Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' errors and save yourself time, money, and frustration
Pension Letter Not Apostilled
Submitting the official pension letter without apostille stamp from the appropriate government authority.
Why it's rejected:
Ecuador requires all foreign government documents to be apostilled for authentication. Without apostille, your pension letter has no legal validity in Ecuador.
✓ How to avoid:
- • After receiving pension letter, immediately send for apostille
- • US federal pensions: Apostille from US State Department
- • State/local pensions: Apostille from your state's Secretary of State
- • Private pensions: May need notarization first, then apostille
Income Below Minimum Threshold
Pension amount doesn't meet the $1,380/month minimum (or $1,630 for applicant + spouse).
Common scenarios:
- • Pension is $1,200/month but minimum is $1,380
- • Applicant + spouse need $1,630 but only show $1,400
- • Currency conversion makes it unclear if threshold is met
✓ How to avoid:
- • Calculate exactly: $1,380 for primary, +$250 per dependent
- • If pension is in foreign currency, request USD equivalent on letter
- • If close to threshold, provide additional proof (savings, Social Security)
- • Don't forget: 3x Basic Unified Salary = $1,380 (as of 2024)
Translation Not Done in Ecuador
Getting documents translated in your home country instead of using certified Ecuadorian translators.
Why it's rejected:
Ecuador only accepts translations done by officially certified translators registered in Ecuador. Foreign translations, even if notarized, are not valid.
✓ How to avoid:
- • Ship apostilled documents to Ecuador via FedEx/DHL
- • Use certified "Traductor Oficial" listed with Ecuador government
- • Translation must be notarized by Ecuadorian notary after completion
- • Budget $30-50 per document for translation + notarization
Health Insurance Doesn't Specify Ecuador
Policy says "international" or "worldwide" but doesn't explicitly list Ecuador as covered.
Why it's rejected:
Generic "worldwide" coverage is not sufficient. Ecuador's immigration office needs to see explicit confirmation that Ecuador is a covered country.
✓ How to avoid:
- • When purchasing insurance, ask: "Does this explicitly cover Ecuador?"
- • Get a coverage letter from insurer listing Ecuador by name
- • Policy document should show "Ecuador" in covered countries list
- • Good options: Cigna Global, IMG Global, SafetyWing (all specify Ecuador)
Expired Background Check
Background check is older than 180 days from issuance to Ecuador entry date.
The 180-day rule:
Ecuador counts 180 days from the date your background check was issued to your most recent entry into Ecuador. If you already entered Ecuador and the check is now outside this window, you'll need a new one.
✓ How to avoid:
- • Plan timeline carefully - background check comes LATE in the process
- • If already in Ecuador, track your entry date vs check issue date
- • If check will expire, consider leaving/re-entering Ecuador to reset the clock
- • Order FBI check strategically - not too early, not too late
Missing Bank Statements
Submitting pension letter without 3-6 months of bank statements showing deposits.
Why Ecuador requests this:
They want to verify that you're actually receiving the pension amount claimed, not just that a letter says so. Bank statements prove real deposits.
✓ How to avoid:
- • Download last 6 months of statements from online banking
- • Ensure pension deposits are clearly visible and labeled
- • Amounts should match what your pension letter states
- • If deposits vary monthly, provide explanation letter
Ignoring Rectification Requests
Not responding to Ecuador's request for corrections within the 10-day deadline.
What happens:
If Ecuador requests additional documents or corrections and you don't respond within 10 business days, your application is automatically closed. You lose your $50 application fee and must start over.
✓ How to avoid:
- • Check email and visa portal DAILY during review period
- • Set up email notifications from serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec
- • Have backup documents ready in case they're needed
- • Respond immediately - don't wait until day 9!
Wrong Photo Specifications
Photo isn't exactly 5x5cm, has wrong background color, or file size exceeds 1MB.
Fix: Have professional photo studio do it. They know Ecuador requirements.
Incomplete Application Form
Leaving fields blank or entering information inconsistent with passport.
Fix: Fill every field. Double-check spelling matches passport exactly.
Poor Quality Document Scans
Uploading blurry, cropped, or low-resolution scans of important documents.
Fix: Use scanner app (Adobe Scan, CamScanner). Ensure text is crisp and readable.
Not Keeping Copies
Mailing original documents without keeping digital and physical copies.
Fix: Scan everything before mailing. Keep both digital PDFs and physical photocopies.
Selecting Wrong Visa Type
Choosing "Rentista" or "Investor" instead of "Jubilado" (Pensioner) in the application.
Fix: Double-check visa selection: "Visa de Residencia Temporal - Jubilado"
Paying Application Fee Too Early
Paying the $50 before all documents are ready, then rushing to upload incomplete files.
Fix: Have ALL documents scanned and ready BEFORE starting application and paying fee.
Case 1: The Currency Confusion
Mistake: John's UK pension was £950/month. He assumed this met the $1,380 requirement since £950 ≈ $1,200 USD. Ecuador requested clarification. By the time he got a new letter with USD conversion, his background check expired.
Lesson:
Always get pension amount stated in USD on the official letter, even if pension originates in another currency. Saves weeks of back-and-forth.
Case 2: The Translation Nightmare
Mistake: Sarah hired a certified translator in the United States (Spanish native speaker, accredited translator). Ecuador rejected the translation because it wasn't done by an Ecuador-registered translator. She had to ship documents to Ecuador, pay for new translation ($60), and lost 3 weeks.
Lesson:
Only translations by "Traductor Oficial" registered in Ecuador are accepted. No exceptions, no matter how qualified your home-country translator is.
Case 3: The 10-Day Miss
Mistake: Robert received a rectification request but was traveling and didn't check his email for 12 days. When he logged into the portal, his application was closed. He lost his $50 fee and had to restart from scratch, including paying another $50.
Lesson:
During the 30-60 day review period, check your email and the visa portal DAILY. Set up phone notifications. Those 10 business days pass fast!
Pension letter explicitly states monthly amount ≥ $1,380 USD (or ≥ $1,630 with spouse)
Pension letter has apostille stamp from appropriate authority
Background check is < 180 days old (counted to your last Ecuador entry)
All translations done by certified translator IN Ecuador, notarized in Ecuador
Health insurance policy explicitly lists "Ecuador" as covered country
Bank statements (3-6 months) show consistent pension deposits matching letter amount
Passport photo is exactly 5x5cm, white background, < 1MB JPG file
All document scans are high quality, readable, complete (no cut-off edges)
Selected correct visa type: "Visa de Residencia Temporal - Jubilado"
Email notifications are enabled and you're checking portal daily during review