Dependent Visas in Ecuador: Securing Residency for Your Family in Cuenca

The Visa de Residencia Temporal de Amparo is the official designation for dependent visas in Ecuador. This visa is for individuals who are financially dependent on a primary resident (temporary or permanent visa holder) or an Ecuadorian citizen.

This visa category covers:

Spouses or Common-Law Partners: Legally married partners or those in a registered unión de hecho.
Children: Unmarried children under 21 years of age, or children of any age with disabilities who are dependent on the primary visa holder.
Parents: Dependent parents of the primary visa holder.

This guide focuses on the most common scenarios: spouses and minor children.

Core Requirements: The Foundation of Your Application

The Ecuadorian government, through the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana (Cancillería), requires proof of two key elements: the legitimacy of your relationship and the primary visa holder's ability to financially support the dependent.

Key Documents You Will Need

Passport-Sized Photographs (Foto tamaño pasaporte): Two recent photos on a white background. Do not smile.
Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of application. Bring both the original and a color copy of the main page.
Criminal Record Check:
- For U.S. citizens: An apostilled FBI background check from the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. State-level checks are insufficient. This document is typically valid for 180 days from its issuance date.
- For other nationalities: A national-level police certificate is required.
Birth Certificate (for Children): The original, apostilled or legalized document.
Marriage Certificate (for Spouses): The original, apostilled or legalized document.
- Critical Prerequisite: If married outside Ecuador, your foreign marriage certificate must be officially registered (inscrito) at the Registro Civil in Ecuador before applying for the dependent visa. This process, called an inscripción de matrimonio extranjero, can take several weeks.
Proof of Financial Solvency (Medios de Vida Lícitos): The primary visa holder must demonstrate the ability to support the dependent.
- For Residents (e.g., Retiree Visa Holders): Your cédula and proof of ongoing income (e.g., Social Security statement, pension letter).
- Official Bank Certificate: Request an official, stamped, and signed certificado bancario from your Ecuadorian bank showing account balance and activity over the last 3-6 months. Simple printouts are often rejected.
Visa Application Form (Formulario de Solicitud de Visa): Available online, complete with extreme care to ensure all details match your passport.
Government Fees:
- Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable).
- Visa Fee: $400 per dependent (upon approval).
- Both fees must be paid via deposit at a designated bank (e.g., Banco del Pacífico), and you must present the original deposit slip (comprobante de depósito).

Note on Translations: All foreign-language documents (certificates, criminal records) must be translated into Spanish after the apostille is attached. Translations must be done by a certified, court-appointed translator in Ecuador.

The Step-by-Step Process in Cuenca

The application is submitted at the Coordinación Zonal 6 office of the Cancillería, located in the Edificio Acrópolis on Av. José Peralta y Av. 12 de Abril.

Step 1: Document Authentication and Registration Gather, apostille, and translate all required documents. If applicable, complete the inscripción de matrimonio at the Registro Civil first.

Step 2: Secure an Appointment (Turno) Appointments are booked online through the government's system. Plan ahead as availability can be limited.

Step 3: Submit Your Application Package On your appointment day, present your organized folder of documents. An official will review them on the spot. Any missing or incorrect documents will require a new appointment.

Step 4: Await the Decision Processing times in Cuenca are typically 2-4 weeks but can vary. You will be notified via email.

Step 5: Visa Issuance Upon approval and payment of the $400 fee, you will receive an electronic visa.

Step 6: The Cédula – The Final, Crucial Step Your visa is not the end; you must obtain your Ecuadorian ID card (cédula).

Mandatory Order: You cannot directly apply for a cédula. First, you must obtain an Orden de Cedulación (Order for an ID Card) from the same Ministry office that approved your visa. Formally request this order after visa approval.
Registro Civil Appointment: Once you have the Orden de Cedulación, schedule an appointment at the Registro Civil, pay the fee (currently $5 for the first time), and have your photo and fingerprints taken. You will receive your new cédula.

⚠️ Facilitator's Warning: Common, Costly Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect Apostille: Using a state-level apostille on an FBI background check for U.S. citizens will result in instant rejection. It must be the federal Department of State apostille.
Ignoring Marriage Registration: Applying for a spouse visa with an unregistered foreign marriage certificate is a non-starter. The inscripción process is mandatory.
Insufficient Financial Proof: The primary visa holder must demonstrate clear, stable income. For retiree visas, proof of recurring monthly pension deposits is preferred over just a large bank balance. For investor or professional visas, recent SRI tax declarations and official bank certificates are necessary.
Non-Certified Translations: Translations must be done by a certified, court-recognized translator. Translations from non-certified sources or by friends will be rejected.

Your Path to a United Family in Ecuador

Navigating Ecuadorian bureaucracy requires meticulous preparation and an understanding of specific procedural nuances. By following these steps and anticipating potential pitfalls, you can efficiently secure residency for your family and enjoy life in Cuenca.

Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your family's specific situation and create a clear strategy for success.