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Permanent Residency by 21-Month Stay

After holding temporary residency for 21+ continuous months, you can apply for permanent residency. Once approved, your residency is indefinite.

Overview

This visa grants permanent residency to foreigners who have held a temporary residence visa in Ecuador for more than 21 continuous months. It is the natural next step after your temporary residency — converting your status to permanent, with no expiration date.

You must apply before your current temporary residency expires.

Requirements

  • Photo — color, JPG, max 1 MB, 5×5 cm (2×2 in), white background, neutral expression, both eyes open.
  • Passport — valid with at least 6 months remaining.
  • Ecuadorian criminal background check — from the Ecuadorian police or relevant authority. Required only for applicants 18+.
  • Proof of 21+ months continuous temporary residence — a constancia issued by the migration authority showing uninterrupted temporary resident status for at least 21 months.
  • Documentation of original temporary visa grant — proof of the event or circumstance that led to your temporary visa being approved.
  • Means of livelihood — proof of sufficient funds. See Means of Livelihood guide.
  • Payment — $50 application fee + $225 issuance fee.

For Minors

  • Birth certificate, apostilled or legalized, and translated to Spanish if applicable.
  • If one parent is absent, a special power of attorney or authorization, apostilled or legalized and translated.

Possible Interview

The Zonal Directorate or Consulate may call you for an interview to verify the information provided or request additional documentation related to your application.

Costs

  • Application fee: $50 USD
  • Visa issuance fee: $225 USD
  • Senior discount (65+): 50% off
  • Disability discount (30%+): 100% off

How to Apply

Apply through the eVISA portal:

  1. Select Visa de Residencia Permanente as the visa type.
  2. Upload all required documents (photo, passport, Ecuador criminal check, constancia of 21-month residence, original visa documentation, means of livelihood).
  3. Pay the $50 application fee before 23:55 Ecuador time the same day.
  4. If approved, pay the $225 issuance fee and receive your permanent residency electronically.

See the eVISA Portal Guide for a full walkthrough with screenshots.

Validity & Outcome

Indefinite. Once granted, permanent residency has no expiration date. You are free to live, work, and travel in Ecuador indefinitely. You no longer need to renew your visa, though you should maintain your cédula (Ecuadorian ID card) up to date.

Official source: gob.ec — Concesión de visa de residencia permanente por tiempo de permanencia mayor a 21 meses