - over 21 months'
Apply under 'Permanent Residence - over 21 months'
- Upload proof of prior visa, background check, and photo
Upload proof of prior visa, background check, and photo
- Pay fees same day by 23:55 Ecuador time
Card or Banco del Pacifico deposit (08:30-16:00)
- Receive visa and update cedula
Receive visa and update cedula
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Permanent ResidenceVisa de Residencia Permanente (por tiempo de permanencia mayor a 21 meses)
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
When do I become eligible?
After 21 months of physical presence as a temporary resident in Ecuador.
Can I be absent from Ecuador after getting it?
Yes, but prolonged continuous absences can trigger loss of status under the Ley Organica de Movilidad Humana.
Do I need to keep my original visa's conditions?
You must have maintained them throughout the 21 months. After permanent status, specific visa conditions no longer apply.
How much does it cost?
USD 50 to apply plus USD 225 for the visa grant, VAT exempt.
When can I apply for citizenship?
After 3 years of permanent residence (2 years if married to an Ecuadorian), subject to the Organic Law of Human Mobility requirements.