Ecuador spouse visa (permanent residence by marriage)

The permanent residence by marriage or de facto union is for foreigners who prove a marriage or registered union with an Ecuadorian citizen or with a foreigner holding an indefinite or permanent visa, and who intend to live in Ecuador and carry out lawful activities. If the sponsor is a foreign temporary resident, the route is the temporary residence visa of amparo, which covers children, spouses and partners in a legally recognised union and lasts as long as the sponsor's visa.

A marriage celebrated in Ecuador is proved with the Civil Registry marriage certificate. A marriage celebrated abroad must first be registered in Ecuador. A de facto union must be registered with the Civil Registry. General requirements are a colour JPG photo, a passport valid for at least six months, an original criminal record certificate from the country of origin or of residence in the last five years (over 18, translated, apostilled or legalised, no older than 180 days at the last entry), proof of lawful means of support under Ministerial Agreement 70 of 2024 and payment of the fee.

File the request 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. The requirements include an interview at the competent Zonal Directorate or consular office. When the visa is granted, pay USD 175. The permanent residence is indefinite. The MREMH advisory unit (consejeria@cancilleria.gob.ec, 02-3933520) can explain how the interview is scheduled.

The amparo visa covers children, spouses and legally recognised partners of a foreigner holding temporary residence. Relationship documents must be apostilled or legalised, or replaced by a sworn declaration if they cannot be obtained, and the sponsor must show an extra USD 250 a month for each adult child. It costs USD 50 plus USD 200 and is valid only as long as the sponsor's visa.

The fee pages for this visa grant a 50% discount to people aged 65 and over and a full exemption to people with a disability of 30% or more who hold the Ministry of Public Health disability card. Minors apply through their legal representative or an attorney-in-fact, and an applicant who is already in Ecuador must show regular status, either the Ministry of the Interior's tourist stay authorisation or a valid visa.