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Ecuador MERCOSUR Visa

2-year temporary residency for nationals of MERCOSUR member states. One of the cleaner temporary residency paths if you hold the right nationality.

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

MERCOSUR Nationality

You must be a national of a MERCOSUR member or associated member state as recognized by Ecuador's immigration authority. Full members include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Background Check

Original criminal record from your country of origin or countries of residence in the last 5 years, apostilled or legalized, translated, and valid for 180 days (18+ only).

Lawful Means of Life

Proof of lawful means of support as required by Acuerdo Ministerial No. 70 of 28 June 2024. Government fees: $50 application + $200 visa grant = $250 total.

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 your new life in Ecuador.

Expert Consultation

We confirm your MERCOSUR eligibility and review your passport, background check, and financial documents before any paperwork starts.

1

Document Procurement

We give you the exact templates and order list: passport, photos, criminal background check, and proof of lawful means of life.

2

Apostille & Legal Translation

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

3

Submission & Finalization

We submit your application through the e-VISAS portal and walk you through receiving your visa and Ecuadorian cédula.

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

Not sure your citizenship qualifies?

You have the nationality and the passport. The next step is to confirm the filing order, service scope, and written quote before paid work begins.

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MERCOSUR Visa FAQ

Full members include Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Associated members include Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, and Suriname. Eligibility rules can change, so confirm your country's status before applying.

The MERCOSUR visa is a temporary residence visa. It allows you to live in Ecuador, but working for an Ecuadorian employer generally requires separate work authorization. Many holders work remotely for foreign employers.

The MERCOSUR visa is a 2-year temporary residency visa. After 21 months of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residency.

Yes, if you are in Ecuador with regular migratory status — either a valid tourist permit or an active visa. You must apply through the e-VISAS portal and pay the same-day fee to avoid deletion.

Dependents can typically be added under the dependent (amparo) visa category linked to your MERCOSUR visa. Each dependent needs their own set of documents.

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 MERCOSUR residence 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 Lawful Livelihood

  • Requirement: MANDATORY
  • Legal Basis: Ministerial Agreement No. 70 (June 28, 2024)
  • File Format: PDF

5. Migratory Status Verification

  • Requirement: CONDITIONAL
  • Applies To: Applicants physically within Ecuador at time of application
  • Document: Proof of valid regular migratory status (active tourist stay, extension/prórroga, or current visa)
  • File Format: PDF

6. Minor Representation Documents

  • Requirement: CONDITIONAL
  • Applies To: Applicants under 18
  • Documents Required:
    • Processing by authorized parent, legal guardian, or appointed representative
    • Valid power of attorney if representative is filing

7. Certified Translations & Notarizations

  • Requirement: CONDITIONAL
  • Documents Typically Requiring Translation:
    • Apostilled Criminal Background Check
    • Foreign civil certificates or identity documentation (if applicable to dependency extensions)
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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