Includes license requirements for key professional services that are open to U.S. service providers.
Last Published: 8/1/2016
Ecuador’s licensing requirements for professional services are generally quite strict. For example, attorneys trained or licensed in the United States cannot practice law in Ecuador without obtaining an Ecuadorian legal degree. However, such attorneys may manage private law firms or work on international legal matters.

U.S.-trained professionals, such as lawyers, doctors, pharmacists, engineers, and accountants, seeking to practice in Ecuador should contact the relevant government ministries or professional associations to determine the process for receiving a license to practice in Ecuador.

Medical Professionals: Ministerio de Salud (http://www.salud.gob.ec/), Consejo de Evaluación, Acreditación y Aseguramiento de la Calidad de la Educación Superior (CEAACES) (http://www.ceaaces.gob.ec/sitio/).

Attorneys: Colegio de Abogados de Pichincha (http://www.colabpi.pro.ec/), Colegio de Abogados de Guayas (http://www.colegiodeabogadosdelguayas.com/).

Engineers: Engineers seeking licensure in Ecuador should contact the applicable college of engineering, such as the Colegio de Ingenieros Civiles del Ecuador (www.cice.org.ec), Colegio de Ingenieros Eléctricos (www.cieepi.ec), or the Colegio de Ingenieros Industriales (www.crini.com.ec).

Accounting: Accountants seeking licensure in Ecuador should contact the Colegio de Contadores Públicos de Pichincha (http://www.ccpp.org.ec/#) or the  Colegio de Contadores Públicos de Guayas (http://www.contadoresguayas.org/Portal/).

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.