Nationality of Ecuador: all obtaining pathways
Ecuador naturalizes after three years of permanent residence, reduced to two for spouses or de facto partners of Ecuadorians and for refugees and stateless persons recognized by the State. The process includes a knowledge interview, and there is a discretionary route for relevant services granted by the President of the Republic.
1Nationality by descent
Nationality by descent
Requirements
- Children of an Ecuadorian father or mother born abroad — registration of the birth abroad or recognition of nationality (DIGERCIC/MREMH procedure)
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate (apostilled or legalized; translated if not in Spanish)
- Ecuadorian parent's identity document
2Naturalization by letter of naturalization
Naturalization by letter of naturalization
Requirements
- Permanent residence of at least three (3) years at the date of submission of the application, regular and continuous with a permanent residence visa in accordance with the Organic Law on Human Mobility
- Over 18 years of age at the date of the application (minors require the consent of the person exercising parental authority or guardianship and must be heard)
- Taking the knowledge test (interviewed at the Zonal Directorate)
Documentation
- Birth/filiation document from the country of origin, apostilled or legalized (and translated if applicable)
- Migration movement certificate
- Proof of fee payments
- Personal application before the Zonal Directorate of the MREMH (no third-party powers)
3Naturalization of refugees and stateless persons recognized by Ecuador
Naturalization of refugees and stateless persons recognized by Ecuador
Requirements
- Having been recognized as a refugee or stateless person by the Ecuadorian State and having remained in the country for two (2) years
- Proof of legitimate means of livelihood in accordance with the Regulations of the Organic Law on Human Mobility
Documentation
- Travel document or certification of refugee/stateless status
- Migration movement certificate
- Personal application at the Zonal Directorate
4Naturalization by marriage or de facto union
Naturalization by marriage or de facto union
Requirements
- Marriage celebrated in Ecuador with an Ecuadorian person: two (2) years from its celebration and domicile established in the country
- Marriage celebrated abroad: two (2) years from its registration in the Civil Registry and domicile established in Ecuador
- De facto union with an Ecuadorian: two (2) years from its registration in the Civil Registry and domicile in the country
- They may not apply under the temporary visitor category or as applicants for international protection
- LOHM art. 73: naturalization after 2 years from the celebration of marriage (in Ecuador or abroad with 2 years of domicile in the country) or duly registered de facto union.
Documentation
- Proof of residence in a migration category other than temporary visitor (LOMH)
- Marriage certificate or registered civil union recorded in the Civil Registry
- Identity document apostilled/legalized from the country of origin
5Naturalization for relevant services
Naturalization for relevant services
Requirements
- Administrative act of the President of the Republic by Executive Decree, for the foreigner who, having remained regularly in the country for more than three (3) years, has rendered relevant services to Ecuador
- LOHM art. 76: regular stay of more than 3 years + relevant services; granted by Executive Decree.
Documentation
- File before the MREMH in accordance with processing form MREMH-006-01-01
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Ecuador
How many years of residence does Ecuador require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Ecuador (Naturalization by letter of naturalization), the term is 3 years of permanent residence. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
How much does the nationality of Ecuador cost?
The official fee referenced in the fact sheet is USD 50 application + USD 350 grant (50% exemption for senior citizens). Check the linked official source on each pathway in case it has changed.
Can the nationality of Ecuador be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage or de facto union pathway (2 years; with a referenced cost of USD 50 application + USD 100 grant (50% exemption for senior citizens)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Ecuador require?
The Naturalization by letter of naturalization pathway requires: Birth/filiation document from the country of origin, apostilled or legalized (and translated if applicable); Migration movement certificate; Proof of fee payments; Personal application before the Zonal Directorate of the MREMH (no third-party powers).
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Ecuador?
Ecuador provides 5 pathways: Nationality by descent, Naturalization by letter of naturalization, Naturalization of refugees and stateless persons recognized by Ecuador, Naturalization by marriage or de facto union, Naturalization for relevant services.
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