National Assembly Approves Immigration Reform Bill

• Published date: 02 March 2021
• Subject Matter: Immigration, General Immigration, Work Visas
• Law Firm: Envoy Global, Inc.
• Author: Ms Lucy Halse

Key Points

• The National Assembly has approved a comprehensive immigration reform bill
• The bill replaces the Visa de Excepcion de Corta Duracion with an Acts of Commerce Visa
• The UNASUR Temporary Visa is removed
• Travel restrictions are eliminated for temporary residents
• Stricter eligibility rules apply for permanent residents
• Additional details will be provided in the next 90 days when the Official Registry publishes accompanying immigration regulations

Overview

Ecuador's National Assembly has approved a comprehensive immigration reform bill.

What are the Changes?

The reform bill replaces the Visa de Excepcion de Corta Duracion with an Acts of Commerce Visa that allows foreign nationals to conduct technical and business activities in Ecuador for up to 180 days. The reform bill also eliminates the UNASUR Temporary Visa and modifies requirements for temporary and permanent residents.

Short-Term and Business Travelers

Ecuador's immigration reform bill establishes a new Acts of Commerce Visa that allows foreign nationals to conduct commerce, business, sporting, technical, academic and technological activities for up to 180 days each year.

Temporary Residents

With the new reform bill, temporary residents are no longer limited to a 90-day stay outside Ecuador each year to maintain their status. Temporary residents may now work in Ecuador with a temporary resident visa while working abroad and maintaining their residency.

Permanent Residents

Restrictions and requirements will increase for permanent residents. Applicants must now show at least 21 months' worth of permanent residency in Ecuador to be eligible for permanent residence status. Before, applicants could meet the requirement for permanent residency with 21 months of...