Ecuador 21-Month Permanent Residence

Summary

After 21 continuous months of qualifying temporary residence in Ecuador, you can apply for permanent residence. You must apply before your temporary visa expires and meet the separate limit on time spent abroad.

For this application, you generally cannot have spent more than 90 days abroad in total during the temporary visa’s validity.

Eligibility

You generally need:

• At least 21 continuous months of qualifying temporary residence.
• No more than 90 days abroad in total during the temporary visa’s validity, for this permanent-residence application.
• A valid temporary visa and evidence that you still meet the conditions on which it was granted.
• A passport, criminal-record checks, proof of lawful financial support, and the other documents on the current checklist.

1. 1
   At least 21 continuous months Complete qualifying temporary residence Maintain the underlying visa conditions and check total absences.
2. 2
   Before filing Check your travel history Confirm no more than 90 days abroad during the temporary visa's validity.
3. 3
   Before temporary visa expiration Apply for permanent residence Submit the current supporting documents through e-VISAS.

A change in the underlying residence basis may affect continuity.

What This Route Allows

Permanent residence lets you live and work in Ecuador indefinitely, subject to the rules for keeping that status. During the first two years, you generally cannot spend more than 180 days abroad in each year. Later, an absence of two continuous years or more can lead to cancellation.

What This Route Is Not

Visitor time does not count toward the 21 months. Temporary residence itself generally has no absence limit, but qualifying for this permanent-residence route has a separate 90-day limit. Permanent residence is not automatic and does not grant citizenship.

Next Steps

1. Obtain your official entry-and-exit record and check your residence dates and absences.
2. Confirm that your temporary-residence basis remains valid. A change in the job, activity, or sponsor supporting your visa may require a new visa to preserve continuous residence.
3. Prepare the current permanent-residence documents.
4. Apply through e-VISAS before the temporary visa expires.

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Sources

• Permanent residence after 21 months — official application requirements and online process.
• Human Mobility Law, Articles 63 and 65 — qualifying residence and permanent-resident absence rules.
• Human Mobility Regulation, Articles 83–84 — the 90-day total absence limit, current residence basis, and filing deadline.
• 2025 reform to the Human Mobility Law — updated cancellation and general immigration provisions.