Ecuador Ecuador Dependent Visa (Amparo)

Keep Your Family Together in Ecuador

The Ecuador Dependent Visa (Visa de Amparo) allows spouses, children, and other dependents of visa holders to obtain legal residency in Ecuador. This visa ensures your entire family can join you in your new Ecuadorian life.

Who Qualifies for the Dependent Visa?

The Dependent Visa covers:

• Spouses (legally married)
• Domestic partners (registered partnerships)
• Children under 18
• Adult children with disabilities
• Parents in certain circumstances

The primary visa holder (sponsor) must hold a valid Ecuador residency visa such as:

• Professional Visa
• Investor Visa
• Retirement/Pensioner Visa
• Work Visa
• Student Visa

Government Fees

• Application fee: $50 USD
• Visa issuance fee: $200 USD
• Total government fees: $250 USD per dependent

Income Requirements

The sponsor must demonstrate additional income to support dependents:

• Per adult dependent: $250 USD/month additional income
• Children: Generally included in household income calculation

Example: If you have the Professional Visa ($1,275/month base), adding a spouse requires proving $1,525/month total income.

Required Documents

For the Sponsor

1. Valid Ecuador visa (current residency)
2. Census certificate (certificado de censo)
3. Income verification showing additional funds
4. Passport copy

For Each Dependent

1. Valid passport (6+ months validity)
2. Relationship proof:
   • Marriage certificate (for spouse)
   • Birth certificate (for children)
   • Partnership registration (for domestic partners)
3. Criminal background check (apostilled, for adults)
4. Health certificate
5. Passport photos (4cm x 3cm, white background)

Document Authentication

All foreign documents must be:

• Apostilled in the country of origin
• Translated to Spanish by certified translator
• Recent (within 6 months for most documents)

Visa Duration

The Dependent Visa is tied to the sponsor's visa:

• Duration: Same as sponsor's visa
• Renewal: When sponsor renews
• Independence: Dependents can apply for independent visas after qualifying

Application Process

1. Confirm sponsor eligibility - sponsor must have valid visa
2. Gather relationship documents - marriage/birth certificates
3. Obtain apostilles in country of origin
4. Translate documents to Spanish
5. Prove additional income for dependents
6. Submit applications together or sequentially
7. Attend appointments at immigration
8. Receive visas and register

Benefits for Dependents

Legal Status

All family members gain legal residency status, allowing them to:

• Open bank accounts
• Sign contracts
• Access services
• Travel freely

Education Access

Children can enroll in Ecuadorian schools, both public and private, with full legal status.

Healthcare Access

Dependents can access Ecuador's healthcare system and purchase local health insurance at affordable rates.

Work Authorization

Adult dependents can apply for work authorization, allowing them to pursue employment in Ecuador.

Path to Residency

Time on a Dependent Visa counts toward permanent residency. After 21 months, dependents can apply for permanent status along with the sponsor.

Special Considerations

Marriage Documentation

If married abroad, your marriage certificate must be:

• Apostilled in the country where marriage occurred
• Translated to Spanish
• Registered with Ecuadorian civil registry (recommended)

Children's Requirements

For minor children:

• Both parents must consent (or show sole custody)
• Birth certificates must list parents
• School-age children should have vaccination records

Same-Sex Partnerships

Ecuador recognizes same-sex marriages and civil unions. Same documentation requirements apply for all legal partnerships.

Processing Multiple Dependents

When applying for multiple family members:

• Apply together to streamline the process
• Coordinate apostilles from your home country
• Calculate total income required ($250/month each adult)
• Schedule appointments for all family members

Why Choose EcuaPass for Family Visas?

Family visa applications involve coordinating documents from multiple people, often from different countries. Missing one apostille or incorrect translation can delay the entire family.

EcuaPass provides:

• Family package pricing for multiple applications
• Document coordination across family members
• Apostille guidance specific to your country
• Joint appointment scheduling
• Complete family support throughout the process

Our 98% success rate means your family stays together. Contact EcuaPass to start your family's Ecuador visa journey.