Ecuador – New Immigration Law
August 28, 2017
Ecuador – New Immigration Law
Effective February 6, 2017, a new immigration law in Ecuador called “Ley de movilidad humana” has superseded the previous legislation, and reorganized several visa categories. Regulations to implement the new law are expected to take place soon.
Key Changes
- The 12-6 visa has been replaced by a subcategory of temporary residence. It is now obligatory to register with Ecuadorian social security or travel to Ecuador with a private health insurance once a work visa has been approved. Previously, social security registration was not a requirement.
- The applicant will be allowed to leave the country 90 days per year, for each of the first two years. The foreign national must maintain his or her temporary residence visa for 21 months to qualify to apply for a permanent resident visa.
- The law includes some general documentary requirements but it is expected that the new regulations will clarify the complete list of documents, the procedure and timing.
- A new visa category has been introduced for dependents called “personas amparadas por el titular de la categoria migratoria”.
- The 12-9 visa has been eliminated. The most similar category now is the special visa for tourism, however this category can no longer be renewed and can only be applied for once every five years. Short-term work is still possible under this category, and dependents can apply for the same visa with the same rules.
- Visas for Venezuelans and nationals of Mercosur countries remain in force.
Foreign nationals who are residents in or intending to travel to Ecuador should be aware of the implementation of the new immigration rules.