Ecuadorian nationality by naturalisation letter
carta de naturalización · Official name: Obtención de la nacionalidad ecuatoriana por carta de naturalización
Permanent residents who have lived in Ecuador regularly for at least three years, and recognised refugees and stateless people after two years, can apply for a naturalisation letter. Applicants must be over 18, speak and write Spanish, pass a test on Ecuador's history, geography and culture, have lawful means of support and attend an interview.
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
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Whether this country allows dual citizenship, and what it means for your own passports
Who it’s for
Permanent residents with at least 3 years of regular residence; refugees and stateless people with 2 years in Ecuador (exceptional route).
Eligibility
3 years with permanent residence
Sign in to check this route against your profileRegular and continuous residence with a permanent residence visa for at least three years when the application is filed. Refugees and stateless people: two years in Ecuador.
Absences
Sign in to check this route against your profileStay within the yearly absence limit during the first three years after your permanent visa is issued.
180 days
Absence limit · maximum absence
- Exceeding the limit interrupts residence
- Gaps when changing migration category also interrupt residence
Official wording
During the first three years after the permanent visa is issued, absences may not exceed 180 days per year; exceeding this interrupts residence. Gaps when changing migration category also interrupt it.
Spanish and knowledge test
Sign in to check this route against your profileShow you speak and write Spanish and know Ecuador's history, geography, culture and current affairs.
- Exempt: Spanish-language university or postgraduate degree completed in Ecuador
- Minors and some people with disabilities are exempt
- Older adults skip the knowledge test
- Older adults are still assessed in Spanish
Official wording
Speak and write Spanish and know Ecuador's history, geography, culture and current affairs. Exempt: people who completed a university degree or postgraduate in Spanish in Ecuador, minors and some people with disabilities. Older adults skip the knowledge test but are assessed in Spanish.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
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- 1 more requirement
- 2 documents
- 2 fees
- 4 steps
- Processing times and conditions
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