MERCOSUR Residence in Ecuador in 2026

Ecuador offers temporary MERCOSUR residence to nationals of States Parties covered by the MERCOSUR Residence Agreement who intend to establish themselves in Ecuador to conduct lawful activities.

Eligibility and term

Eligibility is nationality/treaty based, so applicants should verify that their nationality is covered by the agreement as applied by Ecuador at the time of filing rather than relying on an old internet country list. The official procedure states two years of temporary residence.

General requirements include a valid passport, criminal-record documentation, lawful-means evidence and the applicable fee. The current official page lists USD 50 for the application form and USD 200 for the authorized visa.

Business and professional use

Because this route is treaty-based rather than investment- or profession-specific, it can be a useful residence basis for an eligible entrepreneur or professional. It does not by itself waive Ecuador's company-registration, tax, labor, municipal or professional-licensing requirements.

A permanent MERCOSUR residence route exists for qualifying temporary MERCOSUR residents; timing and current requirements must be verified before transition.

See the Ecuador immigration hub, methodology and legal disclaimer.

Official source: Gob.ec — MERCOSUR temporary residence.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Ecuador