Ecuador's 'Movimiento Migratorio': The Expert's Guide for Permanent Residency Applicants

The Certificado de Movimiento Migratorio is a critical document for permanent residency applicants in Ecuador. It serves as the official record of all entries and exits, verifying compliance with residency requirements mandated by Ecuadorian law.

Why is the 'Movimiento Migratorio' Legally Indispensable?

Ecuadorian immigration law, specifically the Ley Orgánica de Movilidad Humana (LOMH), requires continuous temporary residency before permanent status eligibility. Artículo 65 of the LOMH states that a temporary resident must legally reside in Ecuador for at least twenty-one (21) months to qualify for a permanent residency visa.

The Certified 'Movimiento Migratorio' is the government's primary tool for verifying this 21-month presence, meticulously detailing border crossings to calculate time in the country and ensure no violation of temporary visa terms.

Deconstructing the Certificate: The 'Valorado' Distinction

A certificado valorado is an official document issued on special, numbered government paper with security features (papel valorado), bearing the wet stamp and signature of a designated immigration official, making it legally valid.

The certificate contains:

• Your Personal Details: Full name, passport number, and nationality.
• Chronological Entry/Exit Data: Precise list of arrival and departure dates.
• Point of Entry/Exit: Specific border checkpoint or airport.
• Official Seals and Signatures: Validation of authenticity.

The Step-by-Step Process: Obtaining Your Certificate in Cuenca (and beyond)

The following steps outline the common workflow, particularly at the Dirección Zonal 6 office in Cuenca.

Step 1: Prepare Your Dossier

Meticulous preparation is essential to avoid rejection.

• Valid Passport: The original document.
• Color Copies:
  • Passport's bio-data page.
  • Every single page with an Ecuadorian entry or exit stamp, ensuring legibility.
  • Current Ecuadorian visa and Cédula (front and back).
• The Application (Solicitud):
  • Draft a formal letter of request (solicitud) addressed to the regional director, stating your name, passport and cédula numbers, and requesting the "emisión de un Certificado de Movimiento Migratorio para fines de solicitud de visa de residencia permanente." Sign this document.
• The Fee:
  • The current fee is $5.00 USD, subject to change. Verify the exact fee.

Step 2: The In-Person Procedure

Follow this sequence precisely to avoid delays.

1. Arrive Early & Get the Payment Order: Go to the information window (ventanilla de información), present your passport, and state your need for the Certificado de Movimiento Migratorio. You will receive an official payment order (orden de pago).
2. Pay at the Designated Bank: Take the orden de pago to the specified bank (e.g., Banco del Pacífico) and pay the fee. The bank will stamp your orden de pago as "Pagado" (Paid). Keep this receipt.
3. Submit Your Application: Return to the immigration office and join the appropriate line for document submission (ingreso de trámites). Submit your signed solicitud, all color copies, your original passport, and the paid orden de pago.
4. Receive a Receipt: You will be given a tracking receipt (comprobante de trámite) with a tracking number.

Step 3: Collection

Processing typically takes 2-3 business days. Return to the office with your tracking receipt to collect your certified document. Immediately review it for accuracy upon collection.

Common Expat Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Ignoring the Orden de Pago Step: Submitting your application without the payment order first is a common cause of delays.
2. Discrepancies with Digital Records (TAM Virtual): Since the digital TAM system replaced physical cards, the Movimiento Migratorio is the sole proof of recent movements. Ensure travel dates in your records match the official digital system.
3. Submitting an Incomplete Stamp History: Missing or illegible stamps create discrepancies. If a stamp is faded, provide a written explanation of the date and port of entry.
4. Misunderstanding the 90-Day Rule: Exceeding 90 days outside Ecuador in the first year (or 180 days over two years) can lead to visa cancellation and is clearly indicated on the Movimiento Migratorio.

⚠️ Legal Alert: When to Halt and Consult a Professional

Seek professional legal counsel before approaching the immigration office if:

• You Have Ever Overstayed Your Visa: An overstay is a falta migratoria requiring a fine (multa) calculated on the Salario Básico Unificado. This must be resolved first.
• You Have Gaps or Unexplained Periods in Your Record: Non-consecutive passport stamps indicate a problem that needs legal resolution.
• You Entered Ecuador Irregularly: Entry through unofficial crossings (paso no habilitado) is a serious violation requiring legal guidance.

Proceeding with any of these issues without legal advice will likely result in the denial of your permanent residency application and could impact your ability to remain in Ecuador.

In Conclusion

Obtaining your Certificado de Movimiento Migratorio requires careful preparation and adherence to Ecuadorian bureaucratic procedures. With meticulous attention to detail and a compliant immigration history, this task is manageable. This document is the official record of your compliance and a vital step toward making Ecuador your permanent home.