There are two main categories for long-term visas in Ecuador: non-resident and resident. They are given the numbers 12 and 9 respectively, and you’re likely to want to go for the former as it’s easier to obtain and covers most expats’ needs.
Non-resident visas are divided into several sub-types, one of which should apply to your situation. In each of the following cases, the visa code is given in brackets. Types I-IV are not elaborated on here, as they are designed specifically for diplomats and asylum seekers.
All visas require the following documentation as a minimum:
Student Visa (12-V) - This applies to students of any level coming to study in Ecuador, as well as extending to their family members (married partner and any children). To obtain one, you’ll need proof of entry into your educational institution and that you have at least 1000 US dollars in existing funds (plus an additional 500 dollars per dependent, if you have any). It’s valid for a minimum of 6 months and needs to be renewed after a year. At the time of writing it costs $130 plus an extra $50 per dependent.
Work Visa (12-VI) - This visa is for professionals and trained specialised workers in Ecuador as well as their families. You’ll need to present your CV, and a number of other documents relating to your firm’s registration in Ecuador (a full list is available here). Your company should help you with this. It costs $230 plus $50 per dependent and expires after 2 years.
Religious Missionaries and Volunteers Visa (12-VII) - If you’re volunteering in Ecuador for an extended period, this is the visa for you. You’ll need to provide a CV that shows your suitability to the task and, similarly to the work visa, the immigration department requires paperwork relating to your voluntary activities in Ecuador. If you’re working for a voluntary organisation, they should help you organise this. A full list of the necessary paperwork can be found here . It costs $180 plus $50 per dependent, if you have any. It expires after 2 years.
If you don’t fit into any of the above categories, there are a number of other, more specific visas (including cultural exchange and extended tourism visas). More information is available on this website.
As with non-resident visas, resident visas are subdivided into categories. For these you’ll need the same documentation as above with the addition of a Certificate of Migratory Movement (Certificado de Movimiento Migratorio) issued by the Ecuadorian immigration authorities. The process of obtaining a resident visa can take up to eight weeks. The application form can be downloaded here .
Also available are resident visas for professionals (9-V) and family members of Ecuadorian citizens (9-VI). More details of the specific documents necessary for application are available here .