Investor Visa Timeline
Step-by-step timeline from planning to approval. The entire process typically takes 4-8 months, with most of the time spent on preparation and making your investment.
Duration: 2-4 months (before arriving in Ecuador)
This is the longest phase. Start as early as possible because FBI background checks take 12-14 weeks.
Step 1.1: Order FBI Background Check (Week 1)
Submit request for FBI Identity History Summary Check via FBI website or mail.
Timeline: 12-14 weeks processing. Start this immediately!
Step 1.2: Passport Check (Week 1)
Verify your passport is valid for at least 6 months. If not, renew it now.
Timeline: 6-8 weeks for passport renewal if needed.
Step 1.3: Research Investment Options (Weeks 1-4)
Decide between bank CD, real estate, company shares, or government contract. Research Ecuador banks, property market, or business opportunities.
Timeline: 2-4 weeks of research. Most choose bank CD for simplicity.
Step 1.4: Receive & Apostille FBI Check (Week 13-15)
Once FBI check arrives, get it apostilled by your state's Secretary of State office.
Timeline: 1-3 weeks for apostille processing. Some states offer same-day service.
Step 1.5: Plan Your Ecuador Trip (Week 12-16)
Book flights to Ecuador. Enter on tourist visa (90 days). Make sure you have all apostilled documents with you.
Timeline: You can enter Ecuador on tourist visa while your background check is processing, but you CANNOT apply for investor visa until all documents are ready.
Critical: Do NOT arrive in Ecuador until you have your apostilled FBI check in hand. The 6-month validity clock starts from the issue date, not when you apply.
Duration: 1-2 months (after arriving in Ecuador)
This phase requires being physically present in Ecuador. You'll complete your investment and gather local documentation.
Step 2.1: Arrive in Ecuador (Week 1)
Enter Ecuador on 90-day tourist visa. Get entry stamp in your passport. Find temporary accommodation.
Timeline: Day 1 of Ecuador arrival.
Step 2.2: Complete Your Investment (Weeks 1-4)
Execute your chosen investment option:
- Bank CD: Open account, transfer $46,000, get CD certificate (1-2 weeks)
- Real Estate: Find property, negotiate, complete purchase, register deed (4-8 weeks)
- Company Shares: Form company or buy shares, register with Superintendencia (3-6 weeks)
- Government Contract: Finalize contract with government entity (varies)
Timeline: 1-8 weeks depending on investment type. Bank CD is fastest.
Step 2.3: Get Investment Documentation (Weeks 2-5)
Obtain all required investment proof documents (bank certificate, property deed, company shares, etc.)
Timeline: 1-2 weeks after investment is completed.
Step 2.4: Translate Documents to Spanish (Weeks 4-6)
Hire certified translator in Ecuador to translate your FBI check and any other documents not in Spanish.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks. Shop around for translators - prices vary widely.
Step 2.5: Establish Ecuador Address (Weeks 1-6)
Secure rental agreement, purchase property, or get notarized letter from friend/family hosting you.
Timeline: Can be done anytime during first 6 weeks. Rental is simplest.
Pro Tip: Bank CD is by far the fastest option. You can have everything ready in 1-2 weeks. Real estate and company formation take much longer.
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Once your investment is in place and all documents are ready, you can submit your application.
Step 3.1: Complete Application Form (Day 1)
Fill out official visa application form from Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores website. Print and sign.
Timeline: 1-2 hours.
Step 3.2: Schedule Appointment (Days 1-3)
Book appointment at Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores office (Quito, Guayaquil, or Cuenca).
Timeline: Appointments available 1-2 weeks out, sometimes same week.
Step 3.3: Attend Appointment & Submit (Week 1-2)
Arrive at appointment with all documents. Officer will review and accept or reject application. Pay $50 application fee.
Timeline: 30-60 minute appointment.
Step 3.4: Biometrics & Photo (Same Day)
After submitting application, they'll take your fingerprints and photo for the visa system.
Timeline: 15-30 minutes.
Good News: If your investment documentation is solid and all other documents are correct, officers rarely reject investor visa applications. The investment proof is the most important part.
Duration: 1-2 months
Government reviews your application. You wait for approval decision.
Step 4.1: Government Review (Weeks 1-6)
Ministerio reviews application and supporting documents. They may verify your investment with the bank or property registry.
Timeline: 4-8 weeks. No updates during this time. Just patience required.
Step 4.2: Approval Notification (Week 6-8)
Receive email or online portal notification that your visa has been approved. Instructions for next steps provided.
Timeline: Check online portal weekly or wait for email.
Step 4.3: Pay Issuance Fee (Within 1 week of approval)
Pay $270 visa issuance fee at designated bank or online.
Timeline: Same day or next business day.
Step 4.4: Receive Visa & Cedula (Week 8-10)
Return to Ministerio office to pick up your visa and temporary cedula (Ecuador ID card).
Timeline: 1-2 weeks after paying issuance fee.
Tourist Visa Concerns: If your 90-day tourist visa expires during processing, you can apply for an extension OR leave Ecuador and re-enter. Consult with immigration office for guidance.
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Final administrative steps to activate your residency and get your permanent cedula.
Step 5.1: Register with Registro Civil (Week 1)
Visit Registro Civil office to get your permanent cedula (Ecuador national ID card). Bring your visa and passport.
Timeline: 1-2 weeks to receive permanent cedula.
Step 5.2: Get RUC (Tax ID) - Optional (Week 1-2)
If you plan to work, do business, or need tax ID in Ecuador, register with SRI (tax authority) to get RUC number.
Timeline: Same day at SRI office with your cedula.
Step 5.3: Maintain Your Investment (Ongoing)
Keep your investment in place for the duration of your visa. Removing funds early can result in visa cancellation.
Timeline: Continuous for 2-year visa duration.
Fastest Possible Timeline: 4 months if you start FBI check immediately, choose bank CD investment option, and everything goes smoothly.
Realistic Timeline: 6-7 months accounting for delays in FBI check, finding investment, and government processing.
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