Daniel Metzler
- Jul 16, 2020
- 3 min read

How do I get a visa?

Updated: Apr 27, 2021

Here I have briefly summarized our experiences with Ecuador and the embassy in Vienna. There is no claim to completeness and correctness. At the time our visa was issued, this process was common.

Which visa is the right one?

Since we were working as an aid worker as unpaid volunteers, only the following visa was considered:

Type: RESIDENCIA TEMPORAL VOLUNTARIO SIN CONVENIO BINACIONAL

https://www.gob.ec/mremh/tramites/concesion-visa-residencia-temporal-voluntario-convenio-binacional

You can also contact the embassy at any time when choosing the right visa. For us, the process from the first contact to the issuing of the visa took several months, but thanks to Corona!

Step 1. Complete the visa application

https://www.cancilleria.gob.ec/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/formulario_de_visas.pdf

BUT, there are a few things to consider when choosing a photo :-)

The photo should have a white background, don't smile, don't wear glasses, you can just take one yourself, it has to be up-to-date and not the same as on the passport.

Step 2. Obtain a criminal record extract

Single extract from criminal record + extract from criminal record child and youth welfare, it is best to apply for both at once, then you don't pay twice!

Online ( https://citizen.bmi.gv.at/at.gv.bmi.fnsweb-p/srb/public/StrafregisterAntragInfo ) or at the municipality of your choice!

You must have the extracts apostilled by the state government and translated and certified by the interpreter. The interpreter's signature must then be apostilled at the regional court (where the interpreter is entered).

Step 3. Valid passport

the passport must be valid for the entire length of the visa (at least 6 months from entry)

Step 4. Financing confirmation

you have to be able to show that you have at least 400 € / month during your stay.

Be it through private savings or through income certificates from your sending work (this point is more mandatory)

Step 5. Letter of invitation from the local aid organization

the charity has to write you an invitation with duration, purpose, name and your passport number

Step 6. Founding documents from the aid organization (NGO)

normally available from the relief organization directly

Step 7. Extract from the register of associations from the sending plant from Austria

you can download it online https://citizen.bmi.gv.at/at.gv.bmi.fnsweb-p/zvn/public/Registerauszug

Step 8. Submit documents

You can send all documents scanned in advance to consular@ecuadorvienna.at so that they can tell you what is missing.

The process at the consulate takes about 14 days after all documents have been successfully checked, so take your time for it early!

Here is the address:

Oficina Consular

Embajada del Ecuador en Austria

Goldschmiedgasse 10/201

1010 Vienna, Austria

Telf.: +43 1 5353208 13

Whatsapp: +43 660 9022118

Skype: conseaustria

consular@ecuadorvienna.at

Step 9: Pay

With us the visa for 2 years cost 265 USD per person plus one

Authentication apostille that we will not work in Ecuador for a fee of 21 € / person.

Step 10: appearing in person

It is advisable to check repeatedly whether all documents with the correct Appostilles are really available, otherwise you will arrive for free. Since we come from Vorarlberg, we secured ourselves several times and had to improve documents several times. When we were really in Vienna, everything went perfectly. Thank God!