Update – August 29, 2025: Appointment scheduling for new or renewal local Identity Cards remains extremely limited for September and October 2025, with no new slots released beyond this period. Fragomen continues to work with affected clients to provide case-specific advice and explore potential alternatives where available.
May 12, 2025: Due to a shortage of printing materials, Ecuador’s Civil Registry has suspended appointment scheduling for new or renewal local Identity Cards for May, June, and July 2025, and has not yet opened slots for August 2025 and beyond. Additionally, processing times for local Identity Cards have increased significantly – from same-day issuance to one and a half months following an appointment. While a local Identity Card is not required to work legally in Ecuador, foreign nationals without one may encounter difficulties completing key processes such as opening a bank account, finalizing employment contracts, signing lease agreements, or enrolling children in school. Fragomen is contacting affected clients and will continue to monitor the situation for updates.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.
Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.
Blog post
Immigration Director Adriana Martínez Garro explains the residency process in Costa Rica for families relocating with dependents, outlining key legal considerations and steps for securing status.
Media mentions
Fragomen contributed data showing how UK visa and health surcharge costs compare with other leading research nations.
Fragomen news
Fragomen supported this report, which explores how gender shapes migration patterns, visa routes, employment and settlement in the UK.
Blog post
Senior Associate Tomasz Rdzanek or Poland Immigration Strategy Director Tomasz Rogala discuss proposed changes to Poland’s citizenship law aimed at simplifying eligibility and clarifying naturalisation procedures for foreign nationals.
Video
Manager David Makau discusses Oman's recent introduction of a Golden Visa program.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights the inclusion of performing arts occupations on the temporary shortage list and what it means for international talent in the sector.
Media mentions
Partner Louise Haycock highlights opportunities for easier access to overseas talent for the UK creative sector while guiding businesses through evolving visa rules.
Blog post
Associate Amelia Haynes and Paralegal Clare Macmillan Bell discuss the legal considerations surrounding British citizenship for children born through adoption or surrogacy.
Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper provides insight on how evolving US and UK immigration policies, including recent H-1B changes, are shaping corporate mobility and compliance strategies.
Video
O Diretor Executivo da Fragomen Brasil, Diogo Kloper, destaca uma atualização importante na política migratória brasileira, que muda significativamente o que estrangeiros podem fazer no país sob o status de visitante.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik provides insight on how immigration frameworks across the UK, Europe and EMEA are evolving to support start-ups and entrepreneurial talent.
Media mentions
Partner Jo Antoons discusses the rollout of the EU's new Entry/Exit System.