Ecuador Ecuador Work Visa

Work Legally in Ecuador

The Ecuador Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo) is designed for foreign nationals who have secured employment with an Ecuadorian company. This employer-sponsored visa provides legal authorization to work in Ecuador.

Who Qualifies for the Work Visa?

The Work Visa is for:

• Employees hired by Ecuadorian companies
• Professionals with specialized skills
• Executives transferring to Ecuador offices
• Technical specialists needed by local employers
• Teachers at international schools

Note: If you're self-employed or work remotely for foreign companies, the Professional Visa or Digital Nomad Visa may be better options.

Government Fees

• Application fee: $50 USD
• Visa issuance fee: $270 USD
• Total government fees: $320 USD

Key Requirements

From Your Employer

1. Employment contract registered with Ministry of Labor
2. Company registration documents (RUC)
3. Ministry of Labor approval for hiring foreign worker
4. Justification letter explaining why foreigner is needed
5. Company financial statements

Personal Documents

1. Valid passport (6+ months validity)
2. Criminal background check (apostilled)
3. Professional credentials (degrees, certifications)
4. Health certificate
5. Passport photos (4cm x 3cm, white background)
6. Resume/CV detailing qualifications

The Work Visa Process

The Work Visa requires significant involvement from your employer:

Step 1: Ministry of Labor Approval

Your employer must first obtain approval from Ecuador's Ministry of Labor (Ministerio de Trabajo) to hire a foreign worker. This involves:

• Proving no qualified Ecuadorian is available
• Registering the position
• Submitting company documentation

Step 2: Employment Contract

The employment contract must be:

• Written in Spanish
• Registered with Ministry of Labor
• Compliant with Ecuadorian labor law
• Include salary, benefits, and duration

Step 3: Immigration Application

Once labor approval is obtained:

• Submit visa application to immigration
• Provide all personal documents
• Attend immigration appointment
• Receive visa and cédula

Visa Duration and Renewal

• Initial validity: 2 years
• Renewable: Yes, with continued employment
• Can lead to: Permanent residency after 21 months

Your Rights as a Work Visa Holder

Labor Protections

Ecuador has strong labor laws. As a Work Visa holder, you're entitled to:

• Minimum wage protections
• Social security (IESS) enrollment
• Paid vacation (15 days/year)
• Severance pay if terminated
• 13th and 14th month bonuses

Changing Employers

If you change jobs, you'll need to:

• Update your visa with new employer
• Have new employer complete Ministry of Labor process
• Cannot work during transition period

Work Visa vs. Professional Visa

Aspect	Work Visa	Professional Visa
Sponsor	Ecuadorian employer required	Self-sponsored
Employment	Single employer	Any/self-employed
Income source	Ecuadorian salary	Any source
Process	Employer-driven	Individual-driven
Best for	Traditional employment	Freelancers, remote workers

Employer Responsibilities

Your Ecuadorian employer must:

• Register you with IESS (social security)
• Withhold and pay taxes
• Provide legally-required benefits
• Maintain labor law compliance
• Support visa renewals

Common Industries for Work Visas

• Education: International schools, universities
• Tourism: Hotels, tour operators
• Technology: IT companies, startups
• Mining and petroleum: Engineering roles
• Manufacturing: Technical specialists
• NGOs: International organizations

Challenges with Work Visas

Finding Sponsorship

Ecuadorian companies must justify hiring foreigners over locals. Industries with skill shortages are more likely to sponsor.

Employer Compliance

The process requires significant employer involvement. Some companies are unfamiliar with the process or reluctant to navigate bureaucracy.

Salary Considerations

Ecuadorian salaries may be lower than international standards. Ensure you understand compensation before committing.

Why Choose EcuaPass?

The Work Visa involves coordinating between your employer, the Ministry of Labor, and immigration authorities. We guide both you and your employer through:

• Employer education on the sponsorship process
• Ministry of Labor application support
• Document preparation and translation
• Immigration filing and appointments
• IESS registration assistance

Many employers appreciate working with EcuaPass because we handle the complexity, allowing them to focus on onboarding you.

Contact EcuaPass to discuss your employment situation and visa options.