
Daniel Metzler
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
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 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
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!

Useful stuff: Finding the right interpreter
You can find legally valid interpreters at:
Interpreters / certifications:
https://www.gerichtsdolmetscher.at/Menu/Nutzliche-Informationen/BeglaubigteUebersetzungen
List of authorized interpreters:
If you have any questions, just get in touch!
We are Daniel Metzler, Sylvia Metzler, Jakob Metzler, Olivia Metzler, Hannes Metzler.
Learn more about Mustard seed | The Metzler family at Pan de Vida in Ecuador
https://www.feg-dornbirn.at/willkommen/unser-team/in-ecuador/
https://www.hilfedieankommt.at/de/projekte/entwicklungshilfe/pan-de-vida