How to Legally Marry in Ecuador: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners

Navigate the legal marriage process in Ecuador with this comprehensive guide. Understand requirements, documentation (including Cédula and apostilles), and cere

Your Essential Step-by-Step Guide to Legally Marrying in Ecuador

Understanding the Legal Framework: The Civil Code & The Civil Registry

  • Código Civil del Ecuador (Civil Code of Ecuador)
  • Artículo 81 (Primary marriage requirements)
  • Dirección General de Registro Civil, Identificación y Cedulación (Registro Civil)
  • Ley Orgánica de Gestión de la Identidad y Datos Civiles (Governing operations of Registro Civil)

Eligibility Requirements for Marriage in Ecuador

  • Age: Both individuals must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Marital Status: Both individuals must be legally single.
    • Previously married individuals require a registered divorce decree or death certificate.
    • Foreign divorce certificates must be apostilled, translated, and officially registered in the Ecuadorian Civil Registry before remarriage.
  • Consanguinity: Marriage is prohibited between close blood relatives.
  • Consent: Both individuals must be of sound mind and capable of providing free and voluntary consent.

Essential Documentation: The Foundation of Your Marriage Application

1. Valid Passports & Cédulas: * Foreign Nationals: Original, valid passport, plus a copy of the main page and the page with the Ecuadorian entry stamp. * Ecuadorian Citizens/Residents: Valid Cédula de Identidad (National Identity Card).

2. Birth Certificates: * Foreign Nationals: Original, long-form birth certificate. * Must be apostilled in its country of origin. * If the country is not a Hague Apostille Convention party, it must be legalized by the Ecuadorian consulate in that country.

3. Certificate of Single Status (Certificado de Estado Civil): * Foreign Nationals (Efficient Alternative): * Declaración Juramentada de Estado Civil y Soltería (Sworn Declaration of Marital Status and Singleness) before an Ecuadorian notary. * Requires passport and two local witnesses. * Ecuadorian Citizens: Obtainable directly from the Registro Civil system.

4. Divorce Decrees or Death Certificates (If Applicable): * Certified copy of the final divorce decree or death certificate of the former spouse. * Foreign documents must be apostilled (or consularized) and translated. * Foreign divorce decrees must be officially recognized and registered by an Ecuadorian judge.

5. Two Witnesses: * Over 18 years of age. * Not direct relatives. * Possess valid Cédulas de Identidad or passports. * Must understand Spanish or have a translator present.

Crucial Note on Translations: Any document not in Spanish must be translated by a perito traductor acreditado por el Consejo de la Judicatura (expert translator accredited by the Judicial Council).

The Step-by-Step Marriage Process

Step 1: Obtain and Apostille Foreign Documents

  • Secure long-form birth certificates and relevant divorce/death certificates.
  • Send them for apostille authentication in your home country or state.

Step 2: Notarize and Translate Documents in Ecuador

  • Get apostilled documents translated by an accredited translator.
  • If using the local option for single status, schedule an appointment with an Ecuadorian notary for your Declaración Juramentada de Estado Civil y Soltería.

Step 3: Schedule Your Marriage Interview (Entrevista Matrimonial)

  • Visit the Registro Civil with your complete document package.
  • Both partners must be present.
  • An official will review all documents and verify legal requirements.
  • If approved, schedule the wedding ceremony.

Step 4: Pay the Official Fees

  • Inside Registro Civil office: $50.00 (as of late 2023/early 2024).
  • External venue (fuera de sede): Approximately $250.00.

Step 5: The Civil Ceremony (Ceremonia Civil)

  • On the scheduled date, you, your partner, and your two witnesses must appear at the Registro Civil (or chosen venue).
  • The official will conduct the ceremony, confirm consent, and have all parties sign the marriage ledger.

Step 6: Registration and Marriage Certificate (Acta de Matrimonio)

  • Your marriage is officially registered immediately after the ceremony.
  • You will be issued your Acta de Matrimonio (Marriage Certificate).
  • Meticulously review every detail on the certificate for accuracy.

Step 7: Post-Marriage Legalities

  • Residency Visa: Marriage to an Ecuadorian citizen makes you eligible for a visa de residencia temporal de amparo por matrimonio. This process is handled by the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores y Movilidad Humana.
  • Marital Property Regimes:
    • Default regime: sociedad conyugal (community property).
    • To maintain separate assets, sign capitulaciones matrimoniales (prenuptial agreement) before a notary prior to the marriage ceremony.

⚠️ Legal Alert: When to Stop and Consult an Attorney

  • Recognition of Foreign Divorce: If your foreign divorce decree needs judicial recognition and registration in Ecuador.
  • Prenuptial Agreements (Capitulaciones Matrimoniales): To ensure asset protection under a separation of property regime.
  • Complex Immigration Status: If you have an irregular status or a complex immigration history.
  • Any Document Rejection: If the Registro Civil rejects any of your documents.
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