FCDO e-Apostille for Ecuador: Solicitor Certification

Do you need to use a UK document in Ecuador?

Ginkgo Advisory provides solicitor verification, enhanced solicitor certification and FCDO apostille services for Ecuador.

We assist with UK educational, company, court and personal documents. For urgent cases, our express e-Apostille service may take a few hours to one working day.

However, completion depends on verification, submission times and FCDO processing.

UK Documents for Use in Ecuador

Ecuador and the United Kingdom are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention.

The Convention has applied to Ecuador since 2 April 2005. Therefore, an eligible UK public document can normally use an FCDO apostille instead of the former embassy and consular legalisation process.

Before starting, ask the Ecuadorian recipient whether it needs:

• an original or certified copy
• an FCDO e-Apostille or paper apostille
• a Spanish translation
• separate apostilles for each document
• direct verification from the issuing organisation
• a document issued within a set period

These checks can prevent delays and unnecessary costs.

Does a UK Document Need Ecuadorian Consular Legalisation?

Normally, no.

The country that issued the public document must provide the apostille. Therefore, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office issues apostilles for eligible UK documents.

Ecuador’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issues apostilles for Ecuadorian documents intended for use abroad. It does not issue an Ecuadorian apostille for a British document.

A correctly apostilled UK document should not need further Ecuadorian consular legalisation where the Hague Convention applies.

However, the apostille does not replace the recipient’s other requirements.

An Ecuadorian university, employer, court, regulator, bank or public authority may still request:

• a certified copy
• a Spanish translation
• recognition of a foreign qualification
• a particular document format
• recent supporting records
• direct verification from the issuer

Therefore, obtain the complete checklist before arranging legalisation.

Which UK Documents Can We Prepare?

Our solicitor can review many types of UK documents.

Educational documents

• Degree Certificates
• Academic Transcripts
• Diploma Supplements
• Higher Education Achievement Reports
• university letters
• school certificates
• professional qualifications
• course-completion letters

Company documents

• Certificates of Incorporation
• Companies House certificates
• Articles of Association
• board resolutions
• shareholder resolutions
• powers of attorney
• registers of directors
• registers of members
• commercial agreements

Court and legal documents

• Final Orders
• Decrees Absolute
• court orders
• judgments
• consent orders
• probate documents
• legal declarations

Personal documents

• certified passport copies
• proof of address
• employment letters
• consent forms
• statutory declarations
• medical certificates
• professional certificates
• ACRO Police Certificates
• DBS certificates

The correct route depends on the document and its intended use in Ecuador.

What Is Solicitor Certification?

Solicitor certification is a formal statement signed by a UK solicitor.

For example, the solicitor may confirm that a copy matches the original document.

Basic wording often states:

“I certify that this is a true copy of the original document.”

This wording may meet a simple certified-copy requirement.

However, it does not confirm that the university, court, company or public authority genuinely issued the document.

Therefore, an Ecuadorian recipient may request stronger evidence.

What Is Enhanced Solicitor Certification?

Enhanced solicitor certification goes beyond basic true-copy wording.

First, our solicitor checks the document through a reliable source. The source may include a university, Companies House, a court record or an official digital platform.

Next, we may prepare wording such as:

“I further certify that I have verified the authenticity of this document with the issuing institution.”

As a result, the Ecuadorian recipient receives:

• a certified copy of the document; and
• confirmation that the solicitor checked its issuing source.

This approach may help when the recipient needs more than a visual comparison with the original.

Solicitor Verification and Certification

Verification and certification are separate stages.

Verification means checking the document with its issuing source.

Certification means issuing the formal solicitor statement after completing that check.

For educational documents, we may use:

• direct university confirmation
• HEDD
• Gradintelligence
• Digitary
• Parchment
• an official university portal
• a secure document-sharing service

Company checks may involve official Companies House records.

Court-document checks can include:

• the court seal
• the case number
• the issuing email
• the document format
• other official evidence

After completing the appropriate checks, our solicitor prepares and signs the certificate.

What Does the FCDO Apostille Confirm?

The FCDO checks whether the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal matches its records.

When the document meets the legalisation rules, the FCDO issues an apostille.

UK qualification certificates, contracts, powers of attorney and certified copies may qualify after certification by a UK solicitor or notary.

However, the apostille does not verify every fact written inside the underlying document.

For this reason, enhanced solicitor certification can create a stronger evidence chain:

Source verification → enhanced solicitor certification → solicitor signature → FCDO apostille

The enhanced certificate records the source check. The apostille then authenticates the relevant solicitor’s signature.

FCDO e-Apostille for Ecuador

The FCDO offers paper apostilles and e-Apostilles.

For an e-Apostille, the document must be an eligible PDF electronically signed by a UK solicitor or notary. Once completed, the applicant can download the legalised file and share it digitally.

Our solicitor’s electronic signature is registered with the FCDO for e-Apostille purposes.

Consequently, we can prepare eligible PDFs for electronic legalisation.

Ecuador also operates an electronic apostille and legalisation portal for eligible Ecuadorian documents. Nevertheless, this does not mean that every Ecuadorian university, registry, court or notary automatically accepts every foreign e-Apostille.

Ask the recipient whether it accepts:

• a UK FCDO e-Apostille
• an electronically signed PDF
• a printed version of the digital document
• a paper apostille attached to an original
• a file uploaded through an online portal

A paper apostille may work better when the recipient requires a physical original.

Express e-Apostille Service for Ecuador

Straightforward cases may take a few hours to one working day through our express handling when:

• the document is clear and complete
• source verification has finished
• the PDF qualifies for an e-Apostille
• payment has arrived
• the FCDO requires no further checks

The FCDO’s published processing time for an e-Apostille is up to two working days. Signature checks or document queries can extend that timeframe.

Therefore, urgent clients should provide the document and the Ecuadorian recipient’s instructions as early as possible.

Educational Documents for Ecuador

UK educational documents may support:

• Ecuadorian university admission
• postgraduate study
• employment
• foreign-degree recognition
• SNIESE registration
• professional registration
• government recruitment
• teaching applications
• immigration procedures

Common documents include the Degree Certificate and Academic Transcript.

A Degree Certificate confirms the academic award.

An Academic Transcript records information such as:

• subjects studied
• grades achieved
• academic credits
• dates of attendance
• internships
• projects
• completion of the qualification

However, an apostille does not determine the Ecuadorian level or professional status of the UK qualification.

The applicant may also need:

• recognition through the SIAU system
• registration in SNIESE
• direct university verification
• a complete Academic Transcript
• confirmation of the field of study
• evidence of the study mode
• professional registration
• separate apostilles

Recognition of Foreign Degrees in Ecuador

Ecuador operates an official process for recognising and registering university qualifications obtained abroad.

The current government portal identifies the responsible authority as the Ministry of Education, Sport and Culture. The application process continues through the higher-education SIAU system, commonly associated with SENESCYT services.

A successful application results in registration of the foreign qualification in Ecuador’s:

Sistema Nacional de Información de Educación Superior del Ecuador, or SNIESE.

The applicant can then obtain a certificate confirming the registration of the foreign qualification.

General Recognition, Health Degrees and PhD Degrees

Ecuador uses different recognition routes depending on the qualification.

The general recognition procedure covers many foreign qualifications that:

• are not in the health field; and
• are not doctoral PhD qualifications.

Separate services apply to:

• professional qualifications and academic degrees in health;
• foreign doctoral or PhD degrees;
• certain health specialisations;
• qualifications issued in particular circumstances.

Therefore, applicants should select the correct SIAU procedure before uploading documents.

Documents for General Foreign-Degree Recognition

The current general recognition procedure requires applicants to upload documents through SIAU.

Core requirements include:

• a valid identity document or passport;
• the original Degree Certificate carrying an apostille or consular legalisation;
• an Academic Transcript or document showing the duration of the studies;
• a university document identifying the field or area of study;
• evidence of the study mode for certain programmes.

The foreign university must also hold accreditation or equivalent recognised status in the country where the qualification was awarded.

Degree Certificate and Academic Transcript

Applicants should not assume that the Degree Certificate alone will complete the recognition process.

The Degree Certificate confirms the final award.

However, Ecuador also requires an academic record or another document that allows the authority to verify the duration of the studies.

The Academic Transcript can show:

• study dates
• modules or subjects
• academic credits
• grades
• programme duration
• the structure of the qualification

Consequently, the Academic Transcript can be as important as the Degree Certificate.

Confirmation of the Field of Study

The Ecuadorian recognition authority may require a separate document from the foreign university identifying the academic field of the programme.

This requirement may not be satisfied by a Degree Certificate carrying only a short qualification title.

For example, a certificate may need to explain whether the programme falls within:

• business
• law
• education
• engineering
• health
• social sciences
• information technology
• another academic area

The document should come from the foreign higher-education institution and carry the signature of a competent university authority.

Study-Mode Certificates

Some applicants may need a university certificate confirming how they completed the programme.

The certificate may state whether the studies were:

• in person
• online
• distance learning
• hybrid
• blended
• part-time
• another recognised mode

Ecuador can recognise certain online, distance, hybrid or blended qualifications where the foreign institution holds appropriate recognition. However, restrictions apply to fields that Ecuador does not permit through those study modes.

Therefore, applicants with an online or distance-learning UK qualification should obtain the study-mode requirements before applying.

Recognition of Online and Distance Qualifications

Ecuador does not automatically reject every qualification completed online or through distance learning.

The authority may recognise qualifications delivered through:

• online study
• distance learning
• hybrid study
• blended learning

However, the university must hold appropriate accreditation in the country of origin. In addition, the programme must be comparable to a recognised Ecuadorian level.

Certain fields cannot receive recognition where Ecuadorian rules prohibit delivery through online, distance or hybrid study.

Electronic Academic Documents

Ecuador’s foreign-degree recognition rules accept electronic documents.

Eligible records may include documents carrying:

• a digital signature
• an electronic signature
• a QR code
• an online verification link
• another reliable electronic verification method

The recognition guidance states that electronic documents do not need to be converted into paper before an Ecuadorian notary solely for the recognition application.

This can make verified UK digital academic documents suitable for the online SIAU process.

However, the Degree Certificate still needs to meet the applicable apostille or legalisation requirement.

Institutional Contact Details

Applicants must provide official contact details for the foreign university.

The SIAU guidance asks for:

• a valid institutional email address;
• contact information for the university;
• details that allow the authority to communicate with the issuing institution.

Ecuador’s authority may request additional evidence from:

• the applicant;
• the foreign university;
• another competent national or overseas organisation.

Therefore, reliable direct university verification can help reduce uncertainty during the application.

How Long Does Foreign-Degree Recognition Take?

The official rules state that the authority should decide a foreign-degree recognition application within 30 days after receiving it.

In exceptional and properly justified cases, the authority may use an additional period of up to 15 days.

The process may take longer in practice where:

• documents are incomplete;
• the authority requests further evidence;
• the university takes time to respond;
• the applicant must correct the application;
• the programme requires a more detailed assessment.

Applicants normally receive a short period to correct missing or defective information.

Recognition and Apostille Are Different

An FCDO apostille and Ecuadorian degree recognition perform different functions.

The FCDO apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature, stamp or seal.

The Ecuadorian recognition process assesses the qualification and records it in SNIESE.

Neither process automatically replaces the other.

An apostilled UK Degree Certificate does not prove that Ecuador has recognised the qualification.

Likewise, an SNIESE registration does not replace an apostille where another authority separately requires legalisation.

Recognition Does Not Automatically Grant Professional Practice

Registration of a foreign qualification does not automatically authorise the holder to practise every regulated profession.

Ecuador’s official degree-register search warns that recognition or registration does not itself grant the right to practise professions regulated by separate laws. This is particularly important for professions that directly affect life, health or public safety.

Applicants may still need approval from:

• the Ministry of Public Health
• a professional regulatory body
• a professional college
• another competent authority
• a provincial or local body

Therefore, degree recognition and professional licensing should be treated as separate stages.

UK Degree Verification for Ecuador

A basic certified copy may not satisfy every Ecuadorian recipient.

For stronger evidence, our solicitor can verify a UK qualification where the university provides a reliable verification route.

The process may include:

• reviewing the Degree Certificate
• checking the Academic Transcript
• accessing an official verification platform
• contacting the issuing university
• confirming the source of the qualification
• preparing enhanced solicitor certification
• electronically signing the PDF
• arranging the FCDO apostille

This process records how we checked the qualification.

However, it does not replace SIAU recognition, SNIESE registration or professional licensing where a separate process applies.

Health Qualifications in Ecuador

Health qualifications use a separate recognition route.

This category may include qualifications for:

• doctors
• dentists
• nurses
• pharmacists
• psychologists
• physiotherapists
• medical specialists
• other healthcare professionals

The applicant may need to provide:

• the final Degree Certificate
• the complete Academic Transcript
• study-mode evidence
• clinical-training records
• internship evidence
• professional-registration documents
• certificates of good standing
• an apostille
• further evidence requested by the authority

The exact procedure depends on whether the qualification is a general health degree, a professional title or a specialist award.

An FCDO apostille does not itself grant permission to practise a healthcare profession in Ecuador.

Doctoral and PhD Qualifications

Foreign doctoral and PhD qualifications also use a separate recognition procedure.

Applicants may need to provide:

• the original apostilled doctoral diploma
• the study plan or Academic Transcript
• evidence of the programme duration
• confirmation of the academic field
• confirmation of the study mode
• further research or programme information

The authority can assess whether the doctoral programme had an appropriate academic structure and level.

Applicants with professional doctorates or unusual doctoral titles should confirm whether Ecuador will classify the qualification as a PhD or another fourth-level award.

Company Documents for Ecuador

UK company documents may support:

• establishing an Ecuadorian subsidiary
• registering a foreign-company branch
• opening a corporate bank account
• foreign investment
• commercial contracts
• public procurement
• proving directors or shareholders
• appointing an Ecuadorian representative

Official Companies House certificates may qualify for direct FCDO legalisation.

Company-created documents usually need an appropriate signature or solicitor certification before the FCDO can issue an apostille.

Examples include:

• board resolutions
• shareholder resolutions
• company powers of attorney
• registers of directors
• registers of members
• authorised signatory letters
• commercial agreements

Requirements may differ between:

• the Superintendencia de Compañías, Valores y Seguros
• the Commercial Registry
• Ecuadorian notaries
• banks
• accountants
• lawyers
• public-procurement authorities

Registering a Foreign-Company Branch

A foreign company that wants to operate through a branch in Ecuador may need to complete a domiciliation process.

Common supporting documents can include:

• the constitutional document
• the company’s Articles or bylaws
• evidence of legal existence
• a resolution approving the Ecuadorian branch
• a power of attorney for the local representative
• evidence of the company’s authority to operate abroad

Official Superintendencia guidance states that documents originating overseas should carry legalisation or an apostille. Documents not written in Spanish also require the appropriate translation.

Therefore, the Ecuadorian lawyer or filing adviser should confirm which UK records need separate apostilles.

Certificate of Legal Existence

A foreign company may need to prove that it:

• remains legally incorporated;
• has authority to operate in its home jurisdiction;
• can conduct business outside that jurisdiction;
• has not been dissolved or struck off.

An official Companies House document may help satisfy this requirement.

Depending on the filing, the company may need:

• a Certificate of Incorporation
• a Certificate of Good Standing
• a certified company profile
• the Articles of Association
• evidence of current directors

The Ecuadorian recipient should confirm how recently the certificate must have been issued.

Powers of Attorney for Ecuador

A UK power of attorney may support:

• company registration
• banking
• property matters
• public procurement
• court proceedings
• inheritance
• tax matters
• representation before an Ecuadorian authority

The Ecuadorian lawyer or notary should provide the required wording before the document is signed.

Depending on the transaction, the power may require:

• execution before a solicitor or notary
• witness details
• identity verification
• an FCDO apostille
• a Spanish translation
• a physical original
• registration or protocolisation in Ecuador

Some transactions may require notarisation rather than ordinary solicitor certification.

Therefore, do not rely on a general power-of-attorney template without checking the local requirements.

Public Procurement Documents

Foreign businesses may need to register as suppliers before participating in Ecuadorian public procurement.

Supporting documents may need to prove:

• legal existence
• the company’s business activities
• directors or representatives
• authority to sign
• professional or technical experience

Ecuadorian procurement guidance states that foreign documents should be apostilled or legalised in the country of origin. Where the documents are not in Spanish, they should also receive the legally required Spanish translation.

Therefore, foreign bidders should obtain the tender’s exact legalisation and translation rules before preparing documents.

Court Documents for Ecuador

UK court documents may need legalisation for:

• divorce matters
• probate
• inheritance
• family proceedings
• civil claims
• debt enforcement
• commercial disputes

Examples include:

• Final Orders
• Decrees Absolute
• court judgments
• consent orders
• Grants of Probate
• Letters of Administration

A UK court document carrying a recognised wet-ink court seal may qualify for direct FCDO legalisation.

By contrast, an electronic court document may first need solicitor verification and certification.

The Ecuadorian court, lawyer, civil registry or other authority may also request:

• the original document
• a paper apostille
• a certified copy
• a Spanish translation
• further recognition proceedings
• evidence that the judgment is final
• a document issued within a set period

Confirm the format before selecting the e-Apostille route.

Recognition of a UK Divorce in Ecuador

An apostilled UK Final Order or Decree Absolute confirms the authenticity of the relevant UK court signature or seal.

However, the apostille does not automatically update an Ecuadorian civil-status record or make the foreign judgment directly enforceable for every purpose.

Depending on the case, the applicant may need:

• the complete final court order
• evidence that the order is final
• an FCDO apostille
• a Spanish translation
• judicial recognition
• registration with the Ecuadorian Civil Registry
• additional identity documents

The Ecuadorian family lawyer or registry should confirm the correct procedure.

Does Ecuador Require a Spanish Translation?

The answer depends on the procedure.

For foreign-degree recognition, documents written in Spanish or English do not normally need translation.

Where academic documents use another language, the applicant must provide an official Spanish translation of the full document package. The translation should come from a translator registered or accredited through an embassy, consulate, university language department or another official organisation.

Therefore, a UK Degree Certificate and Academic Transcript written fully in English may not need translation for the SIAU recognition process.

However, another Ecuadorian authority may still require Spanish.

Translation Rules Outside Degree Recognition

Courts, notaries, civil registries, company authorities and public-procurement bodies may require Spanish translations even when the source document is in English.

Before arranging translation, ask:

• whether the recipient accepts English
• whether it requires Spanish
• whether an official translator must prepare the translation
• whether the apostille also needs translation
• whether every page and annex needs translation
• whether the translation must be notarised
• whether the translator’s signature needs further certification

The receiving authority makes the final decision.

Immigration and Residence Documents

UK documents may support Ecuadorian applications involving:

• temporary residence
• permanent residence
• work
• investment
• study
• family relationships
• proof of income
• proof of qualifications

Ecuador’s immigration rules generally require foreign authority documents to carry an apostille where the issuing country belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention.

Possible supporting documents include:

• police certificates
• birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• Degree Certificates
• employment letters
• company records
• proof of overseas income

The exact requirements depend on the visa or residence category.

Police Certificates for Ecuador

A UK ACRO Police Certificate may support:

• visa applications
• residence
• employment
• professional registration
• background screening
• nationality matters

The FCDO does not issue e-Apostilles for ACRO Police Certificates.

Therefore, an ACRO certificate must use the paper apostille route.

The Ecuadorian recipient may also require:

• the original certificate
• a recent issue date
• a Spanish translation
• a paper apostille
• police certificates from other countries
• direct verification

Some Ecuadorian visa procedures require the police certificate to remain current throughout the application process.

Check the validity period before ordering the certificate.

Birth, Marriage and Civil-Status Documents

UK civil-status documents may support:

• birth registration
• marriage registration
• divorce matters
• nationality
• residence applications
• family relationships
• inheritance

Common documents include:

• birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• death certificates
• civil partnership certificates
• adoption certificates
• divorce orders

The Ecuadorian recipient may require:

• the original paper certificate
• an FCDO paper apostille
• a long-form certificate
• a recently issued copy
• a Spanish translation
• supporting identity documents

Ecuadorian consular guidance for foreign civil-status documents often refers to apostilled and translated certificates.

Documents That Need a Paper Apostille

The FCDO does not issue an e-Apostille for certain document types.

These include:

• UK birth certificates
• marriage certificates
• death certificates
• civil partnership certificates
• adoption certificates
• other General Register Office documents
• ACRO Police Certificates
• DBS certificates
• Scottish and Northern Irish disclosure certificates
• fingerprint certificates
• ACCA membership certificates

These documents normally require a paper apostille.

An Ecuadorian recipient may also require a physical document even where the document type is technically eligible for an e-Apostille.

Separate or Combined Apostilles?

Several related documents can sometimes form one solicitor-certified PDF.

However, this approach does not suit every Ecuadorian application.

Separate apostilles may work better when:

• the Degree Certificate and Transcript serve different purposes
• SIAU expects separate academic records
• a professional regulator requires separate documents
• each document will go to a different organisation
• a company filing requires individual records
• the documents come from different issuing bodies

Ask the recipient whether it needs one apostille for a group of documents or a separate apostille for each document.

Our Process

Step 1: Send the Document

Send us a clear PDF of the UK document.

Step 2: Provide the Ecuadorian Requirements

Include any instructions from the Ecuadorian:

• authority
• university
• employer
• professional regulator
• court
• bank
• lawyer
• notary
• corporate service provider

Step 3: Check Whether Legalisation Is Needed

We first determine whether the recipient requires an apostille.

Step 4: Select the Correct Route

We check whether the document needs:

• an e-Apostille
• a paper apostille
• solicitor certification
• enhanced source verification
• notarisation
• separate legalisation

Step 5: Verify the Document

Where possible, our solicitor checks the document with its issuing source.

Step 6: Prepare Enhanced Certification

We draft the appropriate certification wording and apply the solicitor’s electronic or wet-ink signature.

Step 7: Arrange the FCDO Apostille

Our team submits the document through the suitable FCDO route.

Step 8: Send the Completed Document

Finally, we provide the completed electronic file or arrange return delivery of the paper documents.

The Ecuadorian recipient can verify a UK paper or electronic apostille using its issue date and apostille number.

Need an Apostille for Ecuador?

Send Ginkgo Advisory:

• a copy of the UK document
• its intended use in Ecuador
• the name of the recipient
• any written document requirements
• whether SIAU or SNIESE registration is required
• whether professional registration is involved
• your required completion date

We will check whether an apostille is necessary and confirm the appropriate verification, certification and legalisation route.

Eligible express e-Apostille cases may take a few hours to one working day, subject to document checks and FCDO processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Ecuador accept an FCDO apostille?

Yes. Ecuador and the United Kingdom are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. The Convention has applied to Ecuador since 2 April 2005.

Does an apostilled UK document need Ecuadorian Embassy legalisation?

Normally, no. The FCDO apostille replaces the traditional consular legalisation process for an eligible UK public document used in Ecuador.

Does Ecuador accept an FCDO e-Apostille?

A UK e-Apostille may suit a digital application. However, the receiving Ecuadorian organisation should confirm that its system accepts an electronically signed PDF.

Does Ecuador’s electronic apostille portal apostille UK documents?

No. Ecuador’s service handles eligible Ecuadorian documents intended for overseas use. The UK FCDO apostilles UK documents.

Is true-copy certification enough?

It depends on the purpose. Some Ecuadorian recipients may also want confirmation that the solicitor verified the document with the issuing university, company or public authority.

Can you verify a UK Degree Certificate?

Yes, where the issuing university provides a reliable verification route.

Does an apostille recognise a UK degree in Ecuador?

No. The apostille authenticates the relevant UK signature or seal. Ecuador’s higher-education authority separately assesses and registers the foreign qualification.

What is SNIESE registration?

SNIESE is Ecuador’s official national higher-education information system. A successfully recognised foreign qualification is entered in that system.

Does Ecuador need an apostilled Degree Certificate?

The general foreign-degree recognition procedure requires the original Degree Certificate to carry a Hague apostille or consular legalisation.

Does Ecuador need the Academic Transcript?

Yes. The applicant must provide an academic record or another document that allows the authority to verify the duration of the studies.

Does Ecuador require confirmation of the study field?

Yes. The recognition procedure requires a university document identifying the academic area of the programme.

Does Ecuador recognise online UK degrees?

Some online, distance, hybrid and blended qualifications can receive recognition. However, restrictions apply to certain academic and professional fields.

Are electronic university documents accepted?

Yes. Ecuador accepts eligible documents carrying digital signatures, electronic signatures, QR codes or other electronic verification methods for the recognition procedure.

How long does foreign-degree recognition take?

The official period is up to 30 days, with a possible additional 15 days in exceptional cases.

Does degree recognition grant professional registration?

Not automatically. Regulated professions may require separate approval from the competent Ecuadorian authority.

Do health qualifications use the general recognition route?

Not always. Ecuador operates separate recognition procedures for many health qualifications and professional titles.

Do PhD degrees use the general recognition route?

No. Foreign PhD and doctoral qualifications follow a separate recognition procedure.

Do English UK academic documents need translation?

Not normally for foreign-degree recognition. Ecuador requires an official Spanish translation when the academic records are in a language other than Spanish or English.

Can another Ecuadorian authority still require Spanish?

Yes. Courts, notaries, company registries, civil registries and public authorities may require Spanish even when the higher-education authority accepts English.

Can you apostille an Academic Transcript?

Yes. We can review, verify and certify an eligible Academic Transcript before arranging the FCDO apostille.

Can an ACRO Police Certificate receive an e-Apostille?

No. An ACRO Police Certificate must use the FCDO paper apostille route.

Do UK birth and marriage certificates need a paper apostille?

When an apostille is required, General Register Office certificates must use the paper route because they are not eligible for an e-Apostille.

Can several documents share one apostille?

Sometimes. However, SIAU, a professional regulator, notary, company authority or other Ecuadorian recipient may request a separate apostille for each document.