Ecuador Residency Visa Information

I am retiring the end of December 2011 and planning my move to Cuenca in April. I would like to take my son and his fiancee with me, as the economic situation here has left them both without employment.

What type of visa would be possible for them? I have seen mention of an Economic Dependent visa. Would this work for them? If so, do you know the cost? I know this seems like lots of questions, but would we begin applying for this while still here in the States or wait until we reach Ecuador?

Thanks so much for your site, it has been a joy to read and very informative.

Terri

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Hi Terri.

You can come on an investor visa for $25,000 (appraised value of a real estate purchase -- not the purchase price) or a certificate of deposit for $25,000.

Your son and his fiancee can come in under your visa for an additional $1,000 per person (that may be subject to change at any time, given the way things change here).

If you obtain your 6 month visas at home before coming, then you can start the process as soon as you arrive, or as late as 5 months after arriving (earlier is better).

The kids will need to be married, and have their marriage certificate apostilled by the state government, for the fiancee to be allowed in on your visa. All birth certificates will need to be apostilled. You'll also need to have criminal record checks from wherever you've all lived for the past 5 years (that's just been reinstated as a requirement).

Check with your nearest Ecuadorian consulate for up-to-date details on what you need to obtain before you leave.

Jeff