Job Discussion Forums

[Landon]

I thought I would create a new topic about this. I am wondering what Visa options would be appropriate for my wife and I in Ecuador. We plan on moving there to live, and occasionally teach some English on the side. I do not believe we would qualify for any "Work" Visa. But I don't know, maybe we will. I have a bachelors degree and my wife has a Masters. We are not even close to retirement age. Any ideas on an appropriate Visa for us? Do we need to buy real estate or something in order to do this? How are so many other expats getting a Residence Visa and moving there. Thanks.

[Katm]

Hi,
Just replied to your message but didn't realise you were planning on living here. Best options are probably investment visa (property counts) which gives you the right to live but not work 100% legally. You might not get facturas (tax receipts necessary to work legally) but can pick up classes on the side easily enough.
Or, professional visas - need to apostille/notarise/translate degrees and register them here with the education ministry. Seems a bit time-consuming but I know people who have done this successfully. This would give you full rights to work (and facturas.)

[just_a_mirage]

I´m a visa facilitator in Ecuador and a teacher. The professional visa is a bit time consuming, but it is a permanant resident visa, which entitles you to a cedula. With this you are able to work in a wider variety of jobs. It is a bit time consuming to get, but worth it, and it doesnt tie you to an investment. I highly recommend going for this visa over the investment visa if you can, as an investment visa will tie up 25k of your money for as long as you want the visa. In my opinion it is more of a pain to get than the investment visa, as it involves taking your CD to the Central Bank, and numerous trips to the Ministerio de Exterior. I'm happy to answer any questions you have. Having a professional visa does not require you to work, but allows you to if you want.

[Landon]

Thank you. I sent you a pm.