Work permits and visas in Ecuador: An employer’s guide

Hiring in Ecuador? Whether you’re bringing on a new team member or relocating someone from your existing workforce, you’ll need to follow the country’s immigration and work permit rules.

Understanding which type of work permit applies is key, since foreign nationals needs the right documentation before they can legally work in Ecuador. Add in local labor laws around immigration, tax, and employment, and things can get complicated quickly.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of work permits in Ecuador, from the different options available to practical tips. So let’s jump straight in.

Why is it important to obtain the right work permit in Ecuador?

If you’re hiring or relocating a foreign national in Ecuador, it’s important to stay compliant with the country’s immigration and work permit rules. Failing to do so can expose your business to financial penalties, legal risks, and even reputational damage.

To avoid complications, it's crucial to make sure that every team member has the right legal status to live and work in the country before they start, and that you seek professional advice where necessary.

See also: The complete employer’s guide to hiring in Ecuador

Who need a work permit in Ecuador?

All foreign nationals (i.e., anyone who is not a Ecuadorian citizen or permanent resident) must obtain a valid visa and work permit to live and work in Ecuador.

What about MERCOSUR and UNASUR nationals?

Citizens of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela do not require a work authorization to take up employment but must still apply for the appropriate MERCOSUR or UNASUR visa.

Remote’s Relocation service can help advise on whether your employee is eligible to work in Ecuador, and provide tailored guidance on visa and immigration requirements. Learn more.

What are the eligibility requirements for a work visa in Ecuador?

If the employee plans to stay in Ecuador for an extended period, they'll need a resident visa. There are two types of resident visas available:

• Professional visa (9-V visa). The professional visa is for degree holders who are working in their professional field.
• Technician visa (10-V visa). The technician visa is for technical experts who have signed a contract with an Ecuadorian employer.

If your employee is not planning to stay in Ecuador indefinitely, they can apply for a temporary resident visa, which allows them to stay up to two years in Ecuador. After 21 months, they can then apply for permanent residence through the permanent residency visa.

What documents are required for the application process?

During the application process for an Ecuadorian work permit, your employee will need to provide the following documents, depending on the type of visa needed: 

• A valid passport
• A completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photos
• A copy of the employee's CV
• A medical certificate
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of payment of the visa application fee
• A police clearance certificate showing no criminal record

As the employer, you will also need to provide:

• A written request for employment addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility (and signed by your legal representative)
• An RUC certificate
• Proof that your company does not owe any debts to the Ecuadorian Institute for Social Security
• A signed employment contract
• A registration certificate issued by the adequate ministry
• Labor authorization (if requested)
• A contract registered in civil court for professional services
• An apostille on certain documents before they can be submitted or legalized by the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate
  
  

How do you get a work visa for Ecuador?

If you want to sponsor an employee for a work visa, you'll first need to provide the documentation listed above.

Your employee must then take the following steps: 

• Contact the Ecuadorian embassy in their home country to confirm the necessary documentation. 
• Submit the required documents to the embassy. 
• Wait until their application is approved before traveling to Ecuador. 

It generally takes one to two months for a work visa application to be approved, although Remote's relocation services  can help speed up the process by providing: 

• Guidance on choosing the best visa option 
• Visa sponsorship
• Advice on complying with local immigration and tax regulations 
• Relocation and setting-in assistance 
• Insurance
• Cross-cultural training to help employees adjust to life in Ecuador
  
  

Does Ecuador offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes. Ecuador offers a digital nomad visa (known as the Rentista visa) for people who want to live and work in Ecuador, valid for up to two years. Note that it is only available to remote workers of foreign companies, or freelancers with non-Ecuadorian clients.

This relatively new visa takes two to three months to approve, so your employee should ensure they have enough time to get approved before they travel to Ecuador. 

What are the requirements for a Rentista visa?

The visa requirements include the following documentation: 

• A completed and notarized application form
• A passport that's valid for at least six more months
• Two passport photos
• Health insurance that provides coverage in Ecuador
• A medical certificate
• A clean criminal background check from your employee's local police department
• A work contract that includes your employee's position (and permission to work abroad)
• Proof of income that's at least three times the basic salary in Ecuador
• A rental agreement that's been apostilled in your employee's country and translated into Spanish

To apply for the Rentista visa, your employee needs to: 

• Gather all the relevant documents, translate them into Spanish, and have them notarized. 
• Make an appointment at their local Ecuadorian embassy. 
• Submit the application and other required documents during their appointment at the embassy. 
• Pay the nonrefundable $50 visa application fee.
• Wait for approval.
• Once approved, pay the $400 visa fee. 
  
  

How can Remote help?

To hire or relocate employees to Ecuador, you’ll need to have your own local entity there. This is a process that can be complex, lengthy, and expensive.

You also need to comply with relevant immigration and labor laws to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and all other HR requirements.

This is where Remote’s employer of record (EOR) service can be invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Ecuador on your company’s behalf, and handle onboarding, payroll, and benefits. We help ensure that you are fully compliant with all local employment and payroll tax laws, and can onboard your employee in a matter of days, too, saving you time, money, and resources.

Alternatively, if you already have an entity in Ecuador, we can assist in international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the visa process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.