Permanent residence by marriage or de facto union with an Ecuadorian or permanent resident
and 'amparo' for dependants of temporary residents · Official name: Concesión de visa de residencia permanente por matrimonio o unión de hecho con ecuatoriano o extranjero titular de una visa indefinida o permanente
Foreigners married to, or in a recognised de facto union with, an Ecuadorian or a foreigner with permanent residence can apply for permanent residence online. Relatives up to the second degree of an Ecuadorian or permanent resident have a separate permanent residence procedure. Spouses, partners and children of temporary residents can get an 'amparo' temporary residence that lasts as long as the main holder's visa.
1 entry rule for Ecuador based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in Brazil, DR Congo, Uganda
Travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from Brazil, DR Congo or Uganda (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit there) need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Ecuador
Finance
3
Currency
US Dollar
USD
US Dollar
Cost of living
44
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
5–37%
Income tax (national)
VAT (IVA) 15% · social security 9.45%
2026 table: taxable income up to USD 12,208 exempt; 37% above USD 109,956.
Living
1
Happiness
#57 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Spouses and de facto partners of Ecuadorians or permanent residents; dependants of temporary residents (amparo).
Eligibility
Marriage or recognised de facto unionSpouse / partner
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow a marriage or recognised de facto union with an Ecuadorian or a foreigner holding an indefinite or permanent visa.
- Proof: marriage certificate from the Civil Registry or equivalent
Official wording
With an Ecuadorian or a foreigner holding an indefinite or permanent visa, with a marriage certificate from the Civil Registry or equivalent.
Interview
Sign in to check this route against your profileAttend an interview at the Zonal Directorate or consulate.
Amparo for temporary residents' familiesDependants of temporary residents
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow you are the child, spouse or recognised partner of a temporary resident, with lawful means of support.
- Prove the relationship with apostilled or legalised documents
- A sworn statement is allowed where documents are demonstrably impossible to get
- Means of support fall under Acuerdo Ministerial 70/2024
Official wording
Children, spouse or recognised partner of a temporary resident, proving the relationship with apostilled or legalised documents (or a sworn statement where this is demonstrably impossible) and lawful means of support under Acuerdo Ministerial 70/2024.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Document checklist
- Fees
- Steps to apply
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 4 documents
- 3 fees
- 2 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Want a licensed advisor to check your case?
Connect with a licensed legal advisor for Ecuador. They set their own price and you pay them directly.
Before you pay anyone, check their licencePlaces to visit in Ecuador
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
Finding places for you…
