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Ecuador Dependent Visa (Amparo)

Join your spouse, parent, or qualifying family member who already holds Ecuadorian temporary or permanent residency. We coordinate the entire family application so everyone arrives with the right documents.

EcuaPass pricing is quoted individually after we review your case and requested support.

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Golden hour over Cuenca, Ecuador with cathedral domes and river

Key Requirements

Relationship Proof

Apostilled marriage certificate for spouses, apostilled birth certificate for children, or apostilled civil union certificate. Same-sex marriages and registered civil unions are recognized in Ecuador.

Sponsor Status

The principal visa holder must have valid temporary or permanent residency in Ecuador. The sponsor must demonstrate an additional $250/month in income for each dependent included on the application.

Background Check

Apostilled criminal record check for adult dependents (18+), covering the last 5 years. Valid within 180 days on arrival. Minors are exempt from this requirement.

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

Requirements and fees can change, and the exact document list depends on the route. Request a case review and we will send the current checklist, service scope, and written quote before paid work begins.

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Your Journey to Residency

A structured path to reuniting your family in Ecuador.

Expert Consultation

We review the sponsor's visa status and dependent eligibility before any paperwork starts, so you never waste money on an application that won't be accepted.

1

Document Procurement

We give you the exact templates and order list: passports, photos, background checks, relationship certificates, parental consent forms, and proof of additional sponsor income.

2

Apostille & Legal Translation

We coordinate certified Spanish translation and Ecuadorian notarization of your apostilled relationship and identity documents.

3

Submission & Finalization

We submit the dependent application to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The dependent visa validity matches the sponsor's visa duration.

4

The EcuaPass Service Package

More than just a filing service — we provide end-to-end relocation support.

  • Document review & preparation
  • Apostille guidance
  • Certified Spanish translation coordination
  • Cédula (ID card) appointment support
  • Banking & health insurance introduction
  • Direct WhatsApp communication
  • Application tracking & follow-up
Chip Moreno, Founder of EcuaPass, in Cuenca Ecuador

Ready to Reunite Your Family?

You have the relationship documents. You have the sponsor. The only thing Request a case review and we will confirm the filing order, service scope, and written quote before paid work begins.

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Dependent Visa FAQ

Spouses (including same-sex marriages and registered civil unions), minor children under 18, and adult children with certified disabilities who are legally dependent on the sponsor. Parents of the visa holder are generally not eligible under the amparo category and must qualify for their own visa.

Apostilled marriage certificate for spouses, apostilled civil union certificate for registered partners, and apostilled birth certificate for children. If both parents are alive and a child is being sponsored, both parents must provide notarized consent. If one parent has sole custody, a court order serves as proof. All foreign-language documents require certified Spanish translation.

Only if they have a certified disability and are legally dependent on the sponsor. Adult children without a certified disability are not eligible under the amparo category and would need to qualify for their own visa.

The dependent visa grants residency but not automatic work authorization. Dependent visa holders who want to work must apply for a separate work permit or transition to a different visa category. Children can enroll in schools with their cédula.

The dependent's residency is tied to the sponsor's valid visa. If the sponsor's residency lapses or is revoked, the dependent visa status is also affected. Renewal of the dependent visa requires the sponsor's residency to remain valid.

Official application reference

Documents you may need

Use this document list to plan your application. The exact requirements can vary by case and may change; the official government procedure controls.

Official Ecuador government source

Official temporary-residence amparo procedure ↗

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

2. Valid Passport

  • Requirement: MANDATORY
  • File Format: PDF
  • Validity Rule: ≥ 6 months remaining

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

4. Proof of Filiation or Marital Link

  • Requirement: MANDATORY
  • File Format: PDF
  • Authentication: Apostilled or legalized in country of issuance
  • Translation: Spanish

For Spouses / Partners:

  • Document Required: Official marriage certificate OR legal registration of de facto union (unión de hecho)

For Children:

  • Document Required: Birth certificate showing the names of the parents

5. Sponsor's Income Verification (Income Surcharge)

  • Requirement: MANDATORY
  • Legal Basis: Ministerial Agreement No. 0000070
  • Income Threshold:
    • Sponsor must already meet their own visa's income requirement
    • PLUS additional USD $250/month per adult child dependent

6. Special Requirements for Minors

  • Requirement: CONDITIONAL (for applicants under 18)
  • Parental Absence: If one parent is absent, legally binding apostilled Special Power of Attorney or parental authorization must be uploaded
  • Birth Certificate: Minor's apostilled birth certificate required (see document 4 above)
  • Guardian Documentation: If legal guardian (not parent) is applying, full guardianship documentation required

7. Certified Translations & Notarizations

  • Requirement: CONDITIONAL
  • Documents Typically Requiring Translation:
    • Apostilled FBI Background Check
    • Apostilled State Background Check
    • Apostilled Marriage Certificate or Proof of De Facto Union
    • Apostilled Birth Certificates (for children)
How this page is sourced and reviewed

Owner: EcuaPass editorial team. Last reviewed July 31, 2026; review due October 1, 2026.

Reviewer: Immigration professional review required for changed claims.

Educational planning information only. It does not determine eligibility, replace individualized legal advice, or guarantee an approval, timeline, fee, or outcome.

Review status: source-controlled review record.

Primary sources

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