Ecuador · Citizenship
Ecuador citizenship for Americans: how many years, and can you keep US citizenship?
Short answer
Apply about 4 years 9 months after you arrive: 21 months on temporary residence, then 3 years as a permanent resident. You keep your US citizenship.
The rules
| Timeline | About 4 years 9 months at the earliest: 21 months on temporary residence, then 3 years as a permanent resident |
|---|---|
| Dual citizenship | Yes: Ecuador doesn't make new citizens give up their US citizenship. |
Checked against the law The 3-year rule, the Spanish requirement and dual citizenship, read in the law and the Constitution.
Not yet verified The absence limits, read in the 2023 text of the regulation, and whether every part of this timeline is confirmed at the official source.
Good to know
- Permanent residence years: 3 years living in Ecuador on a permanent visa; only that time counts.
- Few absences: no more than 180 days abroad a year in those 3 years Not yet verified
- Spanish and a test: speak and write Spanish, pass a test on history, geography and culture, and attend an interview. Over-65s skip the test.
- Papers: an apostilled birth record and proof you can support yourself.
- Spouses of Ecuadorians: can apply 2 years after the marriage, living in Ecuador.
- Fee: $50 to apply plus $350; half price from age 65.
- It's discretionary: the government can refuse even when you meet every rule.
Sources (5)
Legal basis and exact figures
- Clock: carta de naturalización needs a permanent residence visa and at least 3 years' regular domicile (LOMH art 71 num 1); permanent residence follows 21 continuous months of temporary residence (art 63 num 1), so about 4 years 9 months at the earliest.
- Absences: more than 90 days abroad breaks the 21-month count (Reglamento art 84); more than 180 days abroad a year in the first 3 permanent years interrupts residence (Reglamento art 123, 2023 consolidation).
- Requirements: LOMH art 72 (over 18, apostilled birth record, knowledge test, Spanish, lawful means, obligations to the State, interview); over-65s exempt from the knowledge test only; a Spanish-taught Ecuadorian degree exempts both. Spouses: art 73. Discretionary: art 77. Dual nationality: Constitution art 8. Fee USD 50 + 350 (gob.ec sheet), 50% discount from 65.
Every rule, with its legal basis
The rules
Carta de naturalización: hold a permanent residence visa and be domiciled regularly in Ecuador for at least 3 years at the filing date (LOMH art 71 num 1). Only permanent-residence time counts, so the usual path is at least 21 continuous months of temporary residence (LOMH art 63 num 1), then permanent residence, then 3 years: about 4 years 9 months at the earliest.
Absences: during temporary residence, more than 90 days abroad breaks the 21-month continuity (Reglamento art 84); in the first 3 years after the permanent visa, more than 180 days abroad in a year interrupts residence and bars the application (Reglamento art 123, 2023 consolidation). Requirements (LOMH art 72): over 18; apostilled birth record; general knowledge of Ecuador's history, geography, culture and current affairs; speak and write Spanish; lawful means of support; up to date with obligations to the State; interview. Over-65s are exempt from the knowledge requirement but must still speak and write Spanish; a Spanish-taught Ecuadorian degree exempts both. Spouses/partners of Ecuadorians: 2 years after the marriage or registered union with domicile in Ecuador (art 73). Naturalisation is a sovereign, discretionary act (art 77).
Dual nationality: those who acquire Ecuadorian nationality are not obliged to renounce their nationality of origin (Constitution art 8). Fee USD 50 + 350 (gob.ec sheet; 50% discount from 65).
Not yet verified Whether every part of this timeline is confirmed at the official source.
Links
- Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana (RO 938-S, 6 Feb 2017), consolidated text to Tercer Suple
- Reglamento a la LOMH (Decreto Ejecutivo 354, Tercer Suplemento RO 18, 10 Mar 2022), consol
- Constitución de la República del Ecuador (RO 449, 20 Oct 2008), compilation last modified
- gob.ec / MREMH: Obtención de la nacionalidad ecuatoriana por carta de naturalización
- Ley Orgánica Reformatoria a la Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana, Séptimo Suplemento RO 151
Citizenship in Ecuador, in full → The full Ecuador guide →
Questions people ask
How many years until I can become a citizen of Ecuador?
About 4 years 9 months at the earliest: 21 months on temporary residence, then 3 years as a permanent resident
Can I keep US citizenship if I become a citizen of Ecuador?
Yes: Ecuador doesn't make new citizens give up their US citizenship.