Ecuador Marriage Visa 2026

You'll need a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining, your birth certificate apostilled in your country of origin and translated into Spanish, and an apostilled criminal background check valid within 180 days of your last entry into Ecuador.

Your marriage certificate is the central document — either an Ecuadorian certificate from the Registro Civil, or a foreign certificate that has been apostilled and translated. You'll also need passport-style photos (5×5cm, white background) and a health certificate, which can be obtained in Ecuador.

Finally, proof of income: bank statements, employment letters, pension statements, or other documentation showing at least $482 per month. Whether the Ecuadorian spouse's income can supplement or replace this requirement may vary — we clarify this during your consultation.

Your Ecuadorian spouse needs their cédula de identidad (national ID card), birth certificate from the Civil Registry, certificado de votación (voting certificate), and proof of address in Ecuador. Both spouses must be present for the visa application — this is not a process you can complete on your own.

The Marriage Visa shares the lowest income threshold in Ecuador's visa system: $482 per month (1× SBU for 2026). This is the same threshold as the Professional Visa, and one-third of what the Rentista, Retirement, or Digital Nomad visas require.

Income can come from employment (any country), retirement or pension, investment returns, rental income, or any combination of lawful sources. You'll demonstrate this with bank statements, employment letters, or pension documentation covering 3–6 months.

Relationship Verification

Ecuador immigration may verify the authenticity of your marriage during the application process. Be prepared to demonstrate your relationship history — photos together, correspondence, travel records, and evidence of shared life are helpful. Joint bank accounts or a shared address are not formally required but strengthen your application.

Absence Limits

Temporary visa holders in Ecuador are subject to absence limits that, if exceeded, can jeopardize your visa status. The general rules for temporary residency are: no more than 90 consecutive days absent, and no more than 18 months total absence during the 2-year visa period. These limits are cumulative over the visa period. If you plan to travel frequently, discuss this with your consultant to ensure compliance.

If the Marriage Ends

Divorce does not automatically revoke your visa — but it does change your status. You would need to convert to another visa category (Professional, Rentista, Investor, etc.) and meet that visa's requirements. The specifics of any transition period depend on your circumstances and timing. If this is a concern, discuss it during your consultation so you understand your options before committing.

Tax Implications

Marriage to an Ecuadorian citizen may affect your tax situation in both countries. Ecuador's tax treatment of foreign-source income is a gray area — neither definitively “not taxed” nor clearly “worldwide taxation.” For US citizens, your worldwide tax obligations continue regardless of residency.

Consult an expat tax professional familiar with binational couples. FileAbroad.com launches March 2026 for straightforward expat tax returns.