Republic of Ecuador · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
Temporary Residence - Work (Relacion de Dependencia)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
For people moving to Ecuador with a job offer: this is the employer-tied temporary residence visa for working under an employment contract for an Ecuadorian employer.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the eVISAS process is online; confirm current timelines on the official MREMH page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - a visa application fee and an issuance fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Granted for up to two years and renewable; counts toward permanent residence after the qualifying period of temporary residence. Confirm current validity on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
This is Ecuador's temporary residence visa for foreign nationals coming to work under an employment relationship (relacion de dependencia) with a public or private employer in Ecuador. The role is tied to that employer, and the employment contract is registered with the labour ministry. It is issued by the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (MREMH) and applied for fully online through the eVISAS portal. It is typically granted for up to two years, and after a qualifying period of temporary residence (commonly around 21 months) you can apply for permanent residence.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓An employment relationship with a public or private employer in Ecuador supports the application.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ✓The employment contract is registered with the labour ministry as required.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ✓A valid passport and the employer-issued personnel or contract documents are presented.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ✓Lawful means of life are evidenced in line with the current ministerial requirements.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
Common blockers
- !No Ecuadorian employer is willing to support and document the employment relationship.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- !The employment contract is not registered with the labour ministry.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- !Required documents are not apostilled or legalised where the rules call for it.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Employment or personnel documents issued by the public or private employer.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ·Certificate of contract registration issued by the labour ministry.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ·Valid passport with the validity required at application.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
- ·Proof of lawful means of life as set out in the current ministerial requirements.Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm your job offer and employment relationship qualify and that the contract can be registered with the labour ministry, using the official MREMH page.
Build the evidence pack
Gather the employer personnel documents, the labour-ministry contract registration certificate, your passport and proof of lawful means of life.
Submit through the official channel
Apply online through the eVISAS portal at serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec, paying the fee within the same day as instructed.
After approval
Register your visa and obtain your foreigner ID as required, and renew before expiry while building time toward permanent residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official Temporary Residence - Work (Relacion de Dependencia) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Temporary Residence - Work (Relacion de Dependencia).
Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Ecuador) · verified
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Related routes
Temporary Residence - Professional (Profesional)
For degree-holders and qualified tradespeople: this route grants temporary residence to professionals, technicians, technologists or artisans who can certify their qualification.
Permanent Residence (Residencia Permanente)
For temporary residents ready to settle: after roughly 21 months of temporary residence you can apply for Ecuadorian permanent residence - but be careful about long absences once you hold it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an Ecuadorian employer for this work visa?+
Yes. This route is for working under an employment relationship for a public or private employer in Ecuador, and the employment contract is registered with the labour ministry. Good to know: the role is tied to that employer. Confirm the current requirements on the official MREMH page.
Can I apply for the Ecuador work visa online?+
Yes. Applications are made fully online through the eVISAS portal operated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, with no appointment needed. Confirm the current steps and the same-day payment rule on the official MREMH page.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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