Region Specific Information
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I lose my U.S. citizenship if I chose to live in a country other than the U.S.?
No. American citizens (by birth or naturalization) may choose to live overseas without risk of losing their citizenship.
2. How long will I have to wait before my passport arrives once I submit an application?
Approximately 8 to 10 days.
3. Do I have to file U.S. taxes even if I live overseas?
Yes. U.S. citizens who live and earn income overseas must declare income to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) however, you may not have a tax liability if your income was under a specified amount. For more information regarding taxes and overseas income visit the IRS website at www.irs.gov.
4. Can someone at the Consulate help me fill out my taxes?
Unfortunately, the Department of the Treasury does not have a representative stationed in Guayaquil. Most tax forms can be downloaded from www.irs.gov.
5. Can I give the Consulate's address to receive my U.S. mail?
No. If you are planning to move to Ecuador, all your mail should be addressed to your personal address. You may, however, mail absentee ballots and voting materials for U.S. national and state elections via the Consulate.
6. What documents will I need to get married in Ecuador?
- Valid U.S. Passport
- Valid Ecuadorian Visa
- Certificate of marital status issued by the applicant's Office of Vital Records in the city or state of the applicant's U.S. residence. A list of Vital Records Offices cam be found at http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/howto/w2w/w2welcom.htm. Once this certificate has been issued it needs to be apostilled by the State's Authentication Office. A list of the U.S. Authentication Offices can be found at http://travel.state.gov/about/info/customer/customer_312.html. Once in Ecuador this certificate must be translated into Spanish and notarized by an Ecuadorian Notary Public. You may find a list of Ecuadorian Notaries by clicking here.
- Divorce decrees for previous marriages, if applicable, should be apostilled by the State's Authentication Office where the divorce took place. You can find the list of U.S. Authentication offices at http://travel.state.gov/about/info/customer/customer_312.html. Once in Ecuador this document must be translated into Spanish and notarized by an Ecuadorian Notary Public. You may find a list of Ecuadorian Notaries by clicking here.
7. Can I apply for a social security number at the Consulate?
U.S. citizens may apply for social security numbers at the Consulate. Legal permanent residents must apply in the U.S. In order to apply for a social security number, citizens must bring a U.S. passport, a U.S. birth certificate or a naturalization certificate.
8. If I am a dual national, should I register for the Ecuadorian military service?
Yes. Dual nationals must comply both with U.S. and Ecuadorian laws. Upon arrival, the Ecuadorian government grants 30 days to dual nationals to update their Ecuadorian documents.
9. How can I transfer my Ecuadorian resident visa from my old passport to the new one?
Requirements vary depending on the type of visa you are transferring or renewing. If you live in the provinces of Guayas, Los Rios, El Oro or Galapagos you should contact the office of "Extranjería" in Guayaquil at phone number (04) 232-2693 or (04) 232-2692. Residents of all other provinces should contact the "Cancilleria" in Quito at phone number (02) 254-7011 or (02) 254-4620.
10. Can the Consulate authenticate academic credentials?
No. The Department of State has determined that there is no statuory requirement for U.S. Consuls to authenticate or certify translations of academic credentials.