Pathway

Ecuador South American Agreement Residence

Ecuador Residency

Updated October 5, 2026

Pathway overview

At a glance

Ecuador’s MERCOSUR route gives eligible citizens of eight listed South American countries two years of residence with work rights. Permanent residence requires a separate application during the 90 days before the temporary visa expires.

Citizenship: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, or Uruguay
Documents: Accepted identity and criminal-record evidence; permanent residence also requires lawful financial support and updated records
Permanent-residence timing: Apply during the 90 days before the temporary MERCOSUR visa expires

Summary

If you are a citizen of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru, or Uruguay, you can apply for two years of temporary residence in Ecuador through the MERCOSUR agreement.

You can later apply for permanent residence during the 90 days before the temporary visa expires, if you meet the additional requirements.

From temporary to permanent residence

Initial stage Apply for temporary residence Confirm covered nationality and prepare identity and background records.
2 years Keep temporary residence valid Maintain the approved MERCOSUR permission.
Final 90 days before expiration Apply for permanent residence on time Provide updated records and lawful support.

Permanent residence requires a separate application within the filing window.

Eligibility

You need citizenship of a country covered by Ecuador’s MERCOSUR agreement, a valid passport or accepted identity document, criminal-record evidence, and the other documents on the temporary-residence checklist.

For permanent residence, you must still hold a valid temporary MERCOSUR visa, show lawful financial support, provide updated records, and apply during the 90-day window before expiration.

What This Route Allows

Temporary MERCOSUR residence lets you live and work in Ecuador for two years. If you meet the later requirements and apply on time, you can seek permanent MERCOSUR residence.

What This Route Is Not

This is not automatic free movement at the border and is not Ecuadorian citizenship. Nationals outside the implemented agreement need another residence category.