Work / Immigration visa · Sao Tome and Principe to Ecuador

Work Visa (12-VI Non-Resident)

Embassy required

• Maximum stay: 365 days
• Processing time: 60-90 days
• Fee: $50 application fee + visa fee varies
• Validity: Duration of employment contract
• Entry: Multiple entry

Non-resident Work Visa (12-VI) is required for foreign nationals traveling to Ecuador for business or professional purposes with an employment contract. All applications must be submitted through the e-Visa system. Separate visas exist for professionals (9-V) and technicians (10-V).

Eligibility

• Purpose of visit

  For professional work in Ecuador with formal employment contract

  Includes

  • Professional employment
  • business activities under contract
• Employment

  Must have valid employment contract with Ecuadorian employer. Contract must include employee enrollment in IESS social security system.

  Required status: Valid employment contract with IESS enrollment

• Criminal record

  Clean criminal record required from country of origin and residence countries

Documents you need

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

• Police clearance

  Validity months: 60

• Application form

  Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

  Form name: Ecuador Work Visa Application (12-VI); Form url: https://serviciosdigitales.cancilleria.gob.ec

• Company registration

  Provide company registration evidence for the inviting, sponsoring or employing organisation.

  Accepted documents: Certificate showing company has no debts to IESS (Ecuadorian Institute for Social Security)

• Work contract

  Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.

  Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: No

How to apply

1. Document gathering

   Obtain employment contract with IESS enrollment, company IESS clearance certificate, police clearance, and passport

2. Online application

   Employer's legal representative submits written request and application through e-Visa portal

3. Fee payment

   Pay $50 non-refundable application fee

4. Document submission

   Upload employment contract, IESS documents, police clearance through portal

5. Processing wait

   Wait for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility review

6. Visa collection

   Receive work visa approval notification

• Apply for an e-Visa online (opens in new tab)

This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.