Ecuador•South AmericaWork Visa / Employment Visa (Visa de Trabajo 12-VI)
At a Glance
Processing Time
30-90 days
Application Fee
270 USD
Stay Duration
Up to 2 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Visa for foreigners with employment contracts from Ecuadorian employers. Requires employer sponsorship and formal labor agreement.
The 12-VI work visa is the primary employment visa for foreigners wanting to work in Ecuador. It requires an employment contract with an Ecuadorian employer and full employer sponsorship through the application process.
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Requirements
Personal
Criminal Record Policy
case_by_case
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Minimum 6 months validity
Passport photos
Recent digital or printed photos
Criminal record certificate
Police clearance from home country
Medical certificate
Health examination if required
OptionalProof of qualifications
Educational certificates, professional licenses
OptionalSponsor Documents
Employment contract
Signed work agreement between employer and employee
Request letter from employer
Signed by company legal representative to Ministry of Foreign Affairs
IESS registration confirmation
Proof employer will register employee with social security
Company documents
Tax registration, business license, commercial registration
IESS clearance certificate
Proof company has no outstanding debts to social security
Identification of legal representative
Copy of company manager/legal representative ID
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Advantages
- Path to permanent residency
- Renewable
- Family dependents allowed
- Full work authorization
Considerations
- Requires employer sponsorship
- Tied to specific employer
- Long processing time
- Complex documentation requirements
Application Process
Secure employment contract
Ecuadorian employer must offer written employment contract
Employer initiates process
Company files request with Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Obtain police certificate
Get criminal record clearance from home country
Apply at consulate
Submit visa application to Ecuador consulate with all documents
Medical examination
If required by immigration authorities
Visa approval
Receive work visa in passport
Register with IESS
Register with Ecuadorian social security upon arrival
Application Forms
Visa application form
Work visa requirements
Ready to Apply?
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