Who counts as a second-degree relative?

Second-degree relatives include parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren. It also includes second-degree affinity relationships such as in-laws in some interpretations. The key is that you must prove the relationship to an Ecuadorian citizen or a foreigner with permanent residency in Ecuador.

What documents prove the relationship?

Birth certificates, marriage certificates, or other official documents that establish the family link. These documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish if issued abroad.

Do I need a criminal background check?

Yes, if you are 18 or older. You need an original criminal background check from your country of origin or any country where you have lived during the last five years. It must be apostilled or legalized, translated, and valid for 180 days from issuance.

Yes, minors can apply through a parent or legal representative. If one parent is absent, a special power of attorney or authorization is required, plus the minor's apostilled birth certificate.

How long does the visa last?

The Consanguinity Visa grants permanent residency, so it is valid indefinitely.

Can I work in Ecuador with this visa?

Permanent residency itself does not automatically grant authorization to work as an employee in Ecuador. For employment with an Ecuadorian company, additional work authorization may be required.

Consanguinity Visa — Document Requirements for AI Validation

Visa Metadata

Field	Value
Name	Consanguinity Visa (Permanent Residence by Family Relationship)
Type	Permanent Residence
Who Qualifies	Foreign nationals related within the second degree of consanguinity (blood) or affinity (marriage) to an Ecuadorian citizen or foreign citizen with permanent residency in Ecuador
Covered Relationships	Parents, children, spouses, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws
EcuaPass Service Quote	Case-specific; issued after review
Government Application Fee	USD $50
Government Issuance Fee	USD $175
Total Government Cost	USD $225
Fee Discounts	50% discount for seniors 65+; 100% exemption for disability ≥30%
Income Requirement	1 SBU = USD $482/month for 3 consecutive months
Dependent Surcharge	Additional ~USD $241/month per dependent

AI Document Validation Checklist

1. Passport Photograph

Requirement: MANDATORY
Applies To: All applicants
File Format: JPG
Max File Size: 1 MB
Dimensions: 5 x 5 cm / 2 x 2 inches
Background: White
Expression: Neutral (preferred) or natural smile; both eyes open
AI Validation Criteria:
- File extension is .jpg or .jpeg
- File size ≤ 1 MB

2. Valid Passport

Requirement: MANDATORY
File Format: PDF
Validity Rule: ≥ 6 months remaining
AI Validation Criteria:
- File is PDF
- Bio page legible
- Expiration date ≥ 6 months from today

3. Criminal Record Certificate(s)

Requirement: MANDATORY for applicants 18+
Sources Required: Country of origin AND any country of legal residence in past 5 years
File Format: PDF
Authentication: Apostilled or legalized
Translation: Spanish
Validity: 180 days from issuance
US Citizens: BOTH FBI and State background checks required
AI Validation Criteria:
- Present for applicants 18+
- For US citizens: both FBI and State checks present
- Apostille visible
- Spanish translation present
- Issuance date within 180 days

4. Proof of Lawful Means of Subsistence

Requirement: MANDATORY
Legal Basis: Ministerial Agreement No. 0000070 (June 28, 2024)
Income Threshold: 1 SBU = USD $482/month for 3 consecutive months
Review Period: The 3 months should be consecutive and immediately tied to the visa filing period
Acceptable Documents (at least one):
- Option A: Three months of U.S. bank statements, notarized and apostilled
- Option B: Three months of Ecuadorian bank statements (no apostille needed)
- Option C: Apostilled Social Security benefits or awards letter
- Option D: Employment contract + 3 months pay stubs
- Option E: Client contracts + 3 months bank deposits (self-employment)
- Option F: Brokerage statements + 3 months deposits (investment income)
- Option G: Lease agreements + 3 months deposits (rental income)
Dependent Surcharge: Add ~USD $241/month per dependent
File Format: PDF
AI Validation Criteria:
- Income proof document present
- If bank statements: 3 consecutive months present
- Monthly income ≥ $482 visible
- If dependents included: combined income ≥ $482 + ($241 × number of dependents)
- If US statements: apostille visible
- Account holder name matches applicant

5. Family Relationship Documentation

Requirement: MANDATORY
File Format: PDF
Authentication: Apostilled or legalized
Translation: Spanish if not originally in Spanish

For Spouses:

Document: Apostilled marriage certificate
AI Validation Criteria:
- Marriage certificate present
- Both spouses' names visible
- Apostille visible
- Spanish translation present if needed

For Children:

Document: Apostilled birth certificate proving parent-child relationship
AI Validation Criteria:
- Birth certificate present
- Parents' names visible
- Child's name matches applicant
- Apostille visible
- Spanish translation present if needed

For Parents, Grandparents, Grandchildren, Siblings, In-laws:

Document: Birth certificates, family books, or civil registry records proving second-degree relationship
AI Validation Criteria:
- Relationship document present
- Document clearly establishes second-degree relationship
- Apostille visible
- Spanish translation present if needed

6. Special Requirements for Minors

Requirement: CONDITIONAL
Applies To: Applicants under 18

Parental Absence:

Document: Apostilled special power of attorney or notarized authorization if one parent is absent
AI Validation Criteria:
- If one parent absent: authorization document present
- Document is apostilled
- Spanish translation present if needed

Birth Certificate:

Document: Minor's apostilled birth certificate
AI Validation Criteria:
- Birth certificate present
- Apostille visible

Guardian Documentation:

Document: Full guardianship documentation if legal guardian (not parent) is applying
AI Validation Criteria:
- If guardian applying: guardianship documentation present

7. Certified Translations & Notarizations

Requirement: CONDITIONAL
Documents Typically Requiring Translation:
- Apostilled FBI Background Check
- Apostilled State Background Check
- Apostilled Bank Statements
- Apostilled Marriage Certificate
- Apostilled Birth Certificate
- Apostilled Court Records / Court Dismissals
- Apostilled Pension / Social Security Awards Letter(s)
- For absent parents: Apostilled special power of attorney or authorization
AI Validation Criteria:
- Spanish translation present for each non-Spanish document

Submission Readiness Rules for AI

A client folder is READY FOR SUBMISSION when:

All MANDATORY documents are present and pass AI Validation Criteria
Relationship document clearly proves second-degree consanguinity or affinity
Relative's Ecuadorian citizenship or permanent residency is documented (separate from applicant's folder; cross-reference if available)
Income proves ≥ $482/month for 3 consecutive months
If dependents included: income surcharge is covered
Passport has ≥ 6 months validity
Criminal records are within 180-day window
All files are complete, properly labeled PDFs (except photograph which must be JPG)

Flag for Human Review if:

Relationship is third-degree (aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins) — these do NOT qualify
Relative's citizenship/permanent residency status is not verified
Marriage certificate or birth certificate does not clearly show the relationship link

Ecuador Consanguinity Visa

Key Requirements

Family Relationship

Background Check

Proof of Relationship

If your route is time-sensitive, an earlier document review may reduce avoidable delays.

Your Journey to Residency

Expert Consultation

Document Procurement

Apostille & Legal Translation

Submission & Finalization

The EcuaPass Service Package

Ready to Reunite With Your Family?

Consanguinity Visa FAQ

Source-file information for this route

Source-file metadata