The Professional Visa is a popular option for those wanting to obtain residency in Ecuador. It allows you to explore job opportunities, start a business, or simply stay in the country. Remember, you don't have to have a job in Ecuador to apply for this visa!
This visa allows foreigners to obtain temporary, and eventually permanent, residency. The main distinguishing feature of this visa is that the applicant must have a university degree.
The study modality must be in person or semi-in-person, some online courses are also included, but these are more complicated. The Government of Ecuador won’t accept every degree obtained online, they will evaluate each on a case-by-case basis.
The laws pertaining to the Professional Visa can be found in:
This visa allows professionals to live in Ecuador for up to two years as a temporary resident. This can be converted into permanent residency at the end of the 2-year temporary residency so long as the applicant has spent less than 90 days outside of Ecuador during this time.
If the applicant has spent more than 90 days outside of Ecuador during their temporary residency, they can renew the temporary residency visa for another 2 years.
Ecuador offers this visa so that professionals can enter the country to impart their knowledge or develop in their specific areas, which generates important growth for the country in various areas of knowledge and expertise.
Ecuador is a popular choice for expats because of its economy and beautiful landscapes. One thing they all have in common is the peace of mind they find in Ecuador. All their needs can be comfortably met and there's a good health system that makes residents feel safe and secure.
If you're applying for a temporary residence visa in Ecuador, make sure to do your research and gather all the necessary documents. If you're unsure about which visa is right for you, seek advice from a professional. If you've decided on a Professional Visa, this article will guide you through the steps and processes needed for a successful application.
The path for applying for the Professional Visa is divided into two separate processes that work together. It's really important to follow all the instructions and steps carefully, so don't skip anything!
Registration of the degree at the competent national authority (SENESCYT)
This is the most important step to take as it's the main requirement.
You should know that this process can take 4-6 weeks, so you must start collecting documents in advance, each University is different and you must obtain all the documents ready to deliver physically to be able to carry out this step.
Issued by your University, it must be legally translated, legalized, or Apostilled.
It must be delivered by your University, indicating whether
the classes you have taken were in-person, semi-in-person, or virtual.
International Standard Classification of Education must be signed by the competent entity at your University.
All prerequisites must be translated, apostilled, or legalized. Being able to request the registration of your title in Ecuador must only be within the country, the online process can be started but they will also request physical documents to complete the process. It usually takes approximately 1 and a half months from the time of request.
Once you obtain the Registration you will be able to continue with your application process.
The main requirements when applying for a Professional Visa are:
This document must be translated into Spanish and apostilled, it must be the Original document, certified copies will not be accepted. It must bear the signature/seals of the University and competent Authorities.
Previously obtained with step 1.
This document is valid for a maximum of 6 months from its date of issue; It must be apostilled or legalized and translated.
The professional visa does not have an exact established amount, but the idea is to demonstrate a monthly income of USD 460.
Valid for more than 6 months, the ideal is to have it valid for more than two years so that you do not have to make a visa transfer from one passport to another in case of renewal.
Some of these documents need to be apostilled or legalized. Where the country issuing is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention they will be apostilled. Otherwise, they will need to be legalized if issued in a country that is NOT a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
If the original document was issued in a language other than Spanish, it must be translated by an authorized professional and notarized.
If you bring the document with translations it will need to be apostilled too.
Once your temporary residency visa has been approved, you'll be eligible to apply for a cedula (or national ID card). For this, you'll need to obtain an 'Orden de Cedulacion' and follow the process for obtaining the cedula.
The identification process is usually easy, however, it can take 2-3 hours at the Civil Registry, where the identification cards are issued.
Yes, you can request it as long as you meet the requirements. Not having left for more than 90 days during the time of your professional visa.
No, it is not an obligation, but if you get a job you will be able to work without an issue in your area of knowledge.
Yes, you can bring your children or husband/wife as dependents. To do this you must have the birth certificate or marriage certificate apostilled or legalized and translated.
We've successfully applied for hundreds of Professional Visas in Ecuador and can help you too. Book your free initial consultation & we're happy to run through your eligibility, required documents & next steps.
