Mastering the Declaración Juramentada: Your Key to a Successful Digital Nomad Visa in Ecuador

The dream of embracing life in Cuenca, working remotely from a historic café, is an achievable reality. A pivotal step in securing your "Rentista para el Teletrabajo" visa—Ecuador's official Digital Nomad Visa—is a document that often causes unnecessary confusion: the Declaración Juramentada, or Sworn Statement. As an editor with direct experience in Ecuadorian immigration law, I've seen how this simple requirement can become a roadblock. This guide is crafted to demystify the Declaración Juramentada, providing authoritative, step-by-step clarity to navigate this requirement like a seasoned expert.

Understanding the Legal Purpose of the Declaración Juramentada

At its core, the Declaración Juramentada is a legally binding statement you make under oath before an Ecuadorian Notario Público (Notary Public). For the Digital Nomad Visa, its purpose is directly tied to the Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana (LOMH), which grants the State the authority to verify an applicant's means of subsistence. This sworn statement serves as your formal attestation to the Ecuadorian government regarding your financial solvency and commitment to abide by local laws. It's not just a formality; it's a legal instrument that adds weight and context to your application.

Key Elements of a Compliant Declaración Juramentada

While the exact phrasing is at the discretion of the notary, any Declaración Juramentada for the Digital Nomad Visa, established under Acuerdo Ministerial No. 008, must address these core points:

• Financial Solvency and Income Source: You will declare that you possess a stable, remote income sufficient to support yourself in Ecuador. Hyper-Specific Detail 1: This is where the document becomes strategically vital. If your bank statements show regular transfers from a payment processor (like Deel or Wise) instead of a direct payroll deposit, the Declaración is your opportunity to swear under oath that these funds are, in fact, income from your foreign employer or clients, thus satisfying the immigration official's need for clarity.
• Commitment to Lawful Conduct: You will affirm that you have no criminal record that would render you inadmissible under Ecuadorian law and that you commit to respecting the Constitution and all regulations of the Republic of Ecuador. This directly supports the apostilled background checks you must also provide.
• Purpose of Stay: You will explicitly state that the purpose of your stay is to engage in remote work for foreign individuals or companies, and that you will not seek or engage in local employment within Ecuador, which is a key restriction of this visa category.

Step-by-Step Guide to Executing Your Declaración Juramentada

Navigating Ecuadorian bureaucracy requires precision. Follow these steps to ensure your document is flawless.

Step 1: Gather Your Foundational Documents

The notary will not draft your statement in a vacuum. You must present the evidence upon which your sworn declaration is based. Arrive at the notary's office with:

• Valid Passport: The original and a color copy of the main biographical page.
• Proof of Financial Means: The same bank statements, work contracts, or client letters you will use for the visa application. The notary needs to see the basis for the financial figures you are about to swear to.
• Criminal Background Check: While not always requested by the notary, having your apostilled and translated background check on hand demonstrates good faith.

Step 2: Locate a Reputable Notary Public (Notario Público)

Notaries in Ecuador are highly trained lawyers who have won their position through public competition. They are not mere signature witnesses. In Cuenca, you will find numerous Notarías concentrated around the historic center. Hyper-Specific Detail 2: You do not need an appointment. Notary services are typically a walk-in affair. For the smoothest experience, go on a weekday morning (between 9 AM and 12 PM). Afternoons are often consumed by lengthy real estate closings, leading to significant wait times.

Step 3: The Drafting and Review Process

This is the most critical stage. The notary’s assistant (amanuense) will typically type the document based on a standard template.

• Provide Your Information: You will state your full name, nationality, passport number, marital status, and address in Ecuador (your Airbnb or temporary rental is sufficient).
• State Your Declarations: Clearly explain your monthly income, its source, and your commitment to abiding by the law.
• CRITICAL REVIEW: Before you sign, you must meticulously review the drafted text. Hyper-Specific Detail 3: A common and easily avoidable error is the misspelling of a foreign name or, more critically, an incorrect passport number. Politely insist on double-checking every letter and number yourself. Ensure your nationality is also correctly listed. A typo can lead to your document being rejected by the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana.

Step 4: The Formal Signing and Payment

Once you have confirmed the document is perfect, you will sign it in the presence of the notary. The notary will then add their signature and official embossed seal (sello).

• Cost: Hyper-Specific Detail 4: The fee for a standard Declaración Juramentada is set by a national tariff but expect to pay between $25 to $40 USD. This is paid directly at the notary's office.

Step 5: Obtain Certified Copies (Copias Certificadas)

Never leave with just the original. Always request at least two copias certificadas (certified copies). These copies are also signed and sealed by the notary and carry the same legal weight as the original for most purposes. They are essential for your records and any parallel administrative processes.

Legal Checklist: Final Review Before Submission

• [ ] Correct Visa Name: Does the document mention your intent to apply for the "Visa de Residencia Temporal de Rentista para el Teletrabajo"?
• [ ] Accurate Personal Data: Is your full name, passport number, and nationality 100% correct?
• [ ] Clear Financial Statement: Is the source and amount of your income clearly stated, aligning with your supporting evidence?
• [ ] Notary's Signature & Seal: Is the final document properly signed, dated, and sealed by the Notario Público?
• [ ] Date of Issue: Is the document recent? Immigration authorities typically require it to have been issued within the last 90 days.
• [ ] Certified Copies: Have you obtained and safely stored at least two certified copies?

Common Expat Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

• Vague Wording: Relying on a notary's outdated template that doesn't specifically address the remote work aspect of the visa. Insist on language that explicitly mentions "teletrabajo para una empresa extranjera."
• Assuming the Notary is an Immigration Expert: A notary's job is to formalize your sworn statement, not to provide visa advice. Their legal expertise is in notarial law, not the nuances of the LOMH.
• Not Bringing Supporting Documents: Showing up empty-handed can lead to the notary refusing to draft the document, as they have no basis for your financial claims.

⚠️ Legal Alert: When to Consult an Immigration Attorney

The Declaración Juramentada is straightforward for most applicants. However, immediately stop and consult a qualified Ecuadorian immigration attorney if:

• You have a past criminal conviction. How this is declared, or if it needs to be, requires precise legal strategy to avoid an automatic denial under Article 56 of the LOMH.
• Your income stream is unconventional (e.g., from multiple freelance platforms, cryptocurrency, or trust distributions). An attorney can help structure the declaration to present your financial situation with maximum clarity and compliance.
• You have a previous immigration infraction in Ecuador, such as an overstay. This must be handled with care before submitting any new application.

The Declaración Juramentada is a foundational piece of your visa application. By understanding its legal weight, preparing meticulously, and following the specific, on-the-ground advice provided here, you transform it from a bureaucratic hurdle into a powerful tool that strengthens your case for residency in beautiful Ecuador.