It’s time for another Latin American country and its citizenship laws. I am sure some of you are wondering why I am making all of this information available. Here’s the reason. Many TEFLers are looking to make a long term move out of the US and are looking for a place to put down long term roots. It’s a lot easier to make long term roots if you have citizenship. At least with these countries listed, it’s easier to know if they are welcoming or not so welcoming.
CITIZENSHIP: (IPE) Information on the basis for Ecuadorian citizenship law is based on the Constitution of Ecuador of 1998.
BY BIRTH: Child is born within the territorial limits of the Republic of Ecuador, regardless of the nationality of the mother or father.
BY DESCENT:
- Child born abroad, of a native born Ecuadorian father or mother, who later becomes resident of the Republic or express the desire to be Ecuadorians.
- Child born abroad, of a native born Ecuadorian father or mother, while either of them carried out an official appointment or was exiled for political reasons, unless he or she expresses a desire to the contrary.
BY NATURALIZATION: Ecuadorian citizenship can be applied for upon fulfillment of one of the following conditions:
- Person obtains naturalization according to the Laws of Ecuador. Marriage to an Ecuadorian national does not automatically grant citizenship, but it does aid in expediting the process.
- Person is granted citizenship by Congress as a reward for important services to the country.
DUAL CITIZENSHIP: NOT RECOGNIZED.
Exception: Dual nationality is recognized between Ecuador and Spain according to treaty between the two countries.
LOSS OF CITIZENSHIP:
VOLUNTARY: Voluntary renunciation of citizenship can by done through any Ecuadorian embassy abroad. The embassy will report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ecuador, which will register the renunciation in the Civilian Registry. Once it is registered the person will cease to be a citizen of Ecuador.
INVOLUNTARY: The following is grounds for involuntary loss of Ecuadorian citizenship: Person voluntarily acquires foreign citizenship other than Spain.
ANY QUESTIONS concerning citizenship, or requests for renunciation of citizenship, should be sent to the address below:
The Embassy of Ecuador
Consular Section
2335 14th St., NW
Washington, DC 20009
Embassy Telephone: 202-234-7200
Consular Telephone: 202-234-7166
Fax: 202-265-9325
E-Mail: mecuawa@erols.com or conecuwa@erols
