Professional Visa

The Professional Visa is for advanced degree holders with a minimum of a four-year degree. The Professional Visa is valid for two years and can be renewed multiple times. There are no restrictions or time limits for traveling in and out of Ecuador.

Once your degree is registered it will never expire. Therefore you can use it to apply for a Visa again in the future. The Professional Visa also provides a path to permanent residency and then citizenship.

How Much Does a Professional Visa Cost?

Gringo Visas charges an all-inclusive fee of $1,500 for all Temporary Visas. Adding one dependent costs $1,400. Adding a child under 18 years old costs $600.

Fees include:

  • Degree registration

  • Government filing

  • Translation of Ecuadorian notarizations for all documents

  • Cedula ID government fee and processing

  • Immigration movement records and forms

  • Power of attorney

  • Gringo Visas service fee

All documents must be apostille. You can secure and apostille your documents. Alternatively, Gringo Visas offers apostille for an additional fee.

    • Able to legally work in Ecuador as a professional in your field of expertise, if desired

    • Volunteer for non-profit organizations providing specialized services related to your profession

    • Degree registration never expires and can be used for future Visa applications

    • Apply for an Ecuadorian cedula (Ecuadorian ID)

    • Sign up for government insurance (IESS)

    • Open checking and saving accounts with banks and cooperatives

    • After 65 years old, you qualify for discounts on many services, including tax refunds (IVA)

    • Add dependants (spouse and children)

    • Ship household possessions duty-free to Ecuador

    • Path to Citizenship

    • Allowed to open a business in the country

    • Qualify for a permanent Visa if you have not left Ecuador for more than 90 days in total during the 21 months

  • Below is a list of requirements for the Professional Visa. Gringo Visas will send you a complete list of required documents, instructions and forms:

    • Passport valid for a minimum of twelve months

    • Notarized University Documents

      • Original or replacement diploma

      • Certified transcripts

      • Degree verification letter

      • Field of study verification letter - UNESCO

    • FBI background check

    • State police report

    • No income requirement unless adding dependants

    • For dependants:

      • Monthly income of $475 required for first dependent and $250 for each additional dependant

      • Marriage license required for spouse

      • Birth certificate required for children

    • Start the process ideally one year before relocation

    • Recommended minimum six months before relocation

    • Processing time to receive documents from US apostles: up to twelve weeks

    • Processing time in Ecuadorian immigration office: four to six weeks

Ready to Get Started?
Follow the Instructions in the Free Professional Visa Guide

Professional Visa Guide
Professional Visa Guide
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Free guide with detailed information on securing a Professional Visa

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Quick Facts About Ecuadorian Visas

Temporary Visa

  • No travel restrictions

  • Can be obtained multiple times

  • First step to a Permanent Visa

Permanent Visa

While holding a Temporary Visa:

  • Apply for a Permanent Visa after 21 months

  • Can’t leave the country for more than 90 days during 21 months

Last-Minute Move?

Gringo Visas can help you obtain all required documents from our US and Ecuador offices.

Already in Ecuador?

No need to go back to the US! You can get fingerprints in any city.

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