Visa de Residencia Temporal de Profesional

Ecuador's Visa de Residencia Temporal de Profesional, Técnico, Tecnólogo o Artesano is a qualification-based residence permit that allows foreign nationals to reside in Ecuador and independently exercise their profession, technical specialty, technological expertise, or artisanal craft. Established under Article 60 of the Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana, it explicitly authorizes independent professional practice without requiring employer sponsorship. All applications are now processed through the MREMH eVISAS electronic platform.

• Professional, technical, or technologist degree (ISCED Level 5 or higher) from a recognized institution, apostilled or legalized
• Degree must be registered with SENESCYT within 3 months of visa issuance (certified Spanish translation required even for English/Portuguese titles)
• For artisans: registration of artisanal activity with the competent entity and validation by the Junta Nacional de Defensa del Artesano
• Proof of lawful means of subsistence: bank statements showing income of at least 1 SBU (USD 482/month for 2026) over the preceding 3 months, or a registered professional title
• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Criminal background certificate from country of origin or countries of residence during the past 5 years (apostilled or legalized, translated to Spanish, valid 180 days)
• Payment of application and issuance fees (USD 320 total)

• Colour photograph (5x5 cm, white background, JPG format, max 1 MB)
• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Criminal background certificate (apostilled/legalized, translated to Spanish if needed, valid 180 days)
• Apostilled or legalized professional/technical/technologist degree
• Proof of lawful means of subsistence (bank statements or registered professional title)
• Fee payment receipts
• For artisans: registration with competent entity and validation by Junta Nacional de Defensa del Artesano

The visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed once for an additional 2-year period, for a maximum of 4 years on temporary residence. Renewal requires updated documentation including a certificate of health insurance valid for the renewal period.

Spouse, legally recognized common-law partner, and children may apply for the Visa de Amparo (family support visa). Each dependant submits a separate application with family relationship documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or common-law union declaration), apostilled or legalized. Dependant visa fee is USD 250 per person (USD 50 application + USD 200 issuance). The sponsor must demonstrate additional monthly income of USD 250 per adult dependant.

The visa permits the free exercise of the holder's profession or technical/artisanal activity. Holders may work independently (self-employed, freelance, consulting) and may also work for Ecuadorian employers. The visa is not tied to any specific employer.

Foreign academic credentials must be registered with SENESCYT within 3 months of visa issuance. The process involves an online application followed by an in-person appointment to verify original documents. Processing takes approximately 30 business days and costs USD 25. A certified Spanish translation is required even when the source document is in English or Portuguese. After registration, a copy of the registered title must be delivered to the mobility authority within 2 days. Healthcare-related degrees and doctoral programs follow separate, more complex procedures. Certain regulated professions (such as medicine, law, and architecture) may require additional local licensing beyond SENESCYT registration.

Individuals residing in Ecuador for more than 183 days in a fiscal year become tax residents, subject to progressive income tax rates from 0% to 37% on worldwide income. A temporary tax residency regime allows qualifying new arrivals to pay income tax only on Ecuadorian-source income during a 5-year term. Holders providing professional services independently must register with the Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) and maintain proper invoicing.

1. Register on the eVISAS digital services portal at serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
2. Complete the application and upload all required documents
3. Pay the USD 50 application fee (payment must be completed by 23:55 Ecuador time same day or application auto-deletes)
4. The Ministry reviews documents; if corrections are needed, a 10-business-day correction period is granted
5. Upon approval, pay the USD 270 visa issuance fee (total: USD 320)
6. The visa and identity card are generated automatically
7. Register your professional title with SENESCYT within 3 months

Applications can also be submitted in person at Zonal Directorates in Ecuador or at Ecuadorian consulates abroad. A 50% fee discount applies for applicants aged 65 and over, and full exemption for persons with 30%+ disability.

After 21 months of continuous temporary residence (with absences not exceeding 90 days per calendar year), holders may apply for permanent residency (USD 275 total: USD 50 application + USD 225 issuance, indefinite duration). After 3 years as a permanent resident (approximately 5 years total), holders may apply for Ecuadorian citizenship by naturalization. Ecuador permits dual citizenship.