In all the phone calls and emails I get asking for advice about Ecuador the number one question I am asked is "how do I get my residency Visa?" It is a very important question and also a pretty complicated one.
The truth is there are many ways you can get your Visa but most likely you will need some help from an experienced Visa Facilitator. A Visa Facilitators responsibility is to help you learn what Visa you will need to apply for, what documents you will need to bring (or have shipped), and what will need to be Apostilled, notarized, or translated into Spanish. Then they submit the paperwork on your behalf and follow your application through from the initial application to completion, ultimately saving you time, headache, and money.
This can be a nightmare to do on your own ESPECIALLY if you do not know Spanish and understand the way that the Ecuadorian government works. If you think things get done here the way they get done in America and Europe you are in for a big surprise.
With all of the other things you will need to worry about making a transition to life in Ecuador would you really want to fumble around with all the paperwork also? This applies especially to retirees who want to come here to relax and enjoy their years here. Processing your own Visa paperwork is hardly fun times when you have already worked for 40 plus years of your life. Let a pro handle it for you.
If you are having problems finding this pro allow me to recommend one for you that has helped a few expats I know here get their Visa paperwork facilitated along with their Cedula. Just email me Mike Bruner at themiddleoftheworld@gmail.com and tell me what your situation is and if it makes sense I will point you in the right direction.
Living in Ecuador, Expats in Ecuador, Travel to Ecuador, a Blog about Ecuador, Based in Quito.
Mike,
ReplyDeleteAll good info. However, while some Visa facilitators are great, some do not have the breadth of knowledge that a Visa attorney can offer. Also, some individuals have more complex Visa requirements than others. I think a Visa facilitator or Visa attorney is a good option and varies with each individual applicant. My suggestion is check out both.
Hector,
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right on both points. Sometimes their are complicated legal situations that call for an attorney. Also, from what I hear, their are some "facilitators" out their that cant perform. That is why it is important to choose one with a proven track record.
There are also a lot of attorneys who over charge and know nothing about visa work.
ReplyDeleteUnlike the USA where a lawyer is the way to go for matters of immigration and naturalization, often an attorney is the wrong way to approach getting your residency visa here in Ecuador.
While everyone's situation is of course unique, the most popular visas at this time -- investment and retiree -- are pretty much formulaic. So much so that the Immigration office in Cuenca now has English speaking clerks to help with the influx of gringo expatriates.
The most important part of the process as you know is being prepared -- and to do that right you may want to speak with a qualified and highly recommended visa facilitator, the sort who has no problem providing free advice because it is their actual work, and not this basic information, that makes them stand out.
That person is Dana Cameron and you can contact her at agua_plata@hotmail.com
She will provide folks with a list of what they need to prepare while still in the USA and how to get everything ready for a smooth process here. Done right, most don't have to hire her. Her work comes from the more involved processes and yes, she has an attorney for when that is required as well.
Great blogging Mike... and as always great to see your contributions on Expatexchange.com
Susan