Can I Renew My Ecuador Visa?

Short Answer: Yes, Indefinitely

Your Ecuador temporary residency visa (Pensioner, Professional, Investor, Rentista) is valid for 2 years and can be renewed indefinitely.

But: After 21 months, you can apply for permanent residency (better option for most people).

Temporary Visa Renewal

When to Renew

Apply for renewal: 60-90 days before your 2-year visa expires.

Don't wait until last minute - process takes 4-6 weeks.

Renewal Requirements

For all visa types, you must still:

✅ Maintain qualifying income ($1,458/month minimum) ✅ Have clean criminal record (no new crimes) ✅ Be enrolled in IESS (Ecuador social security) ✅ Have valid cédula (national ID)

Required Documents for Renewal

Much simpler than initial application:

Valid passport (6+ months)
Current cédula
Proof of income (bank statements, pension letter)
IESS payment history (showing you've been paying)
Proof of Ecuador address
Application form

No need for:

❌ New background check
❌ New apostilles
❌ Birth certificate again
❌ Health certificate

Much easier than initial application!

Renewal Process

Step 1: Gather updated documents (30 days before applying)

Step 2: Schedule appointment at immigration office (60 days before expiry)

Step 3: Attend appointment

Submit documents
Pay renewal fee (~$400)
Update biometrics if needed

Step 4: Wait for processing (4-6 weeks)

Step 5: Pick up renewed visa

Your visa is extended for another 2 years.

Renewal Costs

Government renewal fee: ~$400
Professional help (optional): $500-800
Total: $400-1,200

Much cheaper than initial application ($2,500-3,000 total).

Permanent Residency (Better Option)

Why Permanent Residency is Better

After 21 months on temporary visa, you can apply for permanent residency.

Advantages:

✅ No more renewals - permanent means permanent ✅ No income requirement - no need to prove ongoing income ✅ More flexibility - can leave Ecuador for extended periods ✅ Voting rights - can vote in Ecuador elections (optional) ✅ Path to citizenship - after 3 more years on permanent residency ✅ One-time process - never renew again

Disadvantages:

... there really aren't any. Permanent is better.

When to Apply for Permanent Residency

Eligible after: 21 months on temporary residency

Most expats: Apply at 21-22 months instead of renewing at 24 months.

Why wait 21 instead of renewing at 24?

Permanent residency is better
One-time process
No future renewals needed

Permanent Residency Requirements

After 21 months of temporary residency:

✅ Have maintained legal residency continuously ✅ Have valid cédula ✅ No serious criminal violations in Ecuador ✅ Have been enrolled in IESS

That's it. Much simpler than you'd think.

Permanent Residency Process

Similar to renewal but one-time:

Gather documents (simpler than initial application)
Submit application at immigration
Pay fee (~$400)
Processing (6-8 weeks)
Receive permanent residency

After this, you're done. No more renewals ever.

Permanent Residency Costs

Government fee: ~$400-450
Professional help (optional): $800-1,200
Total: $400-1,650

One-time cost, then never pay again.

Renewal Timeline Comparison

Option 1: Keep Renewing Temporary

Month 0: Get initial temporary visa
Month 24: Renew temporary visa ($400)
Month 48: Renew temporary visa ($400)
Month 72: Renew temporary visa ($400)
Every 2 years: Keep renewing ($400 each time)

Total over 10 years: Initial visa + 5 renewals = $2,500 + $2,000 = $4,500

Option 2: Get Permanent at 21 Months (RECOMMENDED)

Month 0: Get initial temporary visa
Month 21: Apply for permanent residency ($400)
Month 23: Receive permanent residency
Forever after: No more renewals, no more fees

Total over 10 years: Initial visa + permanent = $2,500 + $400 = $2,900

Savings: $1,600 over 10 years + no hassle of renewals

Everyone recommends permanent residency at 21 months.

What If I Don't Renew?

If Visa Expires Without Renewal:

You become illegal resident.

Consequences:

Daily fines accrue
Deportation possible
Ban from re-entering Ecuador (years)
Complications for future applications

Don't let this happen. Renew on time or apply for permanent.

Grace Period?

There is NO grace period.

Visa expires = you're illegal immediately.

Apply 60-90 days early to avoid any risk.

Can I Renew If I've Been Outside Ecuador?

Extended Absences:

Temporary residency: Try to spend 6+ months/year in Ecuador

Extended absences may complicate renewal
Immigration may question your residency intent
Could be denied

Permanent residency: More flexibility

Can be absent longer periods
But don't abandon residency entirely (keep ties)

Best practice: Maintain primary residence in Ecuador.

Renewal vs. New Application

When You'd Need New Application (Not Renewal):

If visa was cancelled or expired long ago:

Need to start over
Full application process
All documents again

If you changed visa types:

Example: Had Professional visa, now want Pensioner
Need new application for different type
Can't "renew" to different category

For standard 2-year renewal of same visa type:

Simple renewal process
Not full new application

Income Requirements for Renewal

Must Still Meet Income Threshold

Pensioner: Still receiving $1,458+/month pension Professional: Still earning $1,458+/month from remote work Investor: Still maintain $48,600 investment Rentista: Still receiving $1,458+/month investment income

If income drops below threshold:

Renewal may be denied
May need to switch visa types
Or wait until income increases

What If Income Decreases?

Example: You had Professional visa earning $2,000/month, now earn $1,400/month

Options:

Increase income above $1,458 before renewal
Switch to different visa type (if you qualify)
Apply for permanent residency early (if past 21 months)

Note: Permanent residency has NO income requirement, so it solves this issue.

Dependent Renewal

If You Have Spouse/Children on Your Visa:

They also need renewal.

Process:

Apply together at same time
Same requirements
Fees for each person

Costs:

Primary: $400
Spouse: $400
Child: $400 each

All dependents must renew when primary renews.

What If Dependent Becomes Independent?

Example: Child turns 21 during temporary residency

They need own visa:

Can't be dependent after 21
Need to apply for own visa type
Or leave Ecuador

Criminal Record During Residency

Ecuador Criminal Check for Renewal:

Immigration will verify:

No criminal violations in Ecuador during your residency
IESS payments up to date
No outstanding fines/tickets

Minor traffic tickets: Usually okay Serious crimes: Renewal denied, possible deportation

Stay out of legal trouble during residency.

IESS Requirements for Renewal

Must Be Current on IESS:

Immigration checks:

IESS enrollment active
Payments up to date
No gaps in coverage

If behind on payments:

Pay up before renewal
Bring proof of payment
May need payment history printout

Cost to catch up: Back payments owed + possible penalties

Professional Help for Renewal

Do You Need Help for Renewal?

Renewal is simpler than initial application.

DIY renewal okay if:

You speak Spanish
You have all documents
You understand process
You did initial application successfully

Professional help recommended if:

Don't speak Spanish
Want peace of mind
Had complications initially
Applying for permanent residency

EcuaPass renewal service: $500-800

Much less than initial application
Still includes appointment attendance
Translation support
Document review

Common Renewal Mistakes

Mistake #1: Applying Too Late

Problem: Apply 2 weeks before expiry, processing takes 6 weeks, visa expires

Solution: Apply 60-90 days early.

Mistake #2: Behind on IESS

Problem: Haven't paid IESS in months, renewal denied

Solution: Keep IESS current always, pay up before applying.

Mistake #3: Insufficient Income Proof

Problem: Income dropped, didn't document it increased again

Solution: Ensure clear documentation of current income.

Mistake #4: Not Applying for Permanent

Problem: Keep renewing temporary when you could have permanent

Solution: Apply for permanent at 21 months. It's better.

Renewal Checklist

90 Days Before Expiry:

Verify income still qualifies ($1,458+/month)
Check IESS payments are current
Ensure cédula is valid
Gather income documentation

60 Days Before:

Schedule immigration appointment
Prepare all documents
Make copies
Consider permanent residency instead (if 21+ months)

30 Days Before:

Attend immigration appointment
Submit documents
Pay fees
Get receipt/tracking

After Submission:

Wait for processing (4-6 weeks)
Check status online
Schedule pickup when approved

The Smart Path

Recommended Timeline:

Month 0-21: Temporary residency

Enjoy Ecuador
Maintain income
Pay IESS
Stay legal

Month 21: Apply for permanent residency

One-time $400 fee
Simple process
6-8 weeks processing

Month 23: Receive permanent residency

Done forever
No more renewals
Full residency rights

This is what 90%+ of expats do.

Need Help with Renewal?

EcuaPass renewal services:

Temporary Visa Renewal: $500-800

Document review
Appointment scheduling
Attendance with you
Translation support

Permanent Residency Application: $800-1,200

Complete application support
Document preparation
Appointment attendance
Follow-up until approved

Contact us: WhatsApp: +593-096-284-8410

Most clients: We help with initial visa, then permanent residency at 21 months. Skip the renewal hassle entirely.

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