
Executive Summary
Government authorities are strictly enforcing penalties introduced in August for Temporary and Permanent Visa holders who exceed the maximum period of stay outside of Ecuador. Foreign nationals under these visa types should keep accurate records of their time spent outside of the country.
The situation
Penalties are being enforced
A closer look
Government authorities are strictly enforcing penalties introduced in August for Temporary and Permanent Visa holders who exceed the maximum period of stay outside Ecuador.
- Penalties. First time offenders will be fined the equivalent of three times the minimum salary level if they hold a Temporary Residence Visa and four times the minimum salary level if they hold a Permanent Residence Visa. Repeat offenders will have their visa cancelled and will have to leave the country. Failure to voluntarily leave the country will result in deportation. If the visa is cancelled due to the above mentioned reasons, the assignee will not be allowed to return to Ecuador for three years.
- Temporary residents. Foreign nationals under Temporary Residence visas issued on or after February 2017 cannot leave the country for more than 90 cumulative days per year.
- Permanent residents. Foreign nationals under Permanent Residence visas cannot leave the country for more than 180 cumulative days per year. This travel restriction is only applicable during the first two years of the visa’s validity.
- Impact. Temporary and permanent residents should keep accurate records of their time spent outside the country and plan their travel according to the new law. If travel will exceed the maximum amount of time allowed, please contact your immigration advisor immediately.
- Background. The law implemented in August 2017 was retroactive to February 2017. Prior to the law being issued, Ecuador did not regulate the amount of time that a temporary or permanent resident could remain outside the country.
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
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Fragomen news
Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Blog post
Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Awards
Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Media mentions
Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Video
Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Video
Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.

Blog post
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev and Paralegal Emily Whalley discuss how upcoming UK visa changes will affect skilled worker dependants and reshape tech sector mobility.

Fragomen news
Partner Marius Tollenaere provides key insights on labour migration, procedures and employer obligations in the latest edition of "Einwanderungsrecht".

Blog post
Associate Matthew Smith discusses how professionals with exceptional ability in the sciences, arts and performing arts can bypass the PERM process by leveraging Schedule A, Group II for a streamlined green card application.

Awards
Managing Partner of the United Kingdom Nadine Goldfoot is recognised as Legal 500's "Leading Partners."

Media mentions
Partner Dan Schwarz discusses how proactive immigration planning helps athletes, teams and universities navigate complex US policies.

Video
Learn how to claim Italian citizenship through ancestry. This complete guide covers eligibility requirements, benefits and the step-by-step application process.

Video
Senior Manager Corrine Tan and Assistant Business Immigration Manager Joycelyn Ang discuss Bangladesh’s work permit security clearance process.

Media mentions
Partner Bo Cooper outlines how the proposed H-1B changes could affect Big Law hiring for foreign lawyers.

Media mentions
Senior Manager Kinka Tonchev highlights how UK immigration must adapt to attract, retain and support the world’s top talent.

Media mentions
Manager Kirsty Moore and Trainee Solicitor Amanda Ong highlight rising UK construction sponsor licence risks and how businesses can stay compliant.

Awards
Partner Abeer Al Husseini is recognised on the shortlist for "Women Leader of the Year" at the Gulf Business Awards 2025.