Work Permit in Ecuador

Why is Work Permit Needed?

Located on South America's west coast, Ecuador boasts of its diverse landscape and a

booming economy. With an increasing number of multinational corporations, Ecuador is opening

more opportunities to expats looking for job opportunities.

To employ foreign nationals in a company based in Ecuador, the employer must first ensure that

the expats have obtained an Ecuador work visa. Without legal documentation and a work

permit, foreign nationals cannot work in the country.

An expat should choose the visa type that best fulfills his stay and work type requirements. As

Chemicals, Agriculture

Types of Ecuador Work Visas Available

There are a variety of work permits available to foreign nationals who wish to travel to Ecuador

for employment purposes. Typically, Ecuadorian visas are broadly divided into two categories -

resident and non-resident visas. However, there are other types of visas under these categories.

An expat must choose the right type of visa depending on their work type and intended duration

of stay. Foreign workers availing non-resident visas have to obtain a Work Visa, also known as

the 12-VI visa. Expats traveling to the country for business or other professional purposes

require this Ecuador work visa.

There are two types of resident visas available in Ecuador:

Requirements for an Ecuador Work Permit

The Ecuador work visa requirements vary depending on the type of visa. However, the basic

requirements for all kinds of visas are listed as follows:

● A passport (with validity for a minimum of six months)

● Two recent colored passport photos

● A copy of the foreign employee’s CV

● A medical certificate

● A duly filled visa application form

● Proof of payment of the visa application fee

● A police background check to prove that the applicant has no criminal record in their

of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility

● RUC certificate of the sponsor

● A certificate stating that the company does not retain any debts to the Ecuadorian

Institute for Social Security (IESS)

● A contract of employment and the document which holds the employee's enrollment to

IESS (Ecuadorian Institute for Social Security), provided the applicant has an

employment contract in the private sector

● Appointment of the President or General Manager registered in the Commercial Register

● Labor Authorization for working in the public sector

● Professional services contract duly registered in a Civil Court.

● Legal birth or marriage certificate

● Copy of the visa issued to the employee

Ecuador Work Permit Application Process

The steps to apply for an Ecuador work permit are as follows:

● Firstly, the foreign nationals interested in finding employment in Ecuador need to contact

the Ecuadorian embassy in their country of residence.

● They should confirm the list of necessary documents with the embassy and submit them

in due time.

residence while waiting for the decision of the Ecuadorian officials. Only after approval

for their permit can they travel to Ecuador to start working.

Timeframe for Work Permit Application

(Data from International living)

The timeframe to complete the entire process from application to approval for an Ecuador work

visa is four to eight weeks.

Ecuador Work Permit Fees

The work permits for an Ecuador work visa are varied, and the application process for the same

solution to this entire process. Moreover, we will take care of the applications and permits from

the beginning and keep you updated on all relevant updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

● Do foreign employees need a visa to work in Ecuador?

Yes, foreign workers intending to travel to Ecuador for business or other professional purposes

have to avail of a non-resident visa, more commonly known as a Work Visa or (12 VI).

● How much is the Ecuador visa fee?

The visa fee for an Ecuador work permit is USD 400 for the applicant. Additionally, there is a

USD 50 fee payable for the application form.

● Can a foreign employee get a permanent residency visa in Ecuador?