Ecuador permanent residence after 21 months

Besides the 21-month route and marriage, the MREMH lists permanent residence for relatives up to the second degree of an Ecuadorian or a permanent resident, for minors or people with disabilities who depend on them, under the MERCOSUR and Andean Migration Statute agreements for their nationals, and under the Episcopal Conference agreement. Each has its own page on gob.ec.

The procedure is for foreigners who intend to settle in Ecuador and prove more than 21 months of temporary residence. The gob.ec page asks for at least 21 continuous months and does not describe allowed absences. The application must be filed before your current immigration status expires, and applicants in Ecuador must show a valid status. Spouses and registered partners of Ecuadorians or permanent residents do not need to wait: they can apply for permanent residence by marriage or union directly.

Upload a colour JPG photo (5 x 5 cm, white background, neutral expression), a passport valid for at least six months, an Ecuadorian criminal record certificate (over 18), proof of temporary residence showing at least 21 continuous months, documents showing the reason your temporary residence visa was granted, proof of lawful means of support under Ministerial Agreement 70 of 2024 and the application form. For minors, add an apostilled or legalised birth certificate and, if one parent is absent, a special power of attorney or authorisation. Consulates or Zonal Directorates may call you to an interview.

Apply only on e-VISAS and pay USD 50 the same day, by card until 23:55 Ecuador time or by deposit at Banco del Pacífico from 08:30 to 16:00; otherwise the application is deleted. When the visa is granted, pay USD 225. People aged 65 and over pay half, and people with a disability of at least 30 per cent with a Ministry of Public Health card are exempt.