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
Media mentions
Partnering with Talent Beyond Boundaries, Fragomen continues to support displaced people in their host societies.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kelly Hardman discusses Scotland’s hospitality sector following the UK government’s increase to the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas.
Blog post
Manager Russell Hodges and Immigration Paralegal Natalia Jozwiak discuss the future of the UK's science sector following the country's 2024 re-entry into the Horizon programme and shift in migration policy.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what is considered US residency now that Prince Harry has changed his primary residence from the UK to US.
Media mentions
Director Willys Mac’Olale shares the impact the AfCFTA will have on Kenya’s economy and immigration policies.
Video
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio explains the process for posting foreign workers to France during the eagerly awaited 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce shares how a Supreme Court visa denial case could impact challenges to employment-based visa denials.
Awards
Partner Kevin Miner is selected by the Daily Report as a finalist in the “Legal Innovators” category of the publication’s 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards.
Blog post
This blog considers how employer sponsorship of long-term residence permits in Europe could be a means for retaining their talent.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.
Media mentions
Partnering with Talent Beyond Boundaries, Fragomen continues to support displaced people in their host societies.
Media mentions
Senior Manager Kelly Hardman discusses Scotland’s hospitality sector following the UK government’s increase to the salary threshold for Skilled Worker visas.
Blog post
Manager Russell Hodges and Immigration Paralegal Natalia Jozwiak discuss the future of the UK's science sector following the country's 2024 re-entry into the Horizon programme and shift in migration policy.
Media mentions
Partner Charlotte Slocombe discusses what is considered US residency now that Prince Harry has changed his primary residence from the UK to US.
Media mentions
Director Willys Mac’Olale shares the impact the AfCFTA will have on Kenya’s economy and immigration policies.
Video
Immigration Consultant Laura Varon Osorio explains the process for posting foreign workers to France during the eagerly awaited 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Media mentions
Partner Daniel Pierce shares how a Supreme Court visa denial case could impact challenges to employment-based visa denials.
Awards
Partner Kevin Miner is selected by the Daily Report as a finalist in the “Legal Innovators” category of the publication’s 2024 Southeastern Legal Awards.
Blog post
This blog considers how employer sponsorship of long-term residence permits in Europe could be a means for retaining their talent.
Blog post
This blog provides an overview of Switzerland's family reunion process for EU/EFTA nationals and third-country nationals.
Awards
Four Fragomen professionals are recognised in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in Australia in the field of immigration law.
Media mentions
O Diretor de Imigração, Diogo Kloper, compartilha quais indústrias estão recrutando talentos estrangeiros no Brasil.