Ecuador's Visa de Residencia Temporal de Profesional, Técnico, Tecnólogo o Artesano is a qualification-based residence permit that allows foreign nationals to reside in Ecuador and independently exercise their profession, technical specialty, technological expertise, or artisanal craft. Established under Article 60 of the Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana, it explicitly authorizes independent professional practice without requiring employer sponsorship. All applications are now processed through the MREMH eVISAS electronic platform.
Ecuador reformed its immigration law in October 2025 (Ley Orgánica Reformatoria a la Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana, Registro Oficial No. 151 of 24 October 2025). The reform now legally requires a criminal-background certificate and migrant registration to obtain or renew any residence visa, and it strengthened deportation and re-entry-ban rules. It did not change this visa's fees (USD 320), income threshold (USD 482/month), or 2-year duration.
The visa is valid for 2 years and can be renewed once for an additional 2-year period, for a maximum of 4 years on temporary residence. Renewal requires updated documentation including a certificate of health insurance valid for the renewal period. Following the October 2025 reform, an updated criminal-background certificate and migrant registration are also expressly required to renew the visa.
Spouse, legally recognized common-law partner, and children may apply for the Visa de Amparo (family support visa). Each dependant submits a separate application with family relationship documents (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or common-law union declaration), apostilled or legalized. Dependant visa fee is USD 250 per person (USD 50 application + USD 200 issuance). The sponsor must demonstrate additional monthly income of USD 250 per adult dependant.
The visa permits the free exercise of the holder's profession or technical/artisanal activity. Holders may work independently (self-employed, freelance, consulting) and may also work for Ecuadorian employers. The visa is not tied to any specific employer.
Foreign academic credentials must be registered with SENESCYT within 3 months of visa issuance. The process involves an online application followed by an in-person appointment to verify original documents. Processing takes approximately 30 business days and costs USD 25. A certified Spanish translation is required even when the source document is in English or Portuguese. After registration, a copy of the registered title must be delivered to the mobility authority within 2 days. Healthcare-related degrees and doctoral programs follow separate, more complex procedures. Certain regulated professions (such as medicine, law, and architecture) may require additional local licensing beyond SENESCYT registration.
Individuals residing in Ecuador for more than 183 days in a fiscal year become tax residents, subject to progressive income tax rates from 0% to 37% on worldwide income. A temporary tax residency regime allows qualifying new arrivals to pay income tax only on Ecuadorian-source income during a 5-year term. Holders providing professional services independently must register with the Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) and maintain proper invoicing.
Applications can also be submitted in person at Zonal Directorates in Ecuador or at Ecuadorian consulates abroad. A 50% fee discount applies for applicants aged 65 and over, and full exemption for persons with 30%+ disability.
After 21 months of continuous temporary residence (with absences not exceeding 90 days per calendar year), holders may apply for permanent residency (USD 275 total: USD 50 application + USD 225 issuance, indefinite duration). After 3 years as a permanent resident (approximately 5 years total), holders may apply for Ecuadorian citizenship by naturalization. Ecuador permits dual citizenship. Note that the October 2025 reform toughened deportation and re-entry-ban provisions (including expedited deportation in serious-risk cases and re-entry bans of up to 40 years for national-security threats), making it more important to maintain regular migratory status throughout the residency path.